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Architect and biomaterial expert Maria Walker named Future Thinker of the Year for 2023
Future Thinkers Circularity Panel Discussion

Homestar Designer: Residential Energy Modelling 

 

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Course Overview

The delivery of this course follows an online format over 7 weeks, 10.00am - 12.00pm every Tuesday.   

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the Homestar rating tool and sustainable design principles, equipping you to design homes that meet the highest environmental standards. A core component of the course is learning how to use the Homestar Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes (ECCHO), which is essential for assessing the energy efficiency and sustainability of your designs. As part of the course fee, you’ll receive a Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) licence—required to use ECCHO. If you already hold an active PHPP license, you can contact us for a discount on the course fee.

Who is this course for?

It is ideal for professionals involved in the design, planning, or consulting of residential buildings who want to create healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
  • Use the Homestar Energy and Carbon Calculator (ECCHO) - an approved pathway for meeting the H1 section of the building code
  • Use modelling to consider a whole of house approach to delivering a healthy efficient home
  • Apply sustainable design principles to real-world projects, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality
  • If you choose to also complete Homestar Fundamentals, you will receive your Homestar Designer accreditation
  • Understand the certification process, preparing you to lead projects through the Homestar assessment with confidence

 

pricing

Pricing (excl. GST)

If you are associated with the CGF, please email us before registering as we have funding available.

$1,745 Member price
$2,615 Non Member price
$1,615 Future Thinkers

Register now
timing
Timing

7/10/25
10am-12pm

where
Where

Online via our training platform

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NZRAB CPD Points

80 NZRAB points available

Send us your NZRAB profile number post course completion and we can allocate these points to you!

6

Facilitated by

Joe Lyth
Joe Lyth

Director, Architect, PHINZ Board Chair

Joe Lyth is Director of WEL Architecture, and Chair of the Passive House Institute New Zealand. He is a Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer and Homestar Assessor and trainer with expertise in high performance, new build and renovation design in the UK and NZ.

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Homestar Designer course FAQs

These are technical accreditations that require an understanding of how homes are designed and built in Aotearoa. Attendees must be able to read and interpret house plans and have a basic understanding of building science. Therefore, one of the following qualifications and/or experience is required to attend either of these courses:

  • Architectural designer, architect
  • Engineer
  • Building scientist/technologist
  • Quantity surveyor
  • Licensed Building Practitioner Level 2 and 3

If you feel you have an equivalent experience, please contact us.

The course is targeted at those who will be working on the design of a Homestar v5 project. They will need to comply with the prerequisite requirements mentioned above.