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 solely on a standard NatHERS or Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway, VURB uses a structured reference-building comparison to verify the proposed dwelling's thermal performance against the applicable NCC requirements. Other relevant energy-efficiency provisions must still be addressed separately.
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
Navigate the key principles of Verification Using a Reference Building, its place within residential NCC thermal performance compliance, the proposed and reference building comparison, and the documentation and assessment considerations relevant to this pathway.
Foundation
Start with the purpose of VURB and the principles behind the prescribed reference-building comparison.
Compliance Context
Understand the scope of the verification method, jurisdictional limitations and its relationship with other residential compliance approaches.
Performance Factors
Explore the thermal modelling process and the building characteristics that influence heating and cooling load comparisons.
Project Pathway
Review when VURB may be appropriate, what happens if verification criteria are not met, and the information required to begin an assessment.
Project Delivery
Understand how design revisions, coordinated specifications and technical assessment evidence support the project team.
Related Guidance
Find answers to common VURB questions and explore the supporting technical guidance across the residential reference-building knowledge cluster.
Reference Building Methodology
Verification Using a Reference Building (VURB) assesses a proposed dwelling against a defined reference building. Under NCC 2022 H6V2, the reference building establishes a compliant thermal performance benchmark, allowing the proposed design's heating and cooling loads to be evaluated through a structured comparison rather than relying solely on prescriptive construction requirements.
01 — Proposed Dwelling
The proposed dwelling represents the actual residential design, including its geometry, orientation, glazing, shading, insulation and construction systems. Relevant design information is used to model its annual heating and cooling loads under the conditions prescribed by the verification method.
02 — Reference Building
A reference building is established using the characteristics and requirements prescribed by the applicable verification method. It retains specified characteristics of the proposed dwelling, including floor plan, orientation and glazing location and size, while incorporating the relevant Deemed-to-Satisfy construction requirements that establish the thermal performance benchmark.
03 — Performance Comparison
Both buildings are modelled using the prescribed assessment conditions. Their heating and cooling loads are compared against the relevant climate-zone criteria to determine whether the proposed dwelling satisfies the applicable verification requirements.
The reference building method allows the combined effect of relevant design decisions to be considered within a defined compliance assessment. Window performance, shading, insulation and other building fabric characteristics can influence heating and cooling demand, while the prescribed modelling conditions ensure that the comparison is made on a consistent basis.
The assessment is not based on a single overall energy score. Under NCC 2022 H6V2, the relevant heating and cooling load criteria depend on the climate zone, and the proposed dwelling must satisfy each applicable comparison. For a closer explanation of how these results are calculated and interpreted, see how VURB modelling compares heating and cooling loads.
This can provide an alternative assessment approach for certain residential designs where direct prescriptive compliance presents challenges. However, the method does not guarantee that a particular design will comply, and changes may still be required to achieve the relevant performance outcome. Other applicable NCC energy-efficiency requirements must also be addressed.
VURB tests whether a proposed dwelling meets the required thermal performance criteria when compared with a reference building established under the applicable NCC verification method. It provides a structured way to support a residential Performance Solution where the pathway is permitted, not an exemption from other energy-efficiency requirements or the broader compliance and approval process.
Residential NCC Compliance
Residential energy compliance under the National Construction Code can be demonstrated through different compliance pathways, depending on the dwelling, applicable NCC edition, jurisdiction and requirements being addressed.
Many residential projects can follow the applicable NatHERS-based or Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions. These approaches are commonly used where the dwelling can demonstrate the required thermal performance through an accredited energy rating or compliance with prescribed construction requirements.
VURB sits within the Performance Solution framework. Under NCC 2022 Volume Two, H6V2 provides a Verification Method for assessing the relevant thermal performance requirements of H6P1 through comparison with a reference building. Where permitted, the method can provide technical evidence supporting a Performance Solution, but does not independently establish compliance with every residential energy-efficiency requirement or replace the broader Performance Solution process.
The appropriate pathway also depends on the state or territory where the project is located. Although the NCC provides a national framework, jurisdictional variations and the locally applicable requirements determine which methods are available. In New South Wales, H6V2 is deleted by the NSW variation to NCC 2022 Volume Two, and residential projects must instead be assessed against the applicable BASIX and NSW energy-efficiency requirements.
For projects outside NSW, the availability of the reference-building method should be confirmed before assessment begins. Our guide to where VURB can be used in Australia explores the importance of jurisdiction, NCC adoption and pathway eligibility.
NatHERS
NatHERS uses accredited software to assess a dwelling's thermal performance and is commonly used to demonstrate compliance with the applicable residential thermal performance provisions. Additional requirements, including Whole of Home provisions where applicable, must also be considered.
DTS
A Deemed-to-Satisfy approach follows the applicable NCC provisions, including relevant requirements for building fabric, glazing, insulation and other energy-efficiency measures. NatHERS-based provisions may also form part of the DTS compliance framework.
VURB
VURB compares the proposed dwelling's heating and cooling loads against a compliant reference building under prescribed conditions. Where available, it can provide verification evidence for the relevant thermal performance requirements within a Performance Solution.
