Planning to build in Western Australia? Changes to energy efficiency rules are reshaping the building landscape across the state, and they’re going to determine how new homes are designed and built going forward.
The updated 7-star energy rating in Western Australia means you’ll need to think smarter and plan earlier to get things right from day one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s changing, why it matters for your next home build, and how Stannard Homes is navigating these challenges.
What is the 7 Star Energy Rating in Western Australia?
The 7 Star energy rating is part of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). At its core, it measures how effectively a home can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year, so you can rely less on artificial heating or cooling.
Previously, the minimum requirement for new homes was a 6 Star rating. As of May 1, 2025, however, the National Construction Code (NCC) mandates a minimum 7 Star rating for new residential constructions in Western Australia.
Getting to a 7 Star rating means paying close attention to how your next home build works with its environment. That means:
- Positioning your home to make the most of natural light and breezes, helping you stay warm in winter and cool in summer without extra effort.
- Boosting insulation in key areas like walls, ceilings and floors to keep indoor temperatures steady no matter the season.
- Choosing windows that help block the cold in winter and heat in summer, so your home feels comfortable year-round.
- Using materials that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, smoothing out temperature swings inside your home.
Why this change matters
A shift from 6 to 7 stars may only look like one extra point on paper. But in your day-to-day life, it means a home that performs better over time, is more comfortable to live in, and more affordable to run.
Here’s why:
- Lower energy bills: With better insulation and smarter design, your home won’t need to rely as heavily on heating and cooling systems. That adds up to meaningful savings over time.
- More consistent comfort: Whether it’s the middle of summer or a chilly winter morning, your home will hold a more stable and pleasant temperature, with fewer hot spots or draughty corners.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using less energy means producing fewer emissions. A 7 Star home creates a gentler impact on the environment, which is better for all of us long-term.
- Future-focused energy planning: A 7 Star home creates the right foundation for making smart energy decisions with lower baseline energy needs, so your home can run more efficiently. By having a 7 Star home you can make the most of any future renewable systems you invest in.
What does this mean for homeowners and builders?
The move to a 7 Star rating sets a higher standard. But it also creates the opportunity to craft homes with smarter design and lasting value.
For homeowners, this means embracing a more thoughtful approach to design right from the start. For instance, simple yet important elements like orientation, window placement, shading and cross-ventilation now carry much greater weight.
While these factors have always been important, under the new standards they’re essential to not just meeting compliance, but gaining the full benefits of a more energy-efficient home.
For builders and designers, this means energy efficiency must be woven into the earliest design and home build stages. It’s no longer something that can just be added on at the end. Instead, it has to influence the big decisions: how the home is laid out, the materials chosen, and how the house sits on the block.
Getting those choices right upfront helps avoid costly delays or redesigns later. And, most importantly, helps make sure your home performs exactly as intended from the moment you step inside.
Stannard Homes’ signature upgrades to support compliance
Stannard Homes designs with 7 Star performance in mind from the very beginning. It’s part of how we design smarter, more liveable homes from the ground up.
Our specification upgrades help achieve the new requirements while still delivering the comfort, function and quality we’re known for.
Here are some of the key upgrades we include to help achieve compliance:
- Low-E glazing throughout (excluding wet areas): Special energy-efficient glass that helps keep heat in during winter and out during summer, making indoor temperatures easier to manage.
- Cavity brickwork with insulation including between the house and garage: Adds a layer of protection where heat can easily escape or enter, improving thermal performance in parts of the home that are often overlooked.
- 60mm Anticon blanket insulation under the Colorbond roof: This high-quality roofing insulation reduces heat transfer and helps maintain a consistent indoor climate, even in WA’s warmer months.
- Ceiling fans in all bedrooms: A simple, energy-efficient way to keep cool, reduce reliance on air conditioning, and improve airflow throughout the home.
- R2.5 wall insulation to external stud walls: Upgraded insulation that helps prevent heat loss in winter and keeps the heat out in summer.
- Underfloor insulation where needed: Installed in areas that need extra protection, this helps stabilise temperatures and improve energy performance across the whole home.
Smart design with real results: How we make it happen
Meeting the 7 Start standard starts with design that’s smart and integrated through every detail of your home build. At Stannard Homes, we combine passive design, custom layouts and expert planning to create homes that work efficiently from day one and stay comfortable for years.
To deliver on that promise, we focus on two key areas:
Designing with nature in mind
- Living areas facing north to catch winter sun: North-facing rooms soak up the low winter sun, naturally warming your home and reducing the need for extra heating on chilly days. This keeps your home nice and cosy while saving on energy bills.
- Minimising west-facing windows to reduce afternoon heat: Afternoon sun from the west can quickly overheat your home during warmer months. By limiting windows on this side, you avoid uncomfortable heat build-up and lower the need for air conditioning.
- Capturing cooling breezes from the south or south-west: Opening up your home to prevailing breezes brings in fresh, cool air naturally. Which is fantastic for keeping indoor temperatures comfortable without relying on fans or air conditioning.
- Using shading and window placement to control light and temperature naturally: Thoughtful use of shading devices like eaves or awnings, combined with strategic window placement, lets you block harsh summer sun while still welcoming gentle winter sunlight.
Expert design for peak energy efficiency
At Stannard Homes, we don’t believe in adding complexity for complexity’s sake. We focus instead on smart, site-specific design that’s tailored to your block, climate and lifestyle. Ultimately, making sure every detail contributes to lasting comfort and efficiency.
From the very beginning, we work closely with energy assessors and planners to ensure your home achieves energy compliance. This proactive approach guarantees a home that remains comfortable, practical, and energy-efficient for years to come.
Build your dream home with award-winning quality and comfort
The new 7 Star energy rating is here to stay, but your dream home should be about more than just meeting standards. It’s about partnering with a builder you can trust.
With decades of experience and a collection of award-winning homes, Stannard Homes delivers the quality, innovation and heartfelt craftsmanship that your new home deserves.
Explore our diverse range of custom home designs and discover why so many Western Australians trust us to deliver not just houses, but homes where lasting memories are made.
Contact our friendly team today, and start your journey towards a home that’s as comfortable and inviting as it is energy efficient.
