Unlock the key to construction site safety and compliance by understanding the critical moments and reasons to conduct a VURB Assessment in Australia.
What is a VURB assessment?
A VURB (Verification Using a Reference Building) assessment is a compliance pathway under the National Construction Code (NCC) of Australia, specifically tailored to demonstrate that a residential building meets energy efficiency requirements. This method provides an alternative to the prescriptive Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions and the NatHERS pathway, allowing for greater design flexibility while ensuring regulatory compliance.
In a VURB assessment, the proposed building is compared against a reference building that complies with DtS provisions. By analysing energy consumption and performance through simulation, the VURB process verifies that the proposed design achieves equal or superior energy efficiency outcomes, empowering designers to explore innovative solutions without compromising on compliance.
Which types of residential builds benefit from VURB compliance?
VURB compliance is particularly advantageous for residential projects where standard compliance pathways—such as DtS or NatHERS—present design or cost constraints. This includes complex or bespoke architectural designs, mixed-use or multi-residential developments or projects leveraging advanced construction materials and technologies that do not fit typical prescriptive standards.
For project owners, developers, and architects aiming to exceed baseline energy performance without limiting creative vision, VURB assessments facilitate a tailored approach. This pathway is also well-suited for renovations or additions where integrating new and existing structures poses unique energy modelling challenges.
How the VURB pathway under the National Construction Code (NCC) works in Australia
Under the NCC, the VURB pathway operates by defining a reference building that strictly adheres to DtS requirements. The proposed building is then modelled using accredited energy simulation software to calculate its annual energy consumption for heating, cooling, and other relevant factors.
If the simulation demonstrates that the proposed building performs as well as or better than the reference building, compliance is achieved. This process requires advanced technical expertise in thermal modelling, comprehensive documentation and rigorous quality assurance—ensuring all aspects of the NCC are satisfied while accommodating innovative design outcomes.
Key steps in preparing your VURB report with Certified Energy
Engaging Certified Energy for your VURB assessment ensures meticulous project management and expert technical guidance throughout the compliance process. The key steps include: initial consultation to define project goals and gather architectural documentation; development of a compliant reference building model; simulation of both the reference and proposed buildings using industry-standard software; detailed comparison and analysis; and preparation of a comprehensive VURB compliance report for submission to regulatory authorities.
Certified Energy’s team maintains close collaboration with project stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and timely delivery. Our approach emphasises quality assurance, rigorous risk management and full alignment with regulatory expectations—supporting your project from concept to approval.
Cost-benefit comparison: VURB vs Deemed-to-Satisfy or standard NatHERS
While VURB assessments may involve higher upfront consultancy and modelling costs compared to DtS or standard NatHERS pathways, the benefits are substantial for suitable projects. VURB enables greater design flexibility, potential for material and construction cost savings and superior energy performance outcomes—often resulting in lower lifecycle operational costs.
For complex or high-value residential developments, the investment in a VURB assessment can unlock opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the market, while ensuring full compliance with NCC standards. Certified Energy provides clear, project-specific cost-benefit analyses to guide decision-making and deliver maximum value to clients.
