Energy Efficiency Reports for Building Approval
NatHERS energy efficiency reports for Queensland homes.
Specialising in NCC compliance for builders, designers, certifiers and homeowners.
NatHERS Logo**
Why use Energy Check?
15,000+
Thousands of homes assessed across Queensland
1 in 2
New Homes in North Queensland
>50% North Queensland market share, based on recent building approval data
20+ Years
Established in 2003
Energy Check was founded when energy efficiency requirements were first brought into the BCA (now NCC) in 2003
2 Days
Two business day turnaround for standard homes.
How to work with us?
Review our Checklist and Pricing & Turnaround to understand requirements.
For project pricing or ongoing work, contact us directly
For Builders and Designers
Submit your plans via email or Request a Quote.
We will provide a fixed quote and confirm checklist requirements before proceeding.
For Owner Builders
Ready to Proceed?
📞(07) 4020 8233
✉️ info@energy-check.com.au
Our Team
Energy Check is 100% family owned and operated — your business directly supports our young family.
Founded by Nigel Thorogood in 2003, Energy Check continues today as a second-generation family business.
Alistair Thorogood
Accredited NatHERS Assessor
Bachelor of Engineering
Emily Thorogood
Training NatHERS Assessor
The Boys
In Training
Learn more about our story →
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Most projects can be completed using your standard plan set and our checklist.
Required:
1. Site Plan – Lot & RP/SP number, North point, and boundary bearings preffered.
2. Floor Plan – Room names, dimensions, floor finishes, window locations and sizes.
3. Elevations – Finishes/colours, heights, and all windows and doors.
4. Energy Check Checklist – All fields are required, 'shown on plans' or 'EC recommend' is acceptable.
5. Solar Panel Information (if installed)– System size, number of panels, orientation and slope of each panel array.Recommended for accuracy and faster turnaround:
6. Electrical Layout or schedule – Locations of downlights, ceiling fans and exhaust fans.
7. Section Drawings – Ceiling heights, raked ceilings, and construction of floors, walls, ceiling and roof.
8. Window/Glazing Schedule – at minimum, location and size. If known, include frame types and glazing details.Missing or unclear information will result in delays or reduced performance due to assumptions.
-
We model your home and determine the simplest pathway to meet NCC energy requirements.
For most homes, compliance is achieved using a NatHERS assessment. Your project must meet one of the following:
7 Star NatHERS rating + 60% Whole of Home (WoH)
6.5 Stars + compliant outdoor living area (OLA) + 60% WoH
6 Stars + compliant OLA + ceiling fan to OLA + 60% WoH
Outdoor Living Area (OLA) requirements:
Minimum 12 m²
Open or openable on at least two sides
Insulated (minimum R1.5 downward)
-
We will confirm the appropriate assessment method before proceeding.
Most projects require a whole-of-home NatHERS assessment, meaning both the existing dwelling and proposed works are assessed together. In this case, all required information for both existing and proposed works must be provided.
In some cases, a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) assessment of the proposed work only may be suitable.
-
We will model different options to help achieve compliance in the most cost-effective way
Design: In warm climates, optimise design to use natural winds and reduce sun exposure, particularly from the west.
Colours: Use light external colours in warmer climates to reduce heat gain in a cost-effective way.
Insulation: Prioritise ceiling insulation instead of roof insulation (or both) and provide a minimum R2.5 in framed walls.
Ventilation: Improve natural ventilation or increase size and number of fans, this is very effective in humid climates.
Glazing: Reducing glazing area is cost-effective but must consider ventilation. Upgrading glazing is effective, but expensive.
WoH energy usage (Energy Costs): Install Solar PV to reduce grid energy consumption and running costs.
-
We specialise in energy assessments for:
New homes (Class 1 buildings)
Alterations and additions
Queensland Climate Zones 1–3 (coastal and tropical regions)
We work closely with builders, designers, and certifiers to deliver fast, compliant outcomes.
We do not currently assess commercial buildings or apartment complexes.
If your project falls outside this scope, feel free to get in touch and we can advise.
-
Turnaround: Typically within 2 business days for standard homes
Pricing: Refer to our pricing and turnaround document for current rates
Turnaround begins once all required information has been received.