I often get asked by building designers and energy raters: “why should I become an accredited NatHERS Assessor?”
To answer this question we must first examine what NatHERS is.
What is NatHERS?
The Nationwide House Energy Ratings Scheme (NatHERS) encourages energy efficiency by giving homes a star rating based on the thermal performance of their design. NatHERS is the most common way to show that new home or major renovation meets the minimum state and territory building efficiency requirements as detailed in the National Construction Code (NCC).
So is there really a market for more NatHERS Assessors?
In 2015 there were 228,950 new buildings approved in Australia. At the same time there were 289 Accredited NatHERS Assessors operating nationally. With over 70% of new buildings being rated by Accredited NatHERS Assessors, a huge opportunity exists to earn extra income.
By becoming an Accredited NatHERS Assessor, you will join the small number of energy raters across Australia who are recognised as professionals in their field. Only Accredited NatHERS Assessors can issue the coloured Accredited Universal Certificate and stamp plans with the official NatHERS logo – this satisfies the competence requirements to conduct ratings in all jurisdictions and complete BASIX assessments for Development Applications for multi-storey unit developments in NSW.
How do you become a NatHERS Assessor?
So you’ve decided you want to become a NatHERS Assessor. So where do you start?
To become an assessor you will need to:
- become a member of the BDAV or ABSA.
- Complete the Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment and submit this to BDAV/ABSA.
- produce evidence of and make a declaration as to the software training which has been undertaken.
- hold an appropriate professional indemnity insurance policy.
- be aware of and abide by the BDAV/ABSA Code of Conduct for Accredited Thermal Performance Assessors.
- pay the Accreditation Fee.
But it doesn’t just end there…
Once you have become an Accredited Assessor, you will need to:
- Comply with the Code of Practice including submission of all assessments through the Rating Certificate System (RCS).
- Comply with procedures published in the NatHERS Rating Practice Notes.
- Pay BDAV/ABSA annual Accreditation Fees.
- Submit assessments for Quality Assurance Auditing when requested.
- Complete the required Continuing Professional Development each year.
Want more information? Contact the team at Australia’s most awarded Registered Training Organisation.