Everything you need to know about finding an energy rating assessor

With the move to sustainable building design government is increasingly legislating for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of utilizing energy more efficiently. This includes a mandatory move towards the application of a star rating system in the construction of residential and commercial property.

Energy assessments are a verification and auditing service provided by consulting firms to domestic and commercial developments. These issue energy efficiency ratings based on predetermined criteria. In the commercial setting energy assessors would typically consult for a wide range of clients including architects, developers and building designers. Energy assessors are typically experts in their field, having undergone training, and must be accredited and fully insured to carry out their work. Assessments are undertaken using computer software, and may be of existing buildings, or the review of plans to help determine the energy efficiency of a proposed project.

Any new building must submit a Development Application, which demonstrates a designs ability to comply with the conditions set by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), specifically an energy efficiency report which demonstrates compliance with BCA Section J. These relate to, amongst others:

• construction material - its type and thickness
• proposed insulation - including thermal performance
• lighting - type, positioning and strength
• air conditioning and ventilation - type and position
• water heating - type and specification

Find Energy Rating Assessors the Easy Way