RELEASE OF FR5 v5.4.1 (3.21) BETA VERSION
As part of the second stage preview of NCC 2022, the ABCB has released revised NatHERS Heating and Cooling Load Limits. The limits were revised based on consultation feedback. The updated document can be found here.
This recent change means that the heating and cooling load limits embedded in FirstRate5 (FR5) Beta versions v5.4.0, v5.4.0a and v5.4.0b are no longer correct.
In response, Sustainability Victoria (SV) has released FR5 v5.4.1 (3.21) Beta which contains the revised NCC 2022 heating and cooling load limits. Customers can now download FR5 v5.4.1 (3.21) Beta from the FR5 website.
Customers can use FR5 v5.4.1 (3.21) Beta to test the impact of the NCC 2022 changes to the climate files, star bands and heating and cooling load limits on the star ratings of existing projects.
It is important for users to note that FR5 v5.4.1 (3.21) Beta has the following limitations:
- It cannot be used for regulatory purposes and it will not generate NatHERS Certificates on the FR5 website.
- Project files created in the beta version cannot be imported into the FirstRate5 Whole-of-Home Pilot Tool.
- At this stage it does not contain all the software updates required by the NatHERS 2022 software accreditation protocol. Importantly, the NCC 2022 thermal bridging changes are not included.
- It will expire on 31 January 2023.
2022 SOFTWARE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
SV is currently developing an updated version of FR5 that will be used to demonstrate compliance with NCC 2022. This version will be released as soon as software development is complete and SV has obtained all necessary approvals.
Between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023, assessors have the choice of which version of the NCC they wish to comply with (NCC 2019 or NCC 2022). However, state and territory variations may apply where jurisdictions require assessors to use specific versions of the NCC. Assessors performing assessments to meet the NSW BASIX thermal performance standards must continue to use v3.21 software until 30 September 2023. If in doubt about which NCC version to use, check with your local building regulatory authority.
More information about the software transitional arrangements can be found on the NatHERS website.
For more information on FirstRate5 visit www.fr5.com.au, submit a query through the online contact form or email [email protected].
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Note:Installation of minor releases involving a letter change, eg, v5.3.1a to v5.3.1b, will by default overwrite the previous version, while major releases involving a number change, eg, v5.3.1 (3.21) to v5.3.2 (3.21), will by default install beside older versions.
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