BCA Section J Report and JV3 Assessment in Sydney, NSW

The Building Code of Australia (Volume One) contains energy efficiency provisions that apply to Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (commercial) buildings. A compliance report (commonly called a Section J or a Part J Report) is required before construction commences for new buildings and for alterations and additions.

Gradwell Consulting has extensive experience in preparing comprehensive, cost effective and easy to understand reports. Contact us now for a fee proposal.

We also offer obligation free reviews if you have a problem with an existing Section J Report.

How BCA Section J Reports Work

The most common methodology used for evaluating compliance is called Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS). A DtS based Section J (or Part J) report ensures that the design meets the exact DtS Provisions in the BCA.

Most designs are successfully assessed using DtS, however Verification Method JV3 is an important performance solution when increased flexibility is required.

Gradwell Consulting has completed many DtS and JV3 based reports and can provide advice on the best approach. We know what to look for when completing assessments and ensure that our Section J Reports are as thorough, as they are understandable.

Useful Link: Australian Building Codes Board  www.abcb.gov.au

Contact our team for BCA Section J reports for Sydney and NSW

For a Section J (or Part J) Report get in touch with our skilled team at Gradwell Consulting. You can call 1800 11 24 25, email david@gradwellconsulting.com or fill out our online enquiry form. Our services extended across Sydney and all of NSW, so no matter where you are, we can assist in providing you with the report you need.

If you also require any other type pf assessment such as a BASIX Certificate, JV3 assessment, ESD consulting, NatHERS assessment or sustainability consulting, we are the experts you can trust. Learn more by browsing our services.

Why Use DtS-based Report to Meet Section J Conditions

DtS is the simplest approach to preparing a Section J report. A DtS-based report examines the building fabric (floors, roof and walls), glazing, sealing, air-conditioning and ventilation, artificial lighting and power, hot water supply and access for maintenance.

Each aspect must meet or exceed the requirements in Section J of the building code. There is no prescribed format for the compliance report, however Gradwell Consulting has developed easy to follow templates.

Although DtS is fairly straightforward and works well for simple structures, it can struggle to address more complex situations.

Some important limitations include:
•    each element of the building must pass the minimum standard prescribed.
•    walls, floors, roof/ceiling are assessed independently.
•    glazing calculations are somewhat simplistic.
•    only certain types of shading can be included in the assessment.
•    no credit is given for superior performance.
•    on-site generation of energy is not acknowledged.

This is a long list and it is increasingly common for JV3 computer simulation to be selected as the best approach.

Consider the JV3 Approach for the Section J Report

Although more work, the JV3 approach offers much greater flexibility. The ability to “trade-off” aspects of the design is a huge plus. This avoids the prescriptive nature of DtS that often results in a solution that is impractical for construction, cost or aesthetic reasons.

The basic steps for Verification Method JV3 are:

•    build a 3D model of the building (usually imported from CAD information).
•    set up the model to represent the DtS (reference) model.
•    set up a new model to represent the proposed design.
•    ensure that the proposed building does not exceed the annual energy used by the reference building.

These comparisons are undertaken with DtS services and defined specifications for occupancy and operation. It is also possible to use the computer simulation to then improve the services (e.g. HVAC).

Gradwell Consulting uses leading software packages DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus for building simulation.
There are many factors that will determine whether Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) or Computer Simulation (JV3) should be used. Because it is less time consuming, DtS is usually the default choice. But it is often not the best choice.

JV3 can result in a design that costs less to build so the money invested in computer simulation is well spent. And DtS will sometimes result in a design that is impractical or not in tune with the original design concept.

For these reasons, Gradwell Consulting recommends that designers seek advice early in the design process.

How DesignBuilder Can Help You with Your Section J Report

Gradwell Consulting uses DesignBuilder for all advanced simulation work.

Developed in the UK, this leading software provides powerful 3D modelling tools and has a sophisticated database for managing construction materials, openings, activity, HVAC, lighting, heat loads etc.

DesignBuilder also includes powerful 3D visualisation tools that allow shadow assessment, building walk throughs and daylighting analysis to name a few.

With the help of DesignBuilder, you are able to perform simulations and analyses to help identify areas for improvement in building design, such as:

• Conduct Energy Modelling and Simulation: DesignBuilder can simulate and analyse the energy performance of your building design, which helps in identifying areas of improvement for meeting Section J requirements.
• Identify Potential Energy-Saving Measures: The software can identify potential energy-saving measures in your building design, which can help in achieving compliance with the Section J requirements.
• Create Reports and Compliance Documentation: With DesignBuilder, you can generate compliance documentation and reports in a user-friendly format, simplifying the Section J reporting process.
• Improve Building Design and Performance: By using DesignBuilder, building designers and consultants can identify opportunities for improving their building designs’ energy efficiency and thermal performance.

Thermal simulation is performed by EnergyPlus – the US Department of Energy developed modeller.

These tools have allowed Gradwell Consulting to provide solutions for projects ranging from small warehouses to large residential aged care facilities.

Useful Link: www.designbuilder.com.au