What is a VURB Assessment and how does it differ from NatHERS or Deemed‑to‑Satisfy (DTS)?

VURB assessments offer flexibility in design by allowing the use of alternative materials or systems—such as non-standard glazing, shading or services—that may not meet prescriptive requirements but can still deliver equivalent or better overall performance. This approach supports cost optimisation by avoiding the need to over-specify components just to comply with blanket DTS rules, potentially reducing construction costs while still achieving compliance. It also encourages innovation, making VURB ideal for projects with unique design intents, unconventional layouts or where energy efficiency is a key focus but not achievable through standard methods. Most importantly, VURB ensures regulatory compliance under the NCC even when prescriptive compliance pathways are impractical or inefficient.