[Archived phorum post from squ1.com v2 by craines]

Hi Paul,

Long time no hear... Thought we might have scared you off.

I made Andrew put NatHERS on his list of things to do for version 5, and he groaned ... I think it was a positive groan...
We have had a couple of other people ask about it and I really think it's important for Andrew to do, so we'll see. I'm on the case at least!

I think all the export interfaces you refer to just depend on whether you have the required softwares, including for NatHERS in v4 of ECOTECT... not entirely sure on this one.

I'll find out what stage it's all at and get back to you!

Regards,
Caroline

Caroline Raines
Square One research Pty Ltd

[Archived phorum post from squ1.com v2 by Andrew]

Ray,

First come context...

I played with the NatHERS export facility quite a while ago and got pretty close to a working version by simply reverse engineering the input file format by trial and error. However, it wasn't really a NatHERS export, it simply generated a model which CheNATH (the CSIRO engine) could use. CheNATH is actually a pretty good thermal engine - it has some issues, but don't we all. It allows up to 10 zones and lets you specify your own material set (up to a point).

However, NatHERS is a small subset of the capabilities of CheNATH. To be compliant, you can only use a couple of conditioned and unconditioned zones and I even think you have to use a very limited material pallete. Also at the time, no-one could tell me the lighting, small power and occupancy patterns used in each State to generate the reference loads for the star ratings. Without this data there was no way ECOTECT was ever going to give similar answers to NatHERS.

I understand that SolArch at UNSW were going to institute a system for compliance testing of other software but I haven't heard anything more about it.

As it is, the version of NatHERS I used was owned by the University of Western Australia when I was there and was something like v2.0, probably 3-4 years old now. I don't have access to the latest version though I guess its easy to buy these days.

Thus, unless it is relatively easy to get hold of the internal load data and run a few example tests, it probably won't make it into v5.0. However, if you are interested, I am certainly willing to give it another go and get out a v5.1 release a little later with the NatHERS capability.

Regards,
Andrew

Dr. Andrew Marsh
Square One research Pty Ltd

[Archived phorum post from squ1.com v2 by Ray Facer]

I am following with interest the facility to export to Nathers or FirstRate to achieve required 4 star ratings.

Could you advise is this will be done and when it may be implemented in
your new relaease of Ecotect V5.

Regards,
Ray

[Archived phorum post from squ1.com v2 by Janet Henriksen]

I also am interested in the occupancy patterns and assumed heating loads in NatHERS, as I am trying to compare. NatHERS results and Ecotect in my masters. I have NatHERS installed - where and how would I start looking for it?

I have visited the RAIA NSW Env committee's deliberations regarding the changes to the BCA. NatHERS is the standard they mean to introduce -at the four star level. If there were a number of programs that could carry out "rating" simulations it would allow performance based assessment to to become a reality. For example, a house may be two stars, but if it can be shown that in the living zone it performs better (whatever that is)than a benchmark building then it could comply. This requires a meaningful comparison - I do see role for ecotect in this.

[Archived phorum post from squ1.com v2 by Andrew]

Hi Janet,

It was great to meet you at the ANZAScA conference - I'm sorry I've taken so long to reply to your post.

After talking with Angelo Delsante from CSIRO in Melbourne, it seems that many of the 'issues' associated with NatHERS will be addressed in his new version to be released in March. I think your idea of an _analysis_ tool instead of just a rating tool is quite important, especially if it can include a means by which naturally ventilated and free-running buildings can be evaluated in some meaningful form.

I haven't seen the particular part of the BCA that talks about comparison with a benchmark or nominal building, however that is something like what has been done in the UK with the new changes to Part-L of the building regulations. I have issues with the idea of a _benchmark_ building as you would need so many for each climate condition, however I will be interested to see how they have framed it.

Angelo has agreed to keep me updated with developments with NatHERS with a view to full Ecotect export support. This gives me until March to work out the surrounding framework - I'll probably need all that time

Regards,
Andrew

Dr. Andrew Marsh
Square One research Pty Ltd

Dear Andrew and Caroline,

NatHERS whilst still around in AUS is being replaced with AccuRATE (2nd Generation Chenath).

There is at present a Roll - out across AUS of training in 2nd GEN asessment tools (for residential BTP) as part of a Federal initiative for National Accredtaton of Assessors.

Most States are likely to adopt 2nd GEN...some have. In NSW we have DoP (Dept of Plannng) or DoPey for short who seem intent with delaying the acceptance of AccuRATE in NSW.

BERS and FirstRate are similarly being upgraded using the Chenath 2nd GEN engine.

My comments are in support of the other requests for an integration with EcoTECT.

Whilst I have not used EcoTECT I am vitally interested in Sustainablty and have been using CAD and other related software snce late 60's and watched the Developement.

I am an Assessor elected mamber of the Board of ABSA (Assoc of Bulding Sustainablty Assessors) and accordingly I see that the integration of AccuRATE, BERS and FirstRATE into EcoTECT as a vital part of the continuing 'push' for sustainable practice here in AUS.

Your comments and support would be grately appreciated.
_______________________________________
Victor Z Yanchenko JP
BArch (HonI) UNSW
Sustainablty Consultant to the Built Environment