First Rate Energy Services was established in 2005 to provide a quality house energy rating (HER) service and sustainability services to its clients. We are fully accredited Thermal Performance Assessors with Design Matters National (DMN). Prior to this, and mandatory compliance which was introduced via the BCA in 2004, we provided HERs to those interested in energy efficient design through our work at Sustainability Victoria (or SV, previously known as SEAV, EEV and Energy Victoria).

Our team has over 30 years experience in energy efficiency and sustainable housing. This includes 13 years with Sustainability Victoria, including input into the development of house energy rating software (i.e. FirsRate 4 and 5) since its inception in Victoria in 1992.

Our Principal Consultant, Fondas Verginis (BSc., Dip.Ed., Cert IV in NatHERS Assessment), has held technical and managerial positions at SV and the Energy Information Centre for over a decade. During this time he developed and provided sustainability advice and information to thousands of clients, including registered builders, architects, owner builders, students of all levels, the general public and other building professionals. He is highly regarded in the construction industry and the field of energy efficient house design.

Being users of energy rating software since 1992, and one of the first to be officially accredited by Sustainability Victoria in 2000, we have successfully completed thousands of assessments in this time. This ranges from simple detached homes and units to large architecturally designed homes. We also have vast experience in servicing volume builders, to ensure the 6 Star Standard is achieved in the most cost effective manner.

For clients interested in the ultimate energy efficient home, we are also experts in achieving 7 Star homes and beyond. We have developed a highly successful 7 Star range of homes for a major volume builder, with this product comprising approximately 50% of all their home sales.

First Rate Energy Services are also an Accredited HIA GreenSmart Professional, with extensive experience in building homes to the environmental standards outlined in the GreenSmart program. We have also contributed to numerous sustainability awards for our clients through this program.

Our core values are:

• Working together to achieve the best environmental, social and economic outcomes (the “Triple Bottom Line” approach)
• Considering our impact on the environment at all times
• Being at the forefront of best practice sustainability solutions
• Honesty and integrity.

Our House Energy Rating business prides itself on:

• A fast, reliable quality service
• Quick turnaround, generally within 2 working days
• Obtaining the most cost effective solutions for clients (e.g. volume builders)
• Our knowledge of domestic sustainability including building products, which is second to none.