RTO 91528 — NSW Fair Trading Approved
Builders Sustainability CPD Courses
8 online sustainability courses covering energy efficiency, thermal mass, insulation, glazing, shading, the 7-star NatHERS standard and more. Build to tomorrow’s standards. Earn your CPD today. Register Now — Start Your Sustainability CPD
Sustainability is reshaping residential construction in NSW. The National Construction Code 2022 introduced a mandatory 7-star NatHERS energy rating for new homes — a significant step up that affects every design decision around insulation, glazing, orientation, and HVAC. NSW Fair Trading includes Sustainability as one of the eight approved CPD learning areas under the Home Building Act 1989. Builders CPD Online (RTO 91528) offers 8 online Sustainability CPD courses written for NSW builders in plain, practical language.
Sustainability CPD Courses Available
Building Sustainability
An introduction to sustainable building principles, NatHERS energy ratings, the NCC 2022 requirements for NSW residential buildings, and why the 7-star standard changes what builders need to know and specify. 2–4 CPD PointsThermal Mass Basics
How thermal mass works in residential construction — material selection for NSW climate zones, optimal placement, and how to effectively reduce heating and cooling energy loads. 2–4 CPD PointsOrientation Design
The role of building orientation in passive solar design — maximising winter sun, minimising summer heat gain, and how orientation decisions directly affect NatHERS star ratings and occupant comfort. 2–4 CPD PointsHome Shading
Fixed and adjustable shading strategies for NSW residential buildings — eaves design, pergolas, louvres, and external blinds — and their measurable effect on cooling loads and energy performance. 2–4 CPD PointsInsulation
Types of insulation used in NSW residential construction, R-value requirements under the NCC, installation best practices across floor, wall, and ceiling applications, and the defects that silently undermine thermal performance. 2–4 CPD PointsWindow Glazing
Glazing performance ratings, low-E glass, double glazing options, window-to-wall ratios, and how glazing specifications affect NatHERS energy ratings, condensation risk, and occupant comfort in NSW homes. 2–4 CPD PointsHome Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling system options for NSW residential buildings — efficiency ratings, how HVAC selection affects NatHERS performance, and the role of mechanical ventilation in modern energy-efficient homes. 2–4 CPD PointsEnergy and Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting systems, LED technology, smart lighting controls, and the residential lighting requirements under the National Construction Code for new and renovated NSW homes. 2–4 CPD PointsBuild to the 7-star NatHERS standard. Earn your CPD at the same time.
8 sustainability courses available. Mix with other categories to complete your 12-point annual requirement from $169. Register Now — From $169NCC 2022 and the 7-Star NatHERS Standard
The NCC 2022, now adopted in NSW, requires new residential homes to achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy rating — up from 6 stars. Every builder working on new homes needs to understand how insulation, glazing, orientation, shading, and HVAC interact to meet this standard. Our sustainability CPD courses give you that foundation — written for builders, not engineers.
📚
Standard — 2 PointsRead the course material at your own pace.✎️
With Quiz — 4 PointsComplete reading plus a 20-question quiz.📱
Any DeviceMobile and tablet friendly — study anywhere.🏆
Instant CertificateDownload on completion for licence renewal.What you need to know
- Sustainability is one of 8 NSW Fair Trading approved CPD learning areas
- 8 courses available — earn up to 32 CPD points from this category
- Covers NatHERS 7-star standard, NCC 2022, insulation, glazing, thermal mass, HVAC & more
- Written for NSW builders — no prior sustainability knowledge required
- Directly relevant to new home construction requirements across all NSW climate zones
- Instant CPD certificate on completion — ready for NSW Fair Trading licence renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sustainability CPD count toward my NSW builder licence renewal?
Yes. Sustainability is one of the eight NSW Fair Trading approved CPD learning areas. Points count toward your 12-point annual CPD requirement under the Home Building Act 1989.
What is the 7-star NatHERS standard and how does it affect NSW builders?
The NCC 2022 (adopted in NSW) requires new homes to achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy rating — up from 6 stars. This affects design decisions around insulation, glazing, orientation, shading, and HVAC on every new home you build.
Are sustainability courses relevant to builders in Western Sydney?
Yes. Western Sydney’s climate — hot summers, cooler winters — makes thermal mass, shading, and insulation particularly important. Our courses cover passive design principles relevant to all NSW climate zones including Greater Sydney.
Do I need prior sustainability knowledge to complete these courses?
No. All our sustainability courses are written for licensed builders with no prior sustainability or engineering background required. The content is practical and directly applicable to your work.
What does the Insulation course cover?
The course covers types of insulation used in NSW residential construction, R-value requirements under the NCC, correct installation across floor, wall, and ceiling applications, and the common defects that silently undermine thermal performance and NatHERS star ratings.
Can I earn all 12 CPD points from sustainability courses?
Yes. With 8 courses earning 2–4 CPD points each, you can earn up to 32 points. NSW Fair Trading does not mandate a specific split across learning areas.
Do I receive a certificate for completing sustainability CPD?
Yes. A downloadable CPD certificate is issued immediately on completion — ready for NSW Fair Trading licence renewal.