We prepare BCA (NCC) Part J (Section J) reports for all types of developments, extensions and refurbishments. Part J of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires minimum levels of energy efficiency to be achieved for non-residential buildings (generally building classes 3-10). A Part J Report highlights the energy efficiency requirements for a Class 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 for non-residential commercial buildings. This is defined by Section J (or Part J) of Volume One of the National Construction Code (NCC), formally known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The Section J Method of Compliance (Deemed-to-Satisfy – DTS) is used when the Evidence of Suitability method (using the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) Provisions of Part J of the Energy Efficiency section of the NCC Volume 1) have been chosen as the most appropriate method to assess the compliance of the proposed development.
Part J Report addresses:
- Building Fabric
- Building Sealing
- Air-Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
- Artificial Lighting and Power
- Heated Water Supply and Swimming pool and spa pool plan
- Facilities for energy monitoring
We undertake thorough Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) assessments for which we liaise with the building surveyor. For more complex buildings – that do not pass the simpler DTS assessment – we can undertake energy modelling of the proposed building. This computer modelling JV3 simulation assessment generally provides more opportunities for solutions and meeting compliance than does the simpler DTS assessments.
JV3 Simulation Assessment
The JV3 modelling assessment is a compliance approach that requires simulation of the Proposed Building using computer modelling software on an hourly basis. For energy Performance Solution, NCC sets the boundaries for computer energy modelling in its Section JV3 and calls it “Verification Using a Reference Building”. Architects and people in the energy efficiency industry also call performance solution as “Alternative method” or “JV3 modelling” method.
This alternative method compares the thermal performance of the Proposed Building with proposed insulation, glazing and services with the NCC Reference Building. The Reference Building has the same geometry as the Proposed Building but with insulation, glazing and services prescriptive of NCC Deemed to Satisfy solution. The outcome is simple – pass or fail! To pass the energy efficiency requirement test, annual energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions from the Proposed Building must be equal to or less than that of the NCC Reference Building.
Northern Environmental Design 