VURB Energy Reports
When Do You Need a VURB Energy Report Instead of DTS or NatHERS?
A VURB Energy Report may be used where a project needs a reference building pathway rather than a standard DTS or NatHERS approach.
What Is a VURB Energy Report?
VURB stands for Verification Using a Reference Building. It is an energy assessment pathway that compares a proposed building against a reference building that follows the relevant compliance requirements.
Instead of checking every element against a prescriptive Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway, the VURB method assesses how the proposed design performs when modelled against a compliant reference case. This can be useful where the design needs more flexibility than a simple prescriptive pathway allows.
Reference Building
VURB Knowledge Hub
Learn how VURB works and when a reference building method may apply.
Prescriptive Pathway
DTS Reports
Understand when a Deemed-to-Satisfy report may be suitable.
How VURB Differs From DTS
A Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway is generally more prescriptive. It sets out specific construction requirements that a project must follow to satisfy the relevant energy efficiency provisions.
This can work well for straightforward buildings. However, if a project has design features that do not neatly align with the prescriptive pathway, a reference building method may provide another way to demonstrate compliance while preserving more of the design intent.
How VURB Differs From NatHERS
NatHERS is commonly used for residential thermal performance assessments, especially for new homes and apartments. It models the thermal performance of a dwelling and produces a star rating under the NatHERS framework.
VURB is different. It is not simply a replacement for NatHERS. It is a reference building pathway that may be relevant where the project type, compliance question or design approach requires a different method of demonstrating energy performance.
When Might a VURB Energy Report Be Needed?
A VURB Energy Report may be considered where a standard prescriptive pathway is too restrictive or where the design needs to be assessed against a compliant reference building. This can occur when a project includes non-standard design features, unusual building geometry or performance trade-offs that need to be modelled more carefully.
Examples may include projects with:
- large areas of glazing
- complex roof forms or façade designs
- unusual orientation or shading conditions
- mixed construction systems or non-standard materials
- design features that do not fit neatly within a DTS pathway
- a need to compare the proposed design against a reference building model
Why the Right Pathway Matters
Choosing the wrong energy assessment pathway can create unnecessary redesign, delays or confusion during documentation. A project that should be assessed through one pathway may become difficult to resolve if it is first forced into another pathway that does not suit the design.
This is why early review is important. Before assuming that DTS, NatHERS or VURB applies, the project team should confirm the building type, state or territory requirements, NCC pathway and approval context.
Benefits of Using a VURB Approach
The main benefit of VURB is flexibility. It can allow the design team to retain architectural intent while demonstrating that the proposed building performs appropriately when compared with a compliant reference building.
A VURB Energy Report may help with:
- resolving complex energy compliance questions
- assessing design trade-offs more clearly
- supporting projects that do not suit a simple prescriptive pathway
- reducing the need for unnecessary design compromise
- providing a documented modelling pathway for approval teams
VURB, DTS or NatHERS: Which One Applies?
There is no single answer that applies to every project. NatHERS may be the right pathway for a new residential dwelling. DTS may be suitable where the project can follow the prescriptive provisions. VURB may be more appropriate where a reference building comparison is needed.
The best starting point is a project-specific review. This allows the assessor to identify the relevant compliance pathway before modelling, documentation or redesign begins.
Need to Confirm the Right Energy Pathway?
Certified Energy can review your project documentation and advise whether VURB, DTS, NatHERS or another energy compliance pathway is likely to apply.
