Residential Performance Solution Documentation
A successful thermal model comparison is an important part of a VURB assessment. But the modelling result must also be supported by documentation that explains how the proposed design demonstrates compliance.
Verification Using a Reference Building (VURB) is a technical assessment method that can be used within an NCC Performance Solution where the relevant provisions apply. Understanding the difference between a VURB modelling report and the broader Performance Solution documentation helps architects, builders and approval teams coordinate the evidence needed for a residential project.
In Brief
Under national NCC 2022 Volume Two H6V2, the proposed dwelling is compared with a compliant reference building using prescribed thermal modelling conditions.
The technical assessment provides evidence of whether the required heating and cooling load comparisons have been satisfied.
A Performance Solution must also be developed and documented through the applicable NCC process, including the performance-based design brief, analysis, evaluation and final reporting.
The modelling report and Performance Solution documentation may be integrated into a coordinated reporting package, but the required technical evidence and process should remain identifiable.
Applicable NCC Requirements
This article discusses documentation for a Performance Solution using the national NCC 2022 Volume Two H6V2 Verification Method. The applicable NCC edition, jurisdictional variations and approval requirements must be confirmed for each project.
H6V2 does not apply under the NSW variation to NCC 2022. For further information, see Where Can VURB Be Used in Australia?
Understanding the Distinction
A VURB assessment report primarily explains the technical modelling comparison between the proposed residential building and its reference building.
Performance Solution documentation has a broader purpose. It records the compliance problem being addressed, the relevant Performance Requirements, the selected Assessment Methods, the analysis undertaken and the basis for concluding whether the proposed solution satisfies the NCC.
Where H6V2 is used as the Verification Method, its modelling outputs can form a central part of the supporting evidence. However, the thermal results alone do not necessarily document every element required by the Performance Solution process.
The distinction is therefore one of purpose and scope, rather than a requirement to produce two completely separate physical reports.
Documentation Roles
Technical Assessment
Documents the modelling methodology, assessed design, reference building assumptions and thermal load comparison.
Primary question:
Does the proposed dwelling satisfy the applicable H6V2 verification criteria on the assessed basis?
Compliance Framework
Records the relevant NCC requirements, agreed assessment framework, supporting analysis, evaluation and compliance conclusions.
Primary question:
How has the project demonstrated compliance with the relevant Performance Requirements through the selected assessment process?
Technical Reporting
A clear technical report should allow the assessment basis and conclusions to be understood and reviewed.
Depending on the project and reporting arrangement, relevant information may include:
This is an illustrative description of useful technical evidence, not a separately prescribed NCC report template. The required level of detail depends on the project and applicable assessment process.
Performance-Based Design Brief
The Performance-Based Design Brief (PBDB) establishes the agreed framework for developing and assessing a Performance Solution.
Under NCC 2022 A2G2, the Performance Solution process includes preparing a PBDB in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, undertaking analysis, evaluating the results and preparing a final report.
For a residential thermal performance assessment, the PBDB may identify the scope of the proposed solution, the relevant NCC Performance Requirements, the intended Assessment Methods, the assessment criteria and the roles of relevant participants.
The PBDB should be developed as part of the assessment process rather than treated as a document that can always be reconstructed after the modelling is complete.
NCC Assessment Process
01
Establish the scope, applicable Performance Requirements, proposed Assessment Methods and agreed assessment framework.
02
Complete the relevant technical assessment, including H6V2 modelling where that Verification Method applies.
03
Assess the findings against the agreed criteria and determine whether the relevant Performance Requirements have been demonstrated.
04
Document the process, evidence, results and conclusions for the Performance Solution.
These stages reflect the NCC Performance Solution process. Project-specific reporting and consultation arrangements must be confirmed with the relevant participants and approval authority.
Compliance Scope
The national NCC 2022 H6V2 Verification Method provides a means of verifying compliance with H6P1, the relevant residential thermal performance requirement.
The method establishes prescribed comparisons between the proposed and reference buildings. It also retains specific direct requirements that must be satisfied in addition to the calculated thermal load comparison.
A favourable H6V2 result should therefore not be presented as evidence that every energy efficiency obligation applying to the project has been satisfied.
