7-star energy efficiency requirements are here.

Whether you are a builder, designer, architect, energy rater or homeowner, ComfortSmart Optimal makes energy efficiency easy through education, solutions and support.

From 1 May 2024, the National Construction Code Volume 2 (NCC) demands that newly built homes achieve 7-stars and a whole-of-home rating of above 60 in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) option.

For builders, it’s a national requirement to meet the 7-star rating.

For buyers, there are huge incentives to improve energy efficiency: lower energy bills, increased comfort, improved resale value, and even ongoing financial incentives for reduced use of energy long term.

A&L’s high quality and uniquely designed windows and doors are key—and extremely cost effective—in building new homes that are cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and meet your 7-star energy efficiency requirements.

We’ve done the hard work to make energy efficiency easy.

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Optimal Education The elements of energy efficiency explained

Climate zones have a significant impact on energy efficiency.

Different areas of Australia are considered as different ‘climate zones’. For example, the very far north of the country is Zone 1 (Tropical), while the far south is Zone 8 (Alpine). The most effective windows for energy efficiency performance will change depending on where you live…

In cold conditions buildings lose up to 49%* of heat through glass and windows

Here, the most effective window solutions prevent heat escaping from your home; energy efficiency is about retaining warmth. The NCC calls this a heating climate.

Walls:
14%
Floor:
18%
Roof:
19%
Glass and windows:
49%

*Source AGWA. Figures based on an actual case study of an otherwise insulated building, individual building performance may vary depending design and location.

In hot conditions buildings gain up to 87%* of heat through glass and windows

Here, the most effective window solutions reflect sunlight away; energy efficiency is about preventing sunlight from entering and heating the home. The NCC calls this a cooling climate.

Walls:
8%
Floor:
0%
Roof:
5%
Glass:
87%

*Source AGWA. Figures based on an actual case study of an otherwise insulated building, individual building performance may vary depending design and location.