Before a VURB assessment is scoped, the project team should confirm whether the pathway is available, relevant and proportionate for the dwelling. This includes identifying the applicable NCC provisions, confirming jurisdictional requirements and establishing how the assessment will support the proposed compliance strategy.
For a more detailed comparison of the two approaches, read VURB vs DTS: When Does a Reference Building Pathway Make Sense?
Pathway Comparison
NatHERS, Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions and VURB each have a role in residential NCC thermal performance compliance. Understanding how they relate helps project teams select an appropriate method of demonstrating compliance.
NatHERS uses accredited software to assess the thermal performance of a dwelling and can provide a recognised means of satisfying the relevant NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions. Alternatively, a dwelling may demonstrate compliance through the applicable elemental DTS provisions, including prescribed requirements for building fabric and glazing.
VURB takes a different approach. Where NCC 2022 H6V2 is available, the proposed dwelling's heating and cooling loads are compared with those of a compliant reference building. This verification evidence may support a Performance Solution addressing the relevant thermal performance requirements. The appropriate approach depends on the applicable NCC edition, jurisdiction, dwelling design and compliance strategy.
| Method | How it works | When it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| NatHERS | Uses accredited software to model a dwelling's thermal performance and produce a star rating. NatHERS-based compliance provisions can form part of the NCC DTS framework. | Residential projects where an accredited thermal assessment can demonstrate the applicable rating and associated compliance requirements. |
| Elemental DTS | Demonstrates compliance through the prescribed NCC construction provisions, including applicable building fabric, glazing, insulation and related requirements. | Projects where the proposed construction can directly satisfy the relevant prescriptive requirements. |
| VURB | Uses a prescribed reference-building comparison to verify the proposed dwelling's heating and cooling loads against the applicable criteria. The results can support a Performance Solution. | Eligible residential projects where a comparative thermal performance assessment is appropriate and the relevant verification method is available in the jurisdiction. |
Selecting a compliance method is not about choosing the most advanced form of modelling. It is about identifying the approach that appropriately addresses the applicable NCC requirements, the dwelling's design constraints and the evidence needed for approval. A reference-building assessment should be considered only where it provides a suitable and permitted means of verification.
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 represents the actual residential design being assessed. Its thermal performance is modelled and compared with a reference building established under the applicable verification method.
The assessment considers how relevant building elements influence the dwelling's heating and cooling loads. These include glazing performance, shading, insulation and construction systems, together with the building geometry and orientation used in the thermal model.
The comparison is controlled by the requirements of the verification method. Under NCC 2022 H6V2, the proposed dwelling and reference building share prescribed characteristics, including floor plan, orientation and glazing location and size. The reference building incorporates the applicable Deemed-to-Satisfy construction requirements, while the proposed dwelling is modelled using its specified design and construction characteristics.
Reliable project documentation is therefore essential. The assessment must accurately represent the proposed dwelling while applying the prescribed reference-building characteristics and modelling assumptions consistently. The resulting heating and cooling loads are then compared against the applicable climate-zone criteria.
Building Form
The dwelling's geometry, levels, volumes and layout establish important characteristics of the thermal model. Prescribed aspects of the building form are retained in the reference-building comparison.
Orientation
Orientation influences seasonal solar exposure and heating and cooling demand. The same orientation is used for the proposed dwelling and reference building under the prescribed comparison method.
Glazing
Window location and size are retained in the prescribed reference-building comparison. Glazing specifications, including thermal transmittance and solar heat gain characteristics, influence the proposed dwelling's modelled performance.
Building Fabric
Wall, roof, floor and insulation specifications influence heat transfer through the building envelope. These characteristics are assessed against the reference-building construction requirements, subject to the verification method and any retained direct compliance obligations.
A VURB assessment relies on coordinated project information. Plans, elevations, sections, glazing schedules, shading details and construction specifications should describe the same design consistently. Missing or conflicting information may require clarification before reliable modelling can proceed.
For a detailed preparation checklist, see VURB Assessment Documents: What to Prepare Before Modelling.
Dwelling Performance Factors
In a VURB assessment, building fabric, glazing and shading are considered together to understand their influence on the proposed dwelling's heating and cooling loads. The comparison is undertaken against a reference building established under the applicable verification method.
The building fabric includes the walls, roof, floor, insulation and construction systems that influence heat transfer through the dwelling. Their thermal properties affect how much heating or cooling may be required under the prescribed modelling conditions. Some construction requirements also remain directly applicable and cannot simply be replaced by a favourable modelling result.
Glazing and shading can have a significant influence on thermal performance. Window U-values, solar heat gain coefficients, frame characteristics and the geometry of external shading can affect the balance between solar gains and heat losses. These effects may differ between heating and cooling seasons, making it important to consider both outcomes rather than treating glazing performance as a single measure.
Under NCC 2022 H6V2, the proposed dwelling and reference building retain prescribed common characteristics, including orientation and glazing location and size. These characteristics influence the thermal behaviour of both models, while the applicable reference-building construction specifications establish the comparison benchmark.
