Course Content
By the end of this course, participants will understand the five Whole-of-Home assumptions most likely to fail and why they cause rework or delays. They will know how small design decisions can create major compliance and performance impacts. Participants will recognise the common points where projects derail late in the process, even when the design feels nearly complete. They will be able to spot early warning signs in plans and specifications that may trigger assessor feedback. Finally, they will leave with practical strategies to reduce reassessment cycles and improve project certainty.
Learning Outcomes
This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.
This CPD provides general guidance on professional responsibilities and documentation practices. It does not constitute legal advice or replace project-specific contractual or statutory obligations.
Compliance and Accreditation
|
Framework/Body |
Relevant Sections |
Focus Areas |
|
National Construction Code (NCC 2022) |
Section J (Energy Efficiency); Whole-of-Home provisions |
Emphasis on cumulative impacts of design decisions, system-level interactions (e.g. services, lighting, glazing), and importance of accurate documentation late in design process. |
|
NatHERS Protocols |
Whole-of-Home Rating Methodology; Technical Note (V19+) |
Clarifies how design assumptions impact assessor modelling; explains how small changes in layout, lighting, or services alter compliance outcomes. |
|
ABSA CPD Competency Area |
CPD Domains: 1 (Technical), 4 (Communication), 5 (Regulatory Awareness) |
Supports professional judgement in documentation and early design phases; increases awareness of risk factors that affect assessment integrity. |
|
Building Designers |
State-based registration CPD (e.g., QBCC, VBA) and design documentation practice standards |
Focuses on Whole-of-Home impacts of typical “minor” changes and responsibility in documentation accuracy. |
|
NSCA 2021 (Architects) |
PC10, PC20, PC31, PC33, PC45 |
Highlights the role of professional awareness, whole-system coordination, and anticipating design risks that affect Whole-of-Home ratings. |
|
Engineers Australia (Stage 2) |
Competency: Risk Management; Sustainable Design |
Partial alignment for engineers involved in integrated services (e.g., HVAC or hot water system specs affecting Whole-of-Home results). |
|
Licensed Builders (State CPD) |
NSW, VIC, QLD CPD themes: Building design interpretation, energy performance implications |
Relevant where builders engage in documentation interpretation or interact with assessors during approval stages. |
|
Building Surveyors |
NCC compliance verification processes; Role in interpreting updated Whole-of-Home assumptions |
May benefit from awareness of rework triggers caused by design documentation inconsistencies or cumulative minor amendments. |
|
Urban Planners & Landscape Architects |
Not Applicable |
The course focuses on architectural and energy compliance, not planning overlays, land use zoning or landscape. Removed due to non-alignment. |
This session is designed for

Architects

Building Designers

Energy Assessors

Small Practice Principals

Document Coordinators
What’s Included
This course covers the five Whole-of-Home assumptions that most often fail and create delays or rework. It explains why small design changes can trigger bigger compliance and performance impacts than expected. Participants learn the common design and documentation issues that lead to late-stage assessor feedback. The course highlights how different building elements interact and create flow-on effects across the home. It also provides practical strategies to reduce reassessments and improve project certainty.

Why Take This CPD Session?

Avoid preventable redesign and reassessment by understanding the most common Whole-of-Home mistakes early.

Learn how small design decisions can impact compliance and performance outcomes, saving time and cost later.

Gain practical strategies to improve documentation confidence and reduce approval delays.
Professional development is an investment in career growth and regulatory compliance. Take the next step today.