Residential Compliance
A residential NCC compliance pathway that compares a proposed dwelling with a compliant reference building.
For architects, building designers and project teams reviewing whether a standard NatHERS assessment, Deemed to Satisfy pathway or reference building approach is suitable for the dwelling, jurisdiction and approval strategy.
Send Your Plans for ReviewIn Brief
VURB, or Verification Using a Reference Building, is a residential performance-based compliance pathway that compares a proposed dwelling with a compliant reference building.
Rather than relying only on a standard NatHERS or Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway, VURB uses a structured reference-building comparison to demonstrate whether the proposed dwelling can achieve the required NCC energy-efficiency outcome.
The suitability of VURB depends on factors such as dwelling type, building classification, design complexity, glazing, orientation, shading, building fabric and the compliance pathway being considered. Some residential projects can follow NatHERS or DTS directly, while others may warrant investigation of a comparative performance-based pathway.
It may be considered where a residential project needs to demonstrate NCC energy compliance through comparison with a compliant reference building, subject to the provisions adopted in the relevant jurisdiction.
The proposed dwelling’s performance relative to a reference building, including form, glazing, orientation, shading and envelope construction.
DTS follows prescribed NCC provisions, while VURB uses a reference-building comparison to verify an equivalent compliance outcome.
Knowledge Navigation
This guide explains how Verification Using a Reference Building fits within residential NCC energy compliance, how a proposed dwelling is compared with a reference building, and when this pathway may be considered instead of a standard NatHERS or Deemed-to-Satisfy approach.
Foundation
Start with the core concepts behind Verification Using a Reference Building and how the comparison method works.
Compliance Context
See where VURB sits within residential energy compliance and how it relates to other NCC pathways for dwellings.
Performance Factors
Understand the design factors that can influence how a proposed dwelling performs against its compliant reference building.
Project Pathway
Review when a VURB pathway may be relevant and what project information is usually needed before assessment can begin.
Project Delivery
Explore why early coordination matters when a reference-building pathway may affect fabric, glazing, documentation or compliance strategy.
Related Guidance
Move from the core VURB guide into related residential performance, NatHERS and NCC compliance resources.
Reference Building Methodology
VURB is based on a comparison between the proposed dwelling and a compliant reference building. The reference building provides the benchmark used to test whether the proposed design satisfies the required residential energy compliance outcome.
Proposed Dwelling
The proposed dwelling reflects the project design, including its form, glazing, orientation, shading, building fabric and construction details.
Reference Building
The reference building is established using the applicable verification method and provides the compliant point of comparison for the assessment.
Compliance Outcome
The assessment considers whether the proposed dwelling achieves the required outcome when compared with the compliant reference building.
This makes VURB different from a simple checklist approach. Instead of asking only whether each design element follows a prescriptive provision, the method tests the proposed dwelling against a defined compliant benchmark.
The pathway can be relevant where the design is difficult to resolve through a standard NatHERS or Deemed to Satisfy pathway, but it does not remove the need for compliance. The project must still be assessed against the applicable NCC edition, state or territory provisions, building classification and approval requirements.
A VURB assessment asks whether the proposed dwelling performs acceptably when compared with a compliant version of the same project. It is a structured comparison method, not a general exemption from residential NCC energy efficiency requirements.
Reference Building Method
The reference building method compares the proposed residential design with a compliant benchmark version of the same dwelling. This allows the assessment to test the design through a structured NCC comparison rather than relying only on direct prescriptive compliance.
Proposed Dwelling
The proposed dwelling reflects the residential design intended for approval, including its geometry, openings, orientation, shading, construction systems and relevant thermal performance inputs.
Reference Building
The reference building is based on the same dwelling, but configured as the compliant point of comparison under the applicable residential energy efficiency provisions.
Comparison Result
The assessment considers whether the proposed dwelling achieves the required outcome when measured against the compliant reference building.
This comparison can make the relationship between residential design decisions and compliance outcomes more visible. Window size, glass performance, insulation, roof and wall construction, shading and building orientation may all influence how the proposed dwelling performs against its reference building.
The method can be useful where a dwelling is difficult to resolve through a standard NatHERS or Deemed to Satisfy pathway. It does not remove the need for compliance, and it does not mean every design feature can be retained unchanged.
A VURB assessment asks whether the proposed dwelling performs acceptably when compared with a compliant version of the same project. It is a structured reference building comparison, not a general exemption from residential NCC energy efficiency requirements.