The relationship between window specifications, solar exposure and external shading is explored further in How Glazing and Shading Affect a VURB Assessment. Detailed assessment depends on the actual drawings, glazing schedules, shading geometry and construction details available for the project.
Fabric
Construction build-ups, insulation levels and thermal properties influence heat transfer through the building envelope. Relevant direct NCC requirements must also be satisfied.
Glazing
Glass and frame performance, including U-values and solar heat gain characteristics, can affect heating and cooling loads. Glazing location and size form part of the prescribed comparison geometry.
Shading
Eaves, awnings, balconies, screens and other relevant obstructions can influence solar gains. Their treatment in the assessment must follow the applicable modelling requirements.
Orientation
Façade orientation affects seasonal solar exposure and the effectiveness of glazing and shading. The same orientation is retained in both models under the prescribed reference-building comparison.
Homes with extensive glazing, unusual geometry, multiple orientations or detailed shading may require closer review before the suitability of the VURB pathway and the modelling scope can be confirmed. The assessment must also distinguish between design characteristics that remain common to both models and construction specifications that are assessed against the reference-building benchmark.
For a broader explanation of these project considerations, read VURB for Complex Homes: Glazing, Geometry and Design Complexity.
Project Suitability
VURB may be worth considering when a residential design presents thermal performance challenges that could be assessed through a prescribed reference-building comparison, provided the method is available and appropriate for the project.
For many dwellings, the applicable NatHERS-based or elemental Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions provide a more direct way to demonstrate compliance. A reference-building assessment should not be assumed necessary simply because a home has an unusual layout, extensive glazing or architectural complexity.
VURB becomes relevant for consideration where the proposed construction does not readily satisfy particular prescriptive thermal provisions, but the project team has reason to investigate whether the dwelling's overall heating and cooling performance can meet the prescribed reference-building criteria. This may be useful where different building fabric, glazing and shading specifications interact in ways that are not fully reflected by reviewing individual elements in isolation.
Suitability must be established before detailed assessment begins. This includes confirming the applicable NCC edition, building classification, jurisdictional variations, relevant Performance Requirements and the proposed Performance Solution process. A favourable modelling result cannot make an unavailable verification method applicable or remove other compliance obligations.
Design Conditions
Unusual geometry, split levels, large volumes or non-standard layouts can increase assessment complexity. These characteristics may warrant an early review, but do not by themselves establish that VURB is the preferred pathway.
Thermal Performance
Glazing, insulation and shading arrangements that differ from prescribed DTS specifications may justify investigating a comparative assessment, where those differences are permitted to be evaluated under the verification method.
Compliance Strategy
VURB should be considered only where the applicable NCC provisions permit its use and the reference-building comparison can form part of an appropriate, documented Performance Solution.
An early suitability review can help determine whether VURB offers a meaningful compliance approach before detailed modelling is commissioned. The review should consider whether the proposed design presents a genuine thermal performance issue, whether the verification method applies and whether sufficient project information is available to support the assessment.
For a closer look at the relationship between architectural complexity and reference-building assessment, read VURB for Complex Homes: Glazing, Geometry and Design Complexity.
Assessment Outcomes
A VURB assessment does not automatically produce a compliant result. Where the proposed dwelling exceeds the applicable heating or cooling load criteria, the findings can help identify which aspects of the design require further consideration.
Under NCC 2022 H6V2, the proposed dwelling is assessed against the heating and cooling loads of a prescribed reference building. The applicable criteria depend on the climate zone. In climate zone 1, the cooling load comparison applies; in climate zones 2 to 7, both heating and cooling loads must individually satisfy the relevant criteria; and in climate zone 8, the heating load comparison applies.
If a required comparison is not satisfied, the proposed dwelling has not demonstrated compliance through that verification method in its assessed form. A favourable result for one load does not compensate for an unfavourable result in another where both criteria apply.
The next step is to review the modelling inputs, identify the factors contributing to the result and determine whether practical design refinements are appropriate. This may involve coordination between the energy assessor, architect, builder and other relevant project consultants.
01 — Review the Results
Review the relevant heating or cooling load comparison and confirm that the modelling inputs, construction specifications and reference-building assumptions accurately reflect the assessment requirements.
02 — Consider Refinements
Where appropriate, the project team may investigate changes to glazing specifications, shading, insulation or other relevant thermal characteristics, while retaining compliance with applicable direct NCC requirements.
03 — Reassess the Design
Any relevant design changes must be reflected in the assessment and supporting documentation. Revised modelling is needed to establish whether the updated proposal satisfies the applicable verification criteria.
An assessment that does not meet the required criteria cannot be relied upon as successful verification under that method. It does not, however, establish that the dwelling could never comply through a revised design or another applicable compliance approach. Any alternative must be appropriately assessed and documented.
For a more detailed explanation of assessment outcomes and possible next steps, read What Happens When a VURB Assessment Does Not Meet the Required Performance Criteria?.
Project Documentation
A VURB review begins with reliable project information. The drawings, specifications and approval context help establish whether the reference-building method is suitable and whether the proposed dwelling can be modelled consistently.
The information required depends on the dwelling type, building classification, applicable NCