How to Achieve a 7-Star NatHERS Rating (Without Blowing the Budget)
Reaching 7 stars under NCC 2022 is achievable with smart orientation, glazing, insulation and shading choices. Here are the most cost-effective levers.
Since NCC 2022, new homes in NSW must hit a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating. The good news: with the right design decisions, 7 stars is very achievable – and often without expensive upgrades. Here’s how.
1. Get the orientation right
The single biggest free lever is orientation. Positioning living areas to the north captures winter sun, while minimising large unprotected west-facing glass avoids harsh summer heat. If you’re still in design, this costs nothing to optimise.
2. Be strategic with glazing
Windows are where homes gain and lose the most heat. You don’t need premium double glazing everywhere – you need the right glazing in the right places:
- Use higher-performance glazing on west and east faces.
- Keep north glazing well-shaded by eaves for summer, exposed for winter.
- Avoid oversized windows on unfavourable orientations.
3. Insulate well
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades per star. Prioritise the roof and ceiling (where most heat is lost and gained), then walls and suspended floors.
4. Shade the summer sun
Correctly sized eaves, awnings and pergolas block high summer sun while letting low winter sun in. Good shading can lift a rating without changing the windows at all.
5. Seal the gaps
Draught sealing around doors, windows and penetrations reduces uncontrolled air leakage – a simple, low-cost win that improves both rating and comfort.
The cost-effectiveness order
| Lever | Typical cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation & zoning | Free (at design stage) | High |
| Shading / eaves | Low | Medium-High |
| Ceiling insulation | Low | High |
| Glazing upgrades | Medium-High | High |
| Draught sealing | Low | Medium |
Work with an assessor early
The cheapest path to 7 stars is to involve an energy assessor at concept stage. We can test design options and tell you which changes move the needle – so you spend money only where it counts.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 stars hard to reach? Not with good design. Most well-oriented homes get there with sensible glazing, insulation and shading.
Does a higher rating cost a lot more? Not necessarily – early design choices are far cheaper than retrofitting after documentation is locked in.
Want help reaching 7 stars affordably? Explore our consulting service or get a quote.
BASIX & NatHERS specialists, a division of Contrive Consultants. We help NSW homeowners and builders achieve energy-efficient, compliant homes.