Residential NCC Compliance
Residential energy compliance under the National Construction Code can be demonstrated through different pathways, depending on the dwelling, jurisdiction, project documentation and compliance strategy being used.
Many residential projects can follow a standard NatHERS or Deemed to Satisfy pathway. These pathways are often suitable where the design can meet the relevant requirements directly through a thermal rating, prescribed construction provisions or a standard compliance approach.
VURB sits in a different position. It may be considered where the proposed dwelling needs to be assessed through comparison with a compliant reference building, rather than by relying only on a direct rating or prescribed pathway.
The appropriate pathway also depends on the state or territory where the project is located. While the NCC provides the national framework, local adoption, approval requirements, certifier expectations and BASIX in New South Wales can influence whether NatHERS, DTS, VURB or another pathway is suitable.
NatHERS
NatHERS assesses the thermal performance of a dwelling using accredited software and is commonly used for residential energy rating compliance.
DTS
A Deemed to Satisfy pathway follows prescribed NCC provisions directly, including relevant requirements for fabric, glazing, insulation and other energy efficiency measures.
VURB
VURB uses a compliant reference building as the benchmark for comparison, helping verify whether the proposed dwelling achieves the required compliance outcome.
Before a VURB assessment is scoped, the project team should confirm whether the pathway is available, relevant and proportionate for the dwelling. This helps avoid modelling work being started under a pathway that may not suit the jurisdiction or approval process.
For a more detailed pathway comparison, read VURB vs DTS: When Does a Reference Building Pathway Make Sense?
Pathway Comparison
VURB, NatHERS and Deemed to Satisfy pathways can all relate to residential NCC energy compliance, but they demonstrate compliance in different ways.
For many residential projects, a standard NatHERS or DTS approach may be the most direct pathway. These options are often suitable where the dwelling can be assessed through a standard thermal rating, prescribed construction provisions or a familiar approval process.
VURB may be considered where the proposed dwelling needs to be verified through comparison with a compliant reference building. The right pathway depends on the dwelling, jurisdiction, design constraints, documentation and compliance evidence required.
| Pathway | How it works | When it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| NatHERS | Uses accredited software to assess the thermal performance of a dwelling and produce a residential energy rating outcome. | Common residential projects where the dwelling can be assessed through standard NatHERS modelling. |
| DTS | Follows the prescribed Deemed to Satisfy provisions directly, including relevant construction, fabric, glazing and insulation requirements. | Projects where the design can meet the relevant NCC provisions without needing a comparative performance assessment. |
| VURB | Compares the proposed dwelling against a compliant reference building to verify whether the proposed design achieves the required outcome. | Residential projects where a reference building comparison may be appropriate because a standard pathway does not suit the design or approval strategy. |
The comparison is not about choosing the most advanced pathway. It is about selecting the pathway that properly reflects the project, the design constraints and the compliance evidence required.
For a more detailed comparison of direct DTS compliance and reference building assessment, read VURB vs DTS: When Does a Reference Building Pathway Make Sense?
Assessment Method
In a VURB assessment, the proposed dwelling is reviewed as the actual residential design intended for approval. The assessment considers how that design performs when compared with a compliant reference building.
The assessment is not limited to one isolated design feature. It considers how the dwelling works as a whole, including the relationship between building form, orientation, glazing, shading, insulation and construction systems.
The purpose is to understand whether the proposed dwelling can achieve the required NCC energy compliance outcome when measured against the reference building. Where the proposed design differs from a standard pathway, the comparison helps show how those differences affect the result.
This is why coordinated project documentation is important. The model needs enough reliable information to represent the proposed dwelling and establish the reference building consistently.
Building Form
The dwelling’s geometry, levels, volumes and layout can influence how it gains, retains or loses heat.
Orientation
The direction the dwelling faces affects solar exposure, seasonal heat gain and the way glazing and shading perform.
Glazing
Window size, location, frame type, glass performance and shading can all affect the proposed dwelling’s result.
Building Fabric
Wall, roof, floor and insulation details help determine how the dwelling performs against the compliant reference building.
A VURB assessment relies on coordinated information. Plans, elevations, sections, glazing schedules, shading details and construction specifications should describe the same design consistently.
For a deeper checklist, see VURB Assessment Documents: What to Prepare Before Modelling
Dwelling Performance Factors
In a VURB assessment, the dwelling is considered as a complete thermal system. Building fabric, glazing, shading and orientation can each influence how the proposed design performs against its compliant reference building.
