At Noarlunga, sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s about building a home that is as kind to the environment as it is to your wallet.
What is a NatHERS 7-star rating?
Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is an energy efficiency rating system that assesses a home’s design and performance. Homes are rated out of 10 stars, based on factors such as layout, orientation, construction materials and the local climate. At Noarlunga, a minimum NatHERS rating of 7 stars is required.
The NatHERS rating also demonstrates that your home design meets the energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code.
To complete the rating, your builder will engage an accredited NatHERS assessor to undertake the necessary assessment and achieve the required rating.
Purchasing a house and land package at Noarlunga offers the peace of mind that the hard work has already been done, with full accreditation in place. However, if you choose to purchase a land allotment, we have outlined a clear pathway below to help you achieve accreditation.
Easy tips to reach 7 stars
Don’t wait until your plans are finished. Bringing an assessor in during the early design phase helps you avoid potentially costly changes later on.
Energy efficient glazing. Windows do more than provide a view, they play a major role in your home’s comfort. Choosing efficient glazing and locating windows thoughtfully helps maintain a steady indoor temperature and reduce energy use.
Efficient zoning. Use internal doors to create effective zones throughout your home, allowing heating and cooling to be used only where it’s needed.
Quality insulation. Insulation keeps heat out during summer and in during winter. Combined with well-designed airflow, it allows your home to naturally regulate temperature.
Reflect the heat. Light-coloured roofing reflects rather than absorbs solar heat, significantly lowering indoor temperatures while reducing reliance on air conditioning.
Cost-effective cooling. Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to make rooms feel several degrees cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Seal your ceiling. Minimise ceiling penetrations or ensure they are well sealed. Downlight selection is important, as gaps can allow air leakage, letting conditioned air escape and outside air enter.
Your NatHERS
7-star pathway
Choose your builder/architect
Ask about their approach to sustainability and an energy efficient home design.
Select your home design
Working with your builder, choose a layout with north-facing living areas where possible.
Sign up with your builder
Ensure pricing includes the energy assessment and achieving a NatHERS 7-star rating.
Refine your design
Your builder will provide a preliminary energy rating to help you make informed decisions about insulation, glazing and roofing before building begins.
Navigate approvals and consent
Lodge a preliminary NatHERS assessment to gain encumbrance approval – this shows your design meets energy standards and paves the way for seamless planning assessment and building consent.
Resources
Helpful resources
Noarlunga Urban Design Guidelines: Your guide to the Noarlunga vision.
Design Matters: Peak body for building design. Find a NatHERS new build assessor.
House Energy Raters Association (HERA) : Find a HERA-accredited assessor.
Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA): Find an accredited building designer.
Home Energy Rating: Whole of Home voluntary efficiency assessment examples.
Noarlunga – a blueprint for sustainability
Noarlunga has been thoughtfully envisioned as a community where sustainability is embedded from the outset. From the streets and public spaces, to the orientation of the homes, every element reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term liveability.
The result is a neighbourhood shaped for comfort, lower energy consumption and healthier everyday living. By integrating sustainability across both private homes and shared spaces, Noarlunga sets a strong benchmark for responsible development in the state.
Green Star community