7-Star Energy Ratings
There are many terms used today when it comes to sustainability in residential architecture. One of these is 7-star Energy Ratings. What does this rating mean, and how does it apply to the residences designed and delivered by Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors?
Introducing 7-star energy ratings
Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) has changed recently, including updating the minimum energy rating from six to seven stars. This shift is designed to ensure the homes built today will be more comfortable and will cost less to run in years ahead. More energy-efficient homes can reduce energy bills and emissions, and provide greater protection from an increasingly unpredictable climate.
The updated code calls for minimum energy efficiency for a new home’s building shell of 7 stars out of 10 through the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (known as NatHERS). Essentially, this rating measures the energy needed to heat and cool a home.
While this is welcome progress for Australia’s building industry, designing for energy efficiency in a new home’s building shell has been part of the RMA approach for many years. Creating a home of comfort – cool in summer and warm in winter – is fundamental for us.
Understanding 7-star energy rating requirements
One of the simplest ways to achieve a greater energy rating is to consider passive solar principles. In simplest terms, this means designing around the orientation of the home. Placing living areas to the north and providing appropriate shade from the sun in warmer months is a time-honoured way to achieve this.
In addition to considering orientation for solar gain, improved energy performance can be achieved through greater insulation in ceilings, walls and beneath floors. High-performance glazing will also better insulate a residence from heat loss in cold months and heat gain in warm months.
Again, these factors are routinely considered at RMA, from design for northern aspects to specifying premium insulation materials and market-leading double or triple-glazing options. From window sizing to placement and shading, our approach considers the unique place a home occupies in the landscape from the beginning. Design for a 7-star energy rating home is a natural part of our process.
RMA is where luxury meets sustainability
Our philosophy for sustainability is that a well-made home provides not only greater comfort and reduced running costs but also an investment of enduring value—an investment in the future.
That’s why, for us, design for a 7-star energy-rated home is just the beginning. While the broader construction industry has taken some time to reach this point, sustainability has always been at the core of RMA’s approach.
Our architecture considers passive solar heating and natural cross ventilation. We also encourage high-quality water-saving fixtures, water harvesting and purification systems. Solar panels are typically included as standard.
We also collaborate with 7-star energy-rating home builders who, like us, appreciate the practical difference these measures make on a new home.
Talk to us about designing an energy-efficient home
Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors is, as a residential-focused practice, committed to creating homes that rest within the landscape and make a positive contribution to its future.
A 7-star energy-rated home is not only an environmentally responsible choice. It marks the beginning of an intelligent approach to considering the long-term impact of any new build.
Talk to Rob Mills and his team to learn more about sustainability at RMA and how we would consider the fundamentals of energy efficiency in your new home. Please contact our Melbourne or Sydney studios to arrange an appointment.