New home and apartment buyers in Western Australia (WA) are set to benefit from healthier homes and lower power bills when minimum 7-star energy efficiency requirements commence on 1 May 2025.
Achieving the new 7-star standard under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) requires a combination of clever design and higher-performing materials and products.
WA building suppliers, including our world-class glass processing and window fabrication sector, have been gearing up for the past two years to ensure they are ready to deliver the homes of the future.
Clinton Skeoch, Executive Director & CEO of the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA), said new homeowners in WA will reap the long-term benefits of sustainable housing.
"Windows account for around 40% of heat loss and 87% of heat gain in Australian homes, so glazing is a key factor when it comes to achieving higher energy ratings," Mr Skeoch said.
"Better performing windows significantly enhance the comfort and health of residents while reducing energy consumption, and that makes a big difference to household running costs.
"WA homeowners and tenants are fortunate to have access to local companies that make and install some of the highest-quality windows and glass products in the world.
"The industry has invested strongly in new plant and equipment in the past couple of years and are ready to serve the growing demand for higher performing windows from May 1," Mr Skeoch said.
7-Star Compliance Need not be Costly or Complex
In 2024, AGWA commissioned a nationwide study – 7.0 Star cost upgrade analysis – that looked at more than 50,000 NatHERS simulations to estimate the price of required energy upgrades.
In good news for Perth homeowners and prospective buyers, the average cost to upgrade a new 3–4-bedroom home from 6-star to 7-star energy efficiency was approximately $4,260 – which was significantly lower than less-detailed industry forecasts.
Mr Skeoch said the report was the most comprehensive NatHERS modelling study ever undertaken.
"The clear message from this exhaustive study is that achieving all of the benefits 7-Star energy compliance for new homes in Perth doesn't need to be costly or complicated," Mr Skeoch said.
"And when you factor in annual energy bill savings of hundreds of dollars, the payback on investment period for new home buyers will occur within the first few years of ownership."
Key Facts:
* All new homes in WA are required to meet minimum 7-star NatHERS (energy rating) requirements from 1 May 2025.
* Windows account for around 40% of heat loss and 87% of heat gain in Australian homes.
* Better performing windows can significantly reduce household energy costs while improving comfort.
* WA's world-class glass and window sector have invested strongly and are ready to meet demand.
