Commercial Services
Section J DtS Compliance Report
A Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) assessment is always the first step in Efficient Living’s National Construction Code (NCC) Section J energy efficiency assessment service. A DtS assessment sets out the minimum glazing and insulation requirements for commercial buildings and communal areas in residential buildings. Proof of compliance with Section J is generally required at the construction certificate stage. It is however advised that a preliminary glazing calculator is completed pre-development application as the results may influence design in terms of glass size, location and shading structure design.
Efficient Living’s final Section J DtS compliance reports are laid out in an easy to follow table with insulation plan markups and accompanying NCC glazing tables.
Section J JV3 Alternative Solution
The National Construction Code allows a JV3 Alternative Solution for commercial buildings. JV3 allows much more flexibility with regards to design and specification. Efficient Living uses DesignBuilder to model commercial buildings under the JV3 policy when the DtS solution is not deemed appropriate.
DesignBuilder incorporates the EnergyPlus simulation engine which predicts building greenhouse gas emissions and occupant thermal comfort.
Commercial energy efficiency performance targets are far more stringent than the baseline for the residential sector so it makes sense to rely on detailed modelling to inform the design process for these building classes.
NABERS
It is becoming increasingly common to see DA conditions include the requirement to achieve a NABERS Energy Rating, either through a Design Assessment Report or Commitment Agreement. Commitment Agreements involve a NABERS review process to obtain a design rating, which enables a developer to market their building as a NABERS rated building whilst still in design, allowing high value tenants to be secured on more favourable lease terms.
Efficient Living offers a range of NABERS assessments, including Base Building Energy, Tenancy Energy and Shopping Centre assessments, ranging from concept stage advice for individual services to NABERS Commitment Agreements.
Green Star
Green Star is a holistic rating tool covering a wide range of sustainability initiatives. Efficient Living has extensive experience managing Green Star submissions, including both Design & As Built and Interiors ratings.
At Efficient Living we aim to consult with clients to determine the most feasible, cost-effective, highest value strategy for each project to ensure sustainable outcomes are optimised within budget.
Onsite Compliance
The Energy Efficiency framework in Australia revolves around buildings in the design stage. The As Built outcomes delivered to homeowners is not always as promised in early stage documentation.
There is now a lot of work being done to further educate certifiers and builders to improve build quality. In NSW, following the final inspection and prior to issuing a final occupation certificate, the certifying authority is required to issue a BASIX completion receipt. It is now becoming more common for certifiers of multi-residential and commercial building projects to request the final check to be completed by an independant Qualified Assessor rather than the builder.
Efficient Living provides this service to further support our building clients, reduce their liabilities and improve quality control. We aim to make the compliance process as easy as possible by providing installation certification documents for our clients to distribute to all relevant trades, complete the site inspections as required to ensure the building complies with Section J, Energy Efficiency of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Beautifully designed and specified buildings make our home and workspace more enjoyable. We thrive in bright, fresh and healthy environments. Businesses recognise the effect of indoor air quality on staff productivity and retention. Efficient Living understands sustainability has moved beyond energy efficiency and is now all about LIVABILITY.