What is VURB?
VURB (Verification Using a Reference Building) is a Performance Solution method under the National Construction Code (NCC) that demonstrates compliance by comparing a proposed design against a standard reference building.
Short answer
VURB shows that your custom-designed building performs as well as or better than a standard reference building in terms of energy use.
Full answer
VURB enables builders and designers to model a proposed building’s heating and cooling energy usage hour by hour, then compare it to a benchmark reference building that meets NCC’s minimum Deemed‑to‑Satisfy (DTS) requirements. If the proposed design uses equal or less energy, it complies with NCC energy efficiency provisions.
Why this matters
Standard DTS provisions or NatHERS ratings can be prohibitive for projects with extensive glazing, high ceilings or unusual layouts. VURB offers a flexible, tailored route to compliance that can reduce construction costs and support innovative designs.
How certified Energy can help
We model both proposed and reference designs using certified software, optimise for cost-effective compliance, and prepare VURB reports that meet NCC standards.
Related regulations
- NCC Vol 2 Performance Requirement P2.6.1 (Part 3.12) includes VURB as an alternative solution
- VURB applies to Class 1 and 10 residential buildings only; commercial classes use JV3 modelling
Helpful resources
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