Short answer
JV3 offers more design flexibility, potential cost savings, enhanced energy performance, and greater ability to tailor the building to project‑specific goals compared with following Section J Deemed‑to‑Satisfy (DtS) rules alone.
Full answer
While DtS under Section J prescribes certain minimums for glazing, insulation, roof/wall/floor construction, services etc., it can restrict architectural freedom and may force you into more expensive components to satisfy prescriptive values. With JV3 you can trade off elements: for example, you might use less glazing (or choose glazing with higher U‑value) if you compensate via better insulation in walls or roof, or more efficient HVAC or lighting. This can reduce construction costs, avoid over‑engineering, and yield a design better suited to your aesthetic or functional goals while still meeting NCC energy requirements. It also gives you a better ability to achieve thermal comfort and model occupancy or usage more realistically.
Why this matters
The JV3 assessment allows architectural or design features that would typically be disallowed under the Deemed‑to‑Satisfy (DtS) pathway, giving greater freedom to achieve innovative and creative building outcomes. It enables optimisation of materials and building services, which can reduce construction costs or improve overall project value. Additionally, JV3 helps enhance occupant comfort by improving thermal conditions and daylight access. This approach also helps future‑proof buildings against rising energy costs and evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring long‑term sustainability and compliance.
How Certified Energy can help
We identify opportunities to trade‑off design elements to better suit your project’s unique needs without compromising compliance. Using advanced modelling and simulation tools, we test various scenarios such as different glazing types, insulation levels and daylighting strategies. This allows us to provide a clear cost‑benefit analysis, helping you understand the financial and energy implications of each trade‑off so you can make informed decisions that balance performance, comfort and budget.
Related regulations
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NCC Section J prescriptive requirements (DtS) vs performance requirements.
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Specification JV in NCC which governs allowable performance assessment options.
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Thermal comfort / PMV requirements if relevant in your state.
Helpful resources
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