7 Star Ratings

7-Star Energy Ratings and NCC 2022 compliance are now the standard for all new residential building approvals.

At 7 Star Solutions, we recommend the NatHERS Star Rating pathway as the most effective route to compliance. Unlike the rigid “Elemental” or “Deemed-to-Satisfy” provisions, a Star Rating offers the flexibility needed to design a home that is both high-performing and cost-effective.

Why Flexibility Matters Under current standards, achieving compliance through set-menu insulation values can be challenging—especially with traditional Perth construction methods. For example, reaching the required thermal performance in cavity brick walls often requires significant upgrades. By using the Star Rating system, we can model your home as a complete system. This allows us to balance different elements—like high-performance glazing or ceiling insulation—to achieve your 7-star goal without being forced into expensive or impractical wall details.

The Power of Passive Solar Design The most cost-effective strategy for 7-star compliance is Passive Solar Design. When a home is correctly oriented and designed for the local climate, reaching 7 stars is often no more expensive than building a 6-star home. Good design does the heavy lifting so that expensive technology doesn’t have to.

Solutions for Challenging Sites We understand that not every block is perfect. Factors like sub-optimal orientation or restrictive R-Code requirements can make “pure” passive solar design difficult. In these cases, we specialize in “hybrid” solutions: incorporating as many passive principles as possible and then strategically using energy-efficient materials, such as Low-E glazing or advanced insulation, to bridge the gap and secure your certification.