The building fabric includes the walls, roof, floor, insulation and construction systems that shape heat flow through the dwelling. These elements affect how easily heat enters, escapes or is retained across different seasons.
Glazing and shading are also important because windows can strongly influence solar gain, heat loss and internal comfort. The size, orientation, frame type, glass performance and shading of each opening may affect how the proposed dwelling compares with the reference building.
For the pillar page, these factors should be understood at a high level. Detailed design investigation usually depends on the actual drawings, window schedules, shading geometry and construction details available for the project.
Fabric
Construction build ups, insulation levels and thermal properties help define how the dwelling manages heat transfer.
Glazing
Glazing area, glass type, frame performance and placement can affect both heat gain and heat loss.
Shading
Eaves, awnings, balconies, screens and permanent obstructions may influence how much sun reaches the dwelling.
Orientation
The direction of each façade affects solar exposure, heat gain patterns and how the dwelling responds to local climate conditions.
Homes with extensive glazing, unusual geometry, multiple orientations or detailed shading may require closer review before the VURB pathway and modelling scope can be confirmed.
For a deeper design focused explanation, read VURB for Complex Homes: Glazing, Geometry and Design Complexity
Project Suitability
VURB may be considered where a residential project needs a reference building comparison rather than a direct NatHERS or Deemed to Satisfy pathway.
It is not necessarily the first pathway for every dwelling. Many projects are better resolved through a standard NatHERS assessment or DTS approach, especially where the design is straightforward and the required compliance evidence is clear.
VURB becomes more relevant where the proposed design, approval strategy or project context makes a reference building comparison worth reviewing. This can occur where the design has glazing, orientation, shading, building fabric or geometry conditions that are difficult to assess through a standard pathway alone.
The suitability of VURB should be reviewed in relation to the dwelling type, building classification, jurisdiction, project documentation, NCC requirements and the advice of the relevant certifier, building surveyor or approval authority.
Design Conditions
Homes with unusual geometry, split levels, large volumes or non standard layouts may require closer review of how the design performs as a whole.
Performance Inputs
Large windows, difficult orientations, limited shading or complex façade conditions may affect whether a standard pathway is suitable.
Compliance Strategy
VURB may be considered where the project team needs to clarify whether a reference building comparison is available and appropriate.
A project should not move into detailed VURB modelling until the pathway has been checked against the applicable jurisdiction, documentation, dwelling type and approval context.
For more detail on design conditions that can trigger a VURB review, read VURB for Complex Homes: Glazing, Geometry and Design Complexity
Project Documentation
A VURB review depends on clear project documentation. The assessment needs enough information to understand the proposed dwelling, define the reference building and review the applicable compliance pathway.
The exact information required will depend on the dwelling type, design stage, building classification, jurisdiction and compliance pathway being considered. Early drawings may be enough for initial advice, while a formal assessment will usually require more complete architectural and construction information.
Coordinated documentation can help identify whether VURB is suitable, whether a standard NatHERS or DTS pathway may be simpler and whether any design information needs to be clarified before modelling begins.
At this pillar level, the key issue is not producing every detail immediately. It is providing enough reliable information for the assessor to confirm scope, pathway suitability and the likely modelling effort.
Drawings
Floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and site information help define the proposed dwelling, orientation, shading and form.
Glazing
Window sizes, glazing schedules, frame types, glass performance values and fixed external shading may be needed for assessment.
Fabric
Wall, roof and floor build ups, insulation specifications and relevant thermal construction details help describe the building fabric.
Context
Project address, building classification, design stage, certifier comments and approval requirements help clarify the pathway and documentation standard.
Clear documentation helps reduce assumptions, design queries and avoidable modelling revisions. It also helps confirm whether the project should proceed through VURB or through a simpler available pathway.
For the full preparation guide, read VURB Assessment Documents: What to Prepare Before Modelling
Design Team Coordination
VURB is most useful when it is considered before key residential design decisions are locked in.
Because the pathway compares a proposed dwelling against a compliant reference building, changes to glazing, shading, insulation, construction systems or building form can influence the final compliance outcome.
Early coordination can help the project team understand whether VURB is the right pathway, whether a standard NatHERS or Deemed to Satisfy approach may be simpler and whether design adjustments should be considered before the documentation becomes difficult to revise.
This is especially important where the dwelling has complex glazing, unusual orientation, limited shading opportunities, atypical construction systems or other design features that may need closer performance review.
Design Team
Early review can help identify whether glazing, shading, building form or construction build ups may affect the available compliance pathway.
Delivery Team
Clear documentation and early pathway advice can reduce uncertainty before construction details are finalised or approval comments are issued.
Approval Context
The relevant certifier, building surveyor or approval authority may need to confirm whether the proposed pathway and supporting evidence are appropriate.
The aim is not to make every project use VURB. The aim is to identify the most suitable compliance pathway before the design team spends time documenting a strategy that may not be available, efficient or proportionate.
For more detail on how project scope, design complexity and documentation can affect assessment effort, read VURB Assessment Cost Australia: What Affects the Fee?
Residential Performance Thinking
VURB is a compliance pathway, but it also reflects the importance of understanding how residential design decisions affect building performance.
Instead of treating energy compliance as a separate report at the end of the design process, a reference building comparison can help show how the dwelling’s form, glazing, shading, insulation, orientation and construction systems contribute to the overall compliance outcome.
This does not mean VURB replaces good passive design, careful documentation or a standard NatHERS assessment where that pathway is suitable. It means that, where available and appropriate, the proposed dwelling can be reviewed through a comparative performance lens rather than only through direct prescriptive settings.
For architects, designers, certifiers and residential project teams, this can support clearer conversations about which compliance pathway best reflects the dwelling, the jurisdiction and the evidence required for approval.
Design
The dwelling’s performance is shaped by design decisions made before the final compliance report is prepared.
Documentation
Coordinated drawings and specifications help the assessment reflect the intended design rather than unresolved assumptions.
Pathway
VURB should be considered only where it is available, appropriate and proportionate to the dwelling and approval context.
Residential energy compliance is increasingly connected to the way homes are designed, documented and coordinated. The performance of a dwelling is shaped by many small decisions across the design process, not only by one final rating or report.
A VURB pathway can help make some of those relationships more visible when a reference building comparison is the appropriate way to demonstrate compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
VURB stands for Verification Using a Reference Building. It is a residential compliance pathway that compares a proposed dwelling against a compliant reference building to demonstrate NCC energy compliance outcomes.
A VURB assessment compares a proposed dwelling against a compliant reference building to verify whether it achieves the required NCC energy performance outcome.
No. NatHERS assesses thermal performance using accredited software modelling, while VURB uses a reference building comparison to demonstrate compliance outcomes.
No. DTS follows prescriptive NCC provisions directly, while VURB uses a compliant reference building comparison to demonstrate equivalent performance outcomes.
A reference building is a compliant benchmark version of the proposed dwelling used for comparison in a VURB assessment.
VURB assesses elements such as building form, orientation, glazing, shading, insulation, construction systems and other performance-relevant design inputs.
Architectural drawings, floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, glazing schedules, construction details and site information are typically required.
No. Many projects are better suited to standard NatHERS or DTS pathways. VURB is considered where a reference-building comparison is appropriate.
VURB should be considered early in design to confirm compliance pathway before key design decisions are locked in.
Yes. Certified Energy can review project drawings and documentation to determine whether VURB, NatHERS or DTS is the most appropriate pathway.
Related VURB Guidance
Use these related guides to move from the VURB overview into more specific questions about pathway selection, design complexity, documentation and assessment cost.
Pathway Comparison
Compare direct Deemed to Satisfy compliance with a reference building Performance Solution pathway.
Read the comparisonDesign Complexity
Explore how glazing, geometry, shading and non standard construction can affect pathway review.
Explore complex homesProject Preparation
Review the drawings, schedules, glazing information and construction details usually needed before modelling.
View document checklistScope and Cost
Understand the modelling, documentation and coordination factors that can influence assessment fees.
Review cost factorsNew South Wales
For NSW residential projects, review BASIX and NSW compliance requirements instead of relying on VURB.
Explore BASIX guidanceProject Review
Submit the project location, drawings and approval context so Certified Energy can review the likely pathway and scope.
Request reviewProject Review
Send the available architectural plans, elevations, sections, glazing information and approval requirements for an initial review. Certified Energy can help determine whether VURB, NatHERS or a Deemed to Satisfy pathway is likely to be appropriate.
Early review can clarify the applicable assessment method, identify the information needed and help avoid progressing the design under a residential energy compliance pathway that does not suit the project context.
Last reviewed: June 2026. This page is maintained by Certified Energy as part of its Residential Performance Knowledge Hub.