In particular, H6V2 is not itself a verification method for H6P2. Other applicable energy efficiency, services or jurisdiction-specific requirements must be addressed through their relevant compliance provisions.
Assessment and Approval
The relevant approval process requires sufficient evidence to determine whether the proposed building complies with the applicable regulatory requirements.
For a Performance Solution using VURB, the supporting documentation should clearly identify the proposed design, the relevant Performance Requirements, the assessment method and the basis for the compliance conclusion.
The appropriate authority may also need to consider whether the Performance Solution process has been followed, whether the evidence is adequate and whether any additional requirements remain outstanding.
A consultant's technical report supports the approval process but does not, by itself, constitute regulatory approval. The applicable roles, responsibilities and submission requirements depend on the jurisdiction and project circumstances.
Documentation Quality
The documents do not clearly identify which Performance Requirements are being addressed or which Assessment Methods have been applied.
The thermal model relies on drawings or specifications that no longer match the design being submitted or constructed.
The assessment conclusion is provided without sufficient information about the modelling assumptions, reference building or comparison results.
A favourable thermal comparison is treated as covering other applicable provisions that require separate compliance consideration.
Reporting Structure
Yes. Depending on the project and the applicable reporting arrangements, the technical VURB evidence and the broader Performance Solution documentation may be presented within a coordinated report or package.
The important consideration is whether the documentation adequately records the required assessment process, modelling evidence, evaluation and compliance conclusions.
Combining documents does not remove the need to satisfy the relevant NCC process or provide sufficient evidence for the proposed solution.
Project Coordination
Early coordination between the designer, energy consultant and relevant approval participants can help establish the required compliance pathway and reporting expectations before the assessment is finalised.
Project teams should confirm the applicable NCC edition and jurisdictional provisions, establish the Performance Solution scope and coordinate the assessment against current architectural drawings and specifications.
Where the design changes, the assessment and documentation should be reviewed to determine whether the existing evidence remains applicable.
For guidance on the information needed to begin modelling, see Essential Documents for a VURB Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. A VURB report documents the technical reference building comparison. Performance Solution documentation must also address the applicable NCC assessment process, relevant Performance Requirements and supporting compliance conclusions. The information may be combined into a coordinated reporting package.
Does a VURB Performance Solution require a PBDB?Under NCC 2022 A2G2, preparing a Performance-Based Design Brief is part of the Performance Solution process. The PBDB establishes the agreed assessment framework in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
What does a VURB technical report demonstrate?It provides technical evidence of the proposed building's thermal load comparison against the compliant reference building under the applicable H6V2 criteria, including the relevant assumptions and assessment results.
Does a passing VURB result demonstrate compliance with every energy efficiency requirement?No. H6V2 addresses the relevant H6P1 verification criteria and retains specified direct requirements. Other applicable NCC provisions, including requirements outside the scope of H6V2, must be addressed separately.
Can the certifier request additional Performance Solution documentation?The relevant approval authority may require sufficient supporting evidence to assess the proposed solution and its compliance with applicable requirements. The specific documentation and approval process depend on the jurisdiction and project circumstances.
Can VURB documentation be updated after design changes?Yes, where appropriate. The impact of the design changes should be reviewed, any necessary modelling updated and the compliance evidence aligned with the revised proposal. Approval implications must also be considered.
Can H6V2 be used for residential Performance Solutions in NSW?H6V2 does not apply under the NSW variation to NCC 2022 Volume Two. NSW projects must follow the applicable BASIX, NSW NCC and project approval requirements.
Related Guidance
Knowledge Hub
Understand the wider verification framework and residential compliance context.
Project Inputs
Review the drawings and specifications needed to begin the assessment.
Technical Method
Explore the calculation method used to compare the proposed and reference buildings.
Revision Management
Understand when design revisions may require reassessment and updated evidence.
Residential Compliance Documentation
Share your project location, drawings and current compliance information. Certified Energy can review the applicable pathway and advise on the technical assessment and documentation requirements relevant to your residential project.
Explore VURB Assessment ServicesLast reviewed: October 2026. This article discusses Performance Solution documentation in the context of national NCC 2022 Volume Two H6V2. Applicable NCC editions, jurisdictional variations and project-specific approval requirements must be confirmed. Part of the Certified Energy Residential Compliance Knowledge Hub.