Services

Residential - New Homes

Energy Efficiency Australia specialise in providing Thermal Performance Assessment reports (energy ratings) for residential homes, property developments and renovations.

To produce the required reports we use the accredited energy rating software, FirstRate5 (developed by Sustainability Victoria) or BERS Pro.

The programs we use consider the design, orientation, location and materials of construction. By determining the heating and cooling loads of the home, we produce the star rating result.

It is a straightforward process:

1. Quotation

Provide us a PDF of your plans, so we can determine the work involved and provide an accurate quote. The initial assessment of your plans will be done at no charge. We will also provide feedback on the relative merits of the design from an energy efficiency perspective. You can use this information to discuss with your building designer - regardless of whether we complete your required certification.

2. Energy Assessment

Once our quote is accepted, we will begin work on the Energy Rating Assessment. We will liaise with you during the entire process to ensure the outcome exceeds your expectations.

3. Payment

Once the quote is accepted, an invoice will be issued and payment will be due prior to issue of the energy rating reports.

4. Reports delivered to you

The energy rating reports will be emailed to you. You will receive the certificate your Building Surveyor requires, a report outlining our recommendations to achieve the result and the plans stamped with the certification.

Existing Homes

We conduct energy efficiency assessments of existing homes, to provide the knowledge on your home's current thermal performance and areas of improvement for future potential benefits.

The rating provided will display your home’s thermal rating compared to new housing. We then list a range of strategies designed to increase your home's rating. These will be prioritised in order of benefit versus cost to implement. A level of difficulty to achieve the desired outcome will also be detailed in our report.

We also use the latest Thermal Imaging technology to identify your home's energy efficiency 'weak spots'. Using thermal cameras can detect common areas for improvement, such as moisture in wall structures, rising damp issues, inadequate (or poorly installed) insulation and electrical overloads. Apart from providing a comprehensive report on how to address energy loss, we address any potential safety issues to provide ongoing peace of mind.

Commercial Properties

A Commercial energy efficiency assessment involves us assessing a building's conformance to what is called "Section J" of the National Construction Code.

It’s a requirement of the National Construction Code that all new buildings and extensions are energy efficient. If you’re planning a new development or an extension of an existing building, then you will need a certificate that says it complies with the Code.

We can assess all classes of buildings including multi-storey units, schools, shopping centres, retail offices and warehouses. We perform all types of assessments such as a thermal calculation (Verification Method or JV3 assessment), or a Deemed-to-Satisfy method (a collection of individual minimum requirements to pass).

Any commercial building from Class 3 to 9 requires a section J report to demonstrate compliance with Clause JP1 & JP3 energy efficiency provisions of the NCC Volume 1. The report is declared before providing a construction permit or certificate. All non-residential building including healthcare, aged care, church, office, laboratory, retail, warehouse, factory, school and car park will require a BCA Section J Report.
Hence, if you require a building permit for any current building construction then Section J Report is essential to obtain approval.

If you have any queries or are unsure if your building requires a Section J report please feel free to contact us for advice.

Efficient Section J Report & Assessment Services include:

Complete building plans assessment
Solutions for all areas of non-compliance including options which consider ongoing cost benefits
Thorough NCC Section J Report (required to obtain your building permit)
Ongoing support as required to ensure your overall goals are met

Sustainability Assessments

Each assessment takes between 1- 2 hours to complete. The time to complete assessments varies depending on the size of the home and number of energy systems being assessed.

We will assess your home or property and advise cost effective ways to reduce your household energy usage and increase the comfort of your building. We can also advise on the installing or retrofitting of products to improve the efficiency and performance of your home or property. A report tailored to the specific needs of your property will be provided.

A Sustainability assessment will list recommendations that can be made, now or in the future, to decrease electricity, water and gas usage and increase a homes thermal comfort as well as recommend renewable energy sources that may best suit your needs and home.

For example, are you considering installing Solar Panels on your roof to reduce ongoing energy costs? We are often asked for advise on the best systems and "is getting solar panels worthwhile?" The answer is yes - provided you purchase the right quality and size system for your home. By assessing your current electricity bill, we can advise the precise payback period for your investment.

The sustainability assessment process starts with discussions to understand the home owner's initial needs and goals. The next step is a site visit so the assessor can collect the relevant data. On completion of the assessment the assessor will return to the property to discuss the findings and recommendations.