Can you use gas (hot water, cooking) and still meet 7-Star?
Transcript
Charles Christodoulou: Um, no, because you can achieve a seven-star energy rating using different methods. You might have thicker insulation to the walls or ceiling.
Charles Christodoulou: Or you might provide double-glazed windows or get good orientation that improves your score on the nationals.
Charles Christodoulou: And then anything else doesn’t really matter as long as you’ve achieved that seven-star rating.
Short answer: It depends on your state, and the 7-star rating is not the only test.
The 7-star rating measures the building shell only: how much heating and cooling the home needs. Gas or electric appliances do not change that number, so better insulation, double glazing and good orientation are still how a home reaches 7 stars.
Where the NCC 2022 energy rules apply, new homes must also meet a separate Whole-of-Home energy budget covering heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, and pool and spa pumps. Gas hot water and gas heating count against that budget, which can make it harder to stay within it. More efficient appliances or rooftop solar are common ways to make up the difference. Gas cooking is not part of the budget.
New South Wales uses BASIX instead of the Whole-of-Home budget. In Victoria, new homes that need a planning permit applied for from 1 January 2024 cannot connect to the gas network.
Confirm what applies to your home with your energy assessor or building surveyor. For the 7-star requirement in each state, see Can a kit home meet the 7-star energy rating?