What is a 7-star energy rating, and how can you achieve it?

You’ve heard of five-star ratings, now how about seven? From May 1 2025, new homes and apartments in WA have to meet a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating. 

Not sure what a home energy efficiency rating is, or what the stars mean? Plico will take you through the energy rating requirements in Australia and how to get a 7-star energy rating for your existing home or new build project. 

Installing a solar + battery system can significantly reduce your energy consumption (and your bills). While achieving a NatHERS 7-star rating isn’t mandatory for existing homes, the more energy efficient your home is, the happier your wallet - and your planet - will be.

What is the 7-star energy rating? 

The 7-star rating is about energy efficiency, and it uses a star-based system to rate how much, or more specifically, how little energy a home needs to use to stay comfortable all year round. A high star rating indicates that a house has been specifically designed or modified with energy efficiency in mind. This can be achieved through clever design, energy-efficient appliances, or both. .

What does the 7-star energy rating mean?

The higher your star rating, the more comfortably your home can be run. If your house has a lower star rating, it means that it’s more expensive to run.

• A 0-star ranking means your home is likely to be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. You will need to use a lot of energy to make it comfortable to live in. 
• A 1-5-star rating applies to houses that require significant levels of heating and cooling intervention to make them pleasant to live in. The closer your home gets to a 5-star, the more comfortable it will be. 
• A 6-star ranking used to be the minimum standard that the National Construction Code (NCC) called for, as a 6-star home has a reasonable amount of energy efficiency. 
• A home with a 7-star rating should be comfortable year-round, with reduced energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. 
• A 10-star rating is the best score possible. It is only given to homes believed to be highly energy-efficient, with excellent insulation and a design that encourages passive heating and cooling without the need for artificial heating/cooling. 

How to achieve a 7-star energy rating

The key features that will help your home achieve a 7-star rating can be divided into two categories: passive principles and high-performance design features. 

Passive principles include: 

• North-facing windows to receive direct sunlight in winter
• Good cross-ventilation so that breezes can circulate through the home
• Shading to block unwanted sun in the summer, especially on windows (trees, eaves or external devices) 

High-performance home design choices include:

• Adequate insulation (in the roof, walls, and floors)
• Double glazing
• Efficient heating and cooling systems
• Solar panels 
• Solar batteries
• Energy-efficient choice of materials 
• Heat pump
• Electrification
• Efficient gas appliances

Understanding the energy rating label

The Energy Rating Label is easily confused with the Energy Star rating, but they are two different things. The Australian Government regulates the Energy Rating Label, and this system has been around for over 30 years. 

The rating sits on electrical products to show consumers how efficient the product is, so that they can make an informed choice about buying it. 

It does this by displaying a star rating, as well as details of how much electricity the product uses each year in kilowatt hours (kWh). The more stars the product or appliance has, the more energy efficient it is.

Getting your home assessed for a 7-star energy rating

Energy assessors use NatHERS computer modelling to predict how much heating and cooling your home will need to stay comfortable throughout the year. Using its design, materials, and construction, they convert the findings into a rating of between 0 and 7 stars. 

Things like the house’s layout, its roof, windows, floors and insulation, as well as its location, will all be used to determine its ranking. 

You can find an accredited NatHERS assessor through the following sources: 

• The Accredited Assessor Directory on the Australian Building Sustainability Association website
• The Design Matters National database — select Thermal Performance Assessor and enter your postcode
• Completing the House Energy Rater referral form on the House Energy Raters Association website.

If you are building a new home, your builder should be up to speed on the new 7-star energy requirements. They will recommend features or appliances for your new build to help you achieve a 7-star energy rating. Remember, you can always go above these requirements as any improvements you make to the energy efficiency of your new home will save you in the long run.

Taking the right steps towards an energy-efficient home

Installing solar + battery will get your home a long way towards a 7-star rating and beyond. If you're interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency and reducing your energy bills with a solar and battery system, consider reaching out for an obligation-free chat with a switched-on Plico team member. You can call us on 1300 175 426 or fill out the contact form. As WA's trusted, local solar battery provider, we'd love to assist! 

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