How do the NCC 2022 energy efficiency changes impact NatHERS compliance and design strategies for new residential builds in Western Australia?

The NCC 2022 energy efficiency changes significantly uplift NatHERS compliance in WA, moving from 6-star to a 7-star minimum and introducing a whole-of-house energy budget. This mandates more stringent building envelopes, improved glazing performance, increased insulation, and consideration of fixed services like hot water and lighting efficiency. Designers must now adopt an integrated approach, optimising orientation, shading, and material selection earlier in the design process to meet the higher performance targets and demonstrate compliance through NatHERS software, impacting costs and construction methodologies.