NCC 2022 — 7-Star Energy Efficiency for New Homes
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NCC 2022 raised the minimum energy efficiency requirement for new Class 1 residential buildings (houses) from 6 stars to 7 stars under the NatHERS rating scheme — a significant change affecting the design, specification, and construction of new homes across Australia.
The National Construction Code 2022 raised the minimum NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) star rating for new Class 1 residential buildings from 6 stars to 7 stars. This change applies to new houses and townhouses (Class 1a buildings) and represents a significant increase in the thermal performance required of new homes.
What the change means
A 7-star NatHERS rating requires a higher level of thermal performance than a 6-star home — typically achieved through a combination of: - Improved wall, ceiling, and floor insulation - Higher-performance glazing (double glazing or thermally broken frames) - Reduced air infiltration - Optimised building orientation and shading - Careful selection of building materials for thermal mass
Whole-of-home energy budget
NCC 2022 also introduced a whole-of-home energy budget for new Class 1 buildings — limiting the total annual energy consumption of the home, including heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, and plug loads. This requirement encourages the use of energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy systems.
Implementation
States and territories adopted NCC 2022 on different timelines. NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia have all adopted the 7-star requirement, with some transition provisions for projects in the pipeline at the time of adoption.
Impact on building products
The 7-star requirement affects the specification of insulation, windows, doors, cladding, and other building envelope products — including products sourced through international supply chains.
Relevance to Building Solution Australia
NCC 2022's 7-star energy efficiency requirement affects the specification of building products across the construction supply chain — including insulation, glazing, and cladding products sourced by Building Solution Australia's procurement and supply chain division.
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