For over 15 years, we have been at the forefront of sustainable home design and construction, setting benchmarks with our 7-star energy-efficient homes. With recent updates to the National Construction Code (NCC) introducing the Whole of Home initiative, we are evolving our approach to energy efficiency to continue leading the industry toward a net-zero future.

What is the Whole of Home initiative?

The Whole of Home initiative is a significant expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). It builds on the current 7-star thermal performance rating, adding an assessment of the energy efficiency of fixed appliances, solar systems, and battery storage. The result is a holistic rating out of 100 that measures both thermal comfort and the overall energy performance of a home.

Key aspects of the Whole of Home rating include:

How the Whole of Home rating system works

The Whole of Home rating assigns a score out of 100, which reflects the energy efficiency and sustainability of a home. Achieving a higher score indicates greater efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint. Here’s how the scoring works:

The transition timeline

The Whole of Home initiative will be mandatory for new dwellings in most Australian states and territories, with varying implementation dates:

For existing homes undergoing renovations or alterations, these requirements do not apply.

Designing beyond the standards

At Ecoliv, we view these updates as an opportunity to push the boundaries and advocate for builders to prioritise building energy efficient homes. While meeting the 7-star NatHERS rating and 60-point Whole of Home benchmark is now the standard, we strive to exceed these requirements to deliver homes that are zero-energy and prepared for a net-zero carbon future. This means our homes are designed to minimize emissions and facilitate energy sources and systems that align with Australia's decarbonisation goals.

Refined energy-efficient design and construction

Our modular homes are designed to maximize:

Future focused homes

By focusing on both thermal efficiency and operational energy use, Ecoliv homes are designed and built to adapt to evolving environmental standards and energy needs. This holistic approach aligns with Australia's transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 and supports our clients in achieving sustainable, comfortable living spaces.

Setting the benchmark: The EcoGeneration display home

We are proud to announce that our newest design and display home, the EcoGeneration, has achieved an impressive Whole of Home score of 101 and a NatHERS rating of 7.6 stars. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to exceeding standards and delivering homes that embody responsible innovation. Additionally, the EcoGeneration reflects our aim to contribute to a regenerative future, optimising renewable energy systems and ensuring where possible every element of the home aligns with our core mission of reducing environmental impact.

Why the Whole of Home rating matters

The shift to the Whole of Home initiative is a pivotal step in reducing Australia's residential carbon footprint. By considering energy use from appliances and on-site generation, it encourages smarter, more sustainable design choices that benefit homeowners and the planet.

Benefits include:

By striving for these high-performing home scores, homeowners can embrace a future of energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprints, and a higher standard of living. These homes not only reduce energy bills but also contribute to a regenerative and renewable future. Ready to create a home that nurtures both you and the planet?

Explore how you can make sustainable choices today.

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