JV3 Performance Solution Assessments

Performance solution pathway / JV3

Use whole-building performance to protect the design.

Understand how the reference-building comparison creates flexibility across the facade, fabric and services while maintaining a clear NCC compliance pathway.

Service detail

What is a JV3 assessment?

A JV3 is a whole-of-building simulation used to determine how a proposed building performs in comparison to a reference building under the Deemed to Satisfy Provisions of the Building Code in Volume 1 of the National Construction Code (NCC). The reference building is established by modelling the first building to meet the Deemed to Satisfy provisions, and then the software calculates the energy consumption of the building if it were built according to the Section J report type outcome. This provides a baseline for the proposed building's energy consumption, and different attributes can be altered to match or improve upon the reference building's energy consumption.

One of the main advantages of using JV3 simulations is the flexibility it provides for building design. The simulations allow for underperformance in certain areas to be compensated for by overperformance in others. This can be particularly useful in renovations or retrofitting where certain aspects of the building cannot be changed due to factors such as heritage requirements, cost, design constraints, or aesthetics. For example, if a building has heritage requirements that prevent modifications to certain parts of the building, the JV3 simulation can allow for those parts to be ignored and make up for the losses in other areas of the building.

With intimate knowledge that only comes with being involved with developing the rules LittleShrub are uniquely placed to assist you in meeting the new Section J requirements of NCC 2019. Feel comfortable in the knowledge you are being assisted by true industry experts.

Key guidance

Our Experience

LittleShrub continue to be actively involved in Standards Australia and provide strong guidance to the committee on ongoing changes required to progress the Energy Efficiency ambitions of the Australian Government. Not only do we understand what is required by the Building Code, but we were involved in the creation of some of the regulations that govern the sector today.

Possibly one of the biggest changes to Section J in NCC 2019 was the introduction of AS/NZS 4859.1:2018. It is this Australian Standard which sets the rules of how an ESD consultant needs to go about calculating the performance of a building in a DtS Section J solution and it is this point which really elevates LittleShrub above the crowd. It was our staff that drafted these rules on behalf of Standards Australia for inclusion into the BCA for 2019.

Our staff have been involved in the space for over a decade, and we bring the knowledge of inner workings of the regulatory space as well as knowledge of where the industry is heading into the future. We pride ourselves on being actively involved in how the industry, as a whole, looks to the future to create a more energy conscious Australia.

Service detail

Purpose

The purpose of a JV3 report is to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency requirements set out in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 1. The NCC is a set of guidelines and requirements that all new buildings, as well as renovations and additions to existing buildings, must comply with in Australia.

The energy efficiency requirements of the NCC are set out in Section J, which sets minimum standards for insulation, glazing, lighting, and other aspects of a building's design and construction. A JV3 report is a whole-of-building simulation used to assess the energy efficiency of a proposed building design, and to compare it to a reference building that complies with the Section J requirements.

By using a JV3 simulation, architects, builders, and designers can determine how a proposed building will perform in terms of energy consumption and efficiency, and identify areas where improvements can be made. This allows for more flexible and creative building designs, while still meeting the NCC energy efficiency requirements.

Overall, the purpose of a JV3 report is to ensure that new buildings, as well as renovations and additions, meet the energy efficiency standards set out in the NCC. This helps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which is important for the environment and for reducing energy costs for building occupants.

Selected performance work

Previous Works

A small snapshot of some of our previous works.

JV3

Volvo Springwood

A new showroom for Volvo

JV3

NDIS Loganholme

A care building for the NDIS

JV3

McDonalds Training Centre

A Training Centre for McDonalds in Tamworth

Section J Report

Childcare Centre Clontarf

A new childcare centre in Clontarf QLD

Service detail

How does it work?

A JV3 report is a type of whole-building simulation used to assess the energy efficiency of a proposed building design. It works by using computer modelling software to create a virtual 3D model of the building, and then simulating how the building will perform in terms of energy consumption, heating and cooling loads, and other factors. The JV3 simulation is based on a reference building, which is the first building to be modelled to comply with the energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) Section J. The reference building is used to establish a baseline for energy consumption, which can then be compared to the proposed building design.

The software takes into account a wide range of factors that can affect a building's energy efficiency, including its orientation, the size and location of windows and doors, the type and thickness of insulation, the heating and cooling system, and the lighting and ventilation systems. The software then calculates the predicted energy consumption of the building design, based on these factors. Once the simulation is complete, the results are analysed to identify areas where the building design can be improved to increase energy efficiency. This might involve adjusting the orientation of the building, increasing insulation levels, or using more efficient heating and cooling systems, for example.

One of the key benefits of using a JV3 simulation is that it allows for a more flexible approach to building design. Designers can make adjustments to different elements of the building to achieve compliance with energy efficiency standards, while still achieving the desired aesthetic, functional or budgetary outcomes. Overall, a JV3 report is an important tool for ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the NCC, and to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Key guidance

The Requirements

JV3 simulations allow for much more flexible design. Put simply is allows for you to underperform in some places and compensate by over performing in other places. This is very useful in particular when it comes to renovations or retrofitting. During a renovation to an existing building, there might be numerous reasons why some aspects cant be changed. These might include things such as:

Heritage requirements

It may not be possible to modify certain part of a building due to heritage requirements, JV3's allow you to ignore those parts and make up for the losses in places which aren't restricted.

Cost

Every building is different, and while something might be cost effective on one building, doesn't mean it'll be cost effective on the next. JV3's allow you to increase performance in places where increases are cheaper to implement while reducing performance in places where it's expensive.

Design Constraints

Often with energy efficiency, to get something that performs better, you need more room. However just as often, you might not be able to accommodate something like thicker insulation in a roof as you have strict RL's. JV3's allow for you to offset the performance elsewhere.

Aesthetics

With particular reference to landmark type buildings, the vision of the building designer might be of high importance. A simple example of this might be the want to include stained glass windows. Typically stained glass windows would have low performance, and its impractical to have double glazed stained glass from an aesthetics standpoint. A JV3 would allow the determination of a solution in this instance.

Service detail

How much does a Section J report cost?

This will depend on complexity. JV3's typically start at $2000, through to $5000 for larger more complex buildings.

What drives cost?

When considering how design will impact the cost of a Section J, the following aspects will have an influence on the cost of the report.

How many wall types are there?

If there is brick wall in one place and weatherboards in another, this will mean there are two wall types. Calculating each wall type will increase time and cost.

How many roof types are there?

As with the above, different types of roofs will need to be considered individually and will influence cost.

Slab on ground, or suspended floor?

Slab on ground is typically easier to assess than suspended slabs, but not always, this generally won't affect things.

Verandahs or other external shading

All types of shading will need need to be reviewed in CAD programs. While they'll help with performance and might drive down overall construction/running costs, the time taken to assess them is longer.

Glazing variations and numbers.

Glazing is a big part of Section J, and the more glazing there is, the more time it will take to assess. This will drive up the cost.

Final performance-solution scope, modelling assumptions and compliance evidence should be confirmed for the project with the relevant practitioners and certifier.

JV3 Performance Solution Assessments

Use whole-building performance to protect the design.