44 Ways #15: Use Energy Modelling During the Design Phase

Hello! This is Episode 415. This is Way #15 of the ‘44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home’ series. And with this episode, we begin Section Four: Modelling and Measuring Your Sustainability. In Section Four, we look at the ways you can access data to inform your decision-making, beginning with energy efficiency assessments and modelling of your home’s energy use. We’re beginning Section Four with Way #15: Use Energy Modelling During the Design Phase. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/415] If you’re based in Australia, you’ve possibly heard the phrase ‘NatHERS star rating’ somewhere in research conversations about your project. In other locations, you may have heard about star ratings, or energy efficiency ratings required as part of the compliance process in your project. In most locations, energy efficiency assessment occurs after documentation is completed, as part of finalising building approvals prior to construction. Sometimes homeowners are not even aware of it as a step, until the builder or designer has taken care of it, and they’re presented with the report it outputs.  However, when left until that point of your project, after your design is locked in, you’re underutilising the benefit of energy modelling to your project and future home, and it’s potentially costing you money, comfort, and sustainability performance every day. Energy efficiency modelling can be used as a design tool, and when treated as such, there’s an opportunity to use it to improve your design, rather than just tick a box. In this episode, I take you through what NatHERS and other types of energy modelling actually are, how they’re typically used in projects compared to how they can be used, what star ratings really mean for your home’s performance, and the questions to put to your team to make sure modelling is doing real work for you, not just being ticked off as a compliance requirement. As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/415. Now, let's dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/415 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/ Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.