Residential Efficiency Scorecard Program
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard program is Australia’s only energy efficiency rating and advice program for existing homes and is endorsed under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard program offers:
- an in-home energy assessment and star rating for a home’s energy performance
- expert advice on ways to cost-effectively reduce household energy costs and emissions while making a home more comfortable.
Why get a Scorecard assessment?
The most common reasons to conduct a Scorecard assessment include:
- high energy bills
- an uncomfortable home that is hot in summer and cold in winter
- to transform a home to all-electric
- to reduce a home’s impact on the environment.
A Scorecard assessment is conducted by an accredited Scorecard assessor and provides:
- a snapshot of a home’s energy performance and comfort
- a trusted energy efficiency rating
- expert advice tailored to a home’s design and features
- assistance to ensure cost-effective energy upgrades.
What does a Scorecard assessment involve?
An assessor will conduct a thorough in-home energy assessment of a home’s building shell which includes:
- roof, wall, floor, and ceiling materials
- insulation
- windows and eaves.
The assessor will also evaluate the home’s fixed features including:
- artificial lighting
- hot water systems
- air-conditioners
- curtains and external blinds
- solar panels
- pools and outdoor spas.
The data captured and analysed by the assessor will be used to produce a Scorecard Certificate for the home.
What does a Scorecard Certificate tell a homeowner?
A Scorecard Certificate will provide a homeowner with detailed information about their home’s:
- energy star rating out of 10 stars – the higher the star rating the lower the costs
- comfort rating showing how well a home performs in hot and cold weather
- star rating with and without solar power
- efficiency ratings for each of the fixed appliances
- predicted energy consumption of the fixed appliances over one year
- greenhouse gas emissions for the fixed appliances over one year.
The assessor will combine the Scorecard data with their specialist knowledge to make targeted recommendations for improving a home’s energy efficiency based on the local climate and household budget. Also, there are assessors who specialise in more complex dwellings, such as finding solutions for heritage homes.
Why choose an accredited Scorecard assessor?
Government-accredited Scorecard assessors are experts in home energy efficiency. They have professional qualifications and/or demonstrated skills and experience. To become accredited, assessors undertake specialised Scorecard training and must pass a formal exam. The accreditation process ensures assessors are equipped with both expert technical knowledge and high-quality customer service skills to help households achieve their goals.
Scorecard assessors have access to ongoing training, expert knowledge and are subject to quality controls. Assessors are not employed by government and set their own fees.
How much does a Scorecard assessment cost?
The cost of a Scorecard assessment will depend on the size, location, and design complexity of a home and will be set by the assessor.
For more information on the Scorecard assessment and to find an accredited Scorecard assessor, visit the Residential Efficiency Scorecard website.