NCC 2022 · NatHERS 7-Star · AS 2047:2014
NCC 2022 7-Star glazing, decoded for builders
Since NCC 2022 lifted new homes and apartments to a NatHERS 7-star minimum, windows became the make-or-break element of every energy assessment. Here's exactly what your glazing has to do — and how Seamless's AS 2047:2014 certified thermally broken systems hit Uw 2.0–3.0 W/m²K to get your project over the line.
What changed in NCC 2022
The 7-star uplift moved the goalposts on glazing
NCC 2022 raised the minimum thermal performance of new Class 1 homes and Class 2 apartments to the equivalent of 7 stars under NatHERS — in effect from 1 May 2024 in most states (NSW from October 2023). A 7-star home uses roughly 25% less heating and cooling energy than a 6-star equivalent.
7 stars, modelled window by window
NatHERS software models every window individually — size, orientation, frame type and glass type. There's no averaging your way past a weak frame. Across climate zones 2–7, NCC 2022 demands roughly a 20% improvement in window U-value and a 30% improvement in SHGC versus NCC 2019.
- —Minimum lifted from 6 to 7 stars, plus a new whole-of-home annual energy budget
- —Every elevation assessed on its own U-value and orientation-matched SHGC
- —Standard single-glazed aluminium almost never complies on its own
The weakest point in the whole envelope
A well-insulated external wall reaches R2.5 or higher. A standard single-glazed aluminium window sits closer to R0.2 — the single biggest hole in the thermal envelope. That gap is exactly why glazing is now the first thing an energy assessor scrutinises.
- —Wall R2.5+ vs a single-glazed window at roughly R0.2
- —Glazing is the fastest lever to lift a failing NatHERS rating
- —Getting the spec right early avoids costly redesigns and re-glazing
The numbers that decide compliance
Three figures your assessor actually checks
Compliance comes down to three whole-of-system numbers — not glass-only marketing figures. Get these right for each orientation and the rating follows.
U-value comparison
What actually gets your glazing to 7 stars
Whole-window U-value (Uw) is the number your energy assessor models — glass and frame together. This is how common window build-ups stack up against the band most 7-star builds need.
| Frame & glazing type | Typical Uw (W/m²K) | 7-star ready? |
|---|---|---|
| Single-glazed standard aluminium | 5.5 – 6.0 | No |
| Double-glazed standard aluminium (clear) | 3.6 – 4.2 | Rarely |
| Double-glazed aluminium + Low-E | 2.6 – 3.4 | Sometimes |
| Seamless thermally broken + double-glazed Low-E | 2.0 – 3.0 | Yes |
| Thermally broken + Low-E double coat | 1.8 – 2.2 | Yes |
Indicative whole-window U-value ranges from WERS-listed product data and Seamless AS 2047:2014 system specifications. The exact compliant Uw and SHGC depend on your climate zone, orientation and glazing ratio — always confirm the WERS-rated figures for your selected series.
Why Seamless clears the bar
Certified systems, engineered for the code
Seamless manufactures thermally broken aluminium windows and doors built for the Australian market — certified to AS 2047:2014 and wind-rated to AS/NZS 1170.2 — landing inside the U-value band builders need for 7-star compliance.
NCC 2022 glazing FAQ
Common questions from builders, specifiers and energy assessors.
What is the NCC 2022 7-star requirement?+
NCC 2022 requires new Class 1 homes and Class 2 apartments to achieve a minimum NatHERS thermal performance rating equivalent to 7 stars, plus a whole-of-home annual energy budget. It took effect from 1 May 2024 in most jurisdictions (NSW from October 2023).
Do I have to use thermally broken windows to hit 7 stars?+
Not legally — the rating applies to the whole home, not a single component. But in practice, double-glazed thermally broken (or uPVC) frames are the most reliable way to reach 7 stars, especially with larger glazing areas. Standard single-glazed aluminium almost never complies.
What U-value do my windows need?+
There's no single number — it depends on climate zone, orientation and glazing ratio. Most 7-star Australian builds land in the Uw 1.8–2.8 W/m²K range. Seamless thermally broken systems sit at 2.0–3.0 W/m²K. Confirm the target with your energy assessor early in design.
Is AS 2047 the same as NCC compliance?+
No. AS 2047:2014 certifies the window's manufacture and performance — weather, structural and operational requirements. NCC/NatHERS governs the building's energy rating. You need AS 2047-compliant windows with verified WERS thermal data to satisfy both.
Can Seamless provide WERS / U-value data for my energy assessor?+
Yes. We supply the total-system U-value and SHGC figures your assessor needs to model the build, alongside AS 2047:2014 test reports and wind ratings. Request the documentation pack via the contact form.
Spec your project for 7-star compliance
Send us your climate zone, orientation and glazing schedule. We'll return AS 2047:2014 certified systems with the WERS-verified U-values your energy assessor needs to clear NCC 2022.
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