So, you’ve completed the Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability—congratulations!
Now it’s time to turn that qualification into a career by becoming a National Home Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) accredited assessor. This role offers you the opportunity to make a real impact by helping homeowners, builders, and architects create more energy-efficient homes.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to kickstart your career, whether you want to work independently or with an organization, with tips on how to market yourself, get mentoring, and stay ahead in a growing industry.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a NatHERS Accredited Assessor
A NatHERS accredited assessor evaluates the thermal performance of residential buildings, assigning a star rating to reflect energy efficiency. This rating plays a key role in achieving compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and in helping clients make decisions about building design, renovations, and retrofits. Your work can have a direct impact on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Assessors are responsible for more than just assigning star ratings. You’ll need to prepare detailed reports for homeowners, builders, or regulatory bodies, explaining your findings and recommendations in a clear and actionable way. You may also collaborate with architects, builders, or energy consultants to optimize designs before construction begins or suggest improvements for existing homes.
Key Tasks of a NatHERS Assessor:
- Reviewing plans and building specifications (for new homes).
- Inspecting existing buildings to assess insulation, glazing, and other materials.
- Modelling thermal performance using NatHERS-accredited software.
- Preparing detailed reports to support clients in improving energy efficiency, particularly for existing homes.
- Providing compliance documentation to meet NCC requirements.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Work for Yourself or Someone Else
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to work independently or join an established company or consultancy. Both pathways offer unique advantages and challenges, so it’s worth considering your personal preferences, skills, and circumstances before making this choice.
Option 1: Working for Yourself
Self-employment offers flexibility and control over your career, but it requires you to manage your own business. You’ll be responsible for finding clients, setting your own fees, and managing the business side of things, such as accounting and marketing.
Pros of Self-Employment:
- Flexibility: Choose your own working hours and clients.
- Control: You decide how to structure your business and projects.
- Higher Earnings Potential: If you build a solid reputation, you can set competitive rates.
Challenges of Self-Employment:
- Business Management: You’ll need to handle invoicing, taxes, and insurance.
- Marketing Efforts: Finding clients can take time, especially when starting out.
- Inconsistent Income: It may take a while to build a stable client base.
Option 2: Working for a Company or Consultancy
Joining a consultancy provides stability, especially if you’re new to the industry. Companies often have established clients, systems, and processes in place, allowing you to focus on assessments without worrying about the business side of things.
Pros of Employment:
- Steady Income: Regular salary reduces financial uncertainty.
- Training and Support: You’ll have access to mentoring and technical resources.
- Work-Life Balance: Administrative tasks are typically handled by the company.
Challenges of Employment:
- Limited Autonomy: Less control over the types of projects you take on.
- Targets and KPIs: Companies may expect you to meet performance targets.
- Less Flexibility: Working hours and workload are determined by the employer.
Step 3: Register with an Accredited Assessor Organisation (AAO)
To become a NatHERS accredited assessor, you must affiliate with an Accredited Assessor Organisation (AAO). These organizations provide accreditation, professional development, and support throughout your career. They are also required to undertake Quality Assurance (QA) Reviews on your work each year.
Key AAOs to Consider:
- Design Matters National (DMN) https://www.designmatters.org.au/
- House Energy Raters Association (HERA) https://hera.asn.au/
- Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) https://www.absa.net.au/
Each AAO has slightly different requirements and benefits, so research which one aligns with your professional goals. Membership usually includes access to technical resources, networking events, professional development opportunities, and mentoring programs.
Step 4: Meet Accreditation Requirements
Once you’ve chosen an AAO, you’ll need to meet their accreditation requirements. While specific requirements may vary between organizations, most AAOs will ask you to:
- Submit Proof of Qualification: Provide evidence that you have completed the Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.
- Insurance: Professional indemnity insurance is required to cover any legal risks in your work. If you are wanting to find out what insurance is needed, contact Webber Insurance for a quote.
Meeting these requirements allows you to operate as a certified NatHERS assessor and access the AAO’s resources and support.
Step 5: Build Your Assessment Toolkit
The toolkit you need will differ depending on whether you are assessing new homes or existing homes. Below is a breakdown of the essential tools for each context.
Toolkit for Assessing New Homes
When working with new homes, you’ll focus on evaluating plans and building specifications to model the home’s thermal performance before construction begins.
Essential Tools:
- Computer with NatHERS Software: Ensure your computer can run software such as AccuRate, BERS Pro, or FirstRate5 smoothly.
- Digital Plan Management Tools: Use PDF software to review and annotate architectural plans.
- Spreadsheets and Data Management Tools: Track and manage material inputs.
- Communication Platforms: Use email or cloud-based tools to liaise with architects and builders.
Toolkit for Assessing Existing Homes
For existing homes, assessments are more hands-on, requiring site visits to inspect the property and gather data.
Essential Tools:
- Measuring Equipment: A laser distance measurer or reliable tape measure for capturing room dimensions.
- Thermal Imaging Camera (Optional): Useful for identifying insulation gaps or air leaks.
- Ladder and Torch: Essential for inspecting roof spaces or underfloor areas.
- Tablet or Smartphone: Take photos, record notes, and log data during site visits.
- Checklists and Data Sheets: Ensure all relevant aspects, such as wall types, window glazing, and insulation levels, are captured.
Step 6: Get a Mentor
Starting your career with guidance from a mentor can accelerate your learning and help you avoid common mistakes. Many AAOs offer mentoring programs, pairing new assessors with experienced professionals.
How a Mentor Can Help:
- Real-World Insights: Learn how to handle unexpected challenges on-site.
- Refine Reporting Skills: Ensure your reports meet industry standards.
- Business Advice: Gain insights into pricing, client management, and marketing.
- Confidence Building: Get reassurance and feedback as you complete your first assessments.
A mentor provides a support system as you transition from training to real-world practice, helping you build competence and confidence.
Step 7: Develop a Marketing Plan
Once you’re accredited, you’ll need to attract clients. A well-crafted marketing strategy will help you build your brand and grow your business.
Marketing Tips:
- Create a Website: Showcase your services, qualifications, and testimonials.
- Leverage Social Media: Share tips on energy efficiency to engage potential clients.
- Register on Industry Platforms: List your services where homeowners search for assessors.
- Network with Builders and Architects: Establish relationships to generate referrals.
- Attend Industry Events: Conferences and workshops are great opportunities to promote your services.
Step 8: Stay Updated with Industry Changes
The energy efficiency industry is constantly evolving. Staying updated with changes to the National Construction Code, software updates, and best practices is essential for maintaining accreditation and providing high-quality service.
Tips for Staying Current:
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Participate in AAO-provided workshops and webinars.
- Join Industry Forums: Engage in discussions with other professionals.
- Follow Regulatory Updates: Keep track of NCC changes and their impact on assessments.
Step 9: Build Strong Client Relationships
Building trust with clients is key to long-term success. Excellent customer service will help you earn repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
How to Build Strong Client Relationships:
- Communicate Clearly: Explain the assessment process and results in simple terms.
- Meet Deadlines: Deliver reports on time to demonstrate professionalism.
- Provide Practical Advice: Offer actionable recommendations to improve energy efficiency, even beyond compliance.
Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to others, helping you grow your business sustainably.
A Rewarding Career Path Awaits
Becoming a NatHERS accredited assessor offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in residential buildings. Whether you choose to work independently or for a company, following these steps will set you on the path to success.
Your role as an assessor will contribute to reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, helping to create a sustainable future. With dedication, continuous learning, and excellent service, you can build a thriving career in this growing industry.
Starting your career as a NatHERS accredited assessor is both exciting and rewarding. By taking the right steps now—getting accredited, finding a mentor, building your toolkit, and marketing your services—you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
Watch our interviews with Accredited Assessors here – https://youtu.be/Gx15vzHoJFw?si=WpvDZi-EfUTaw1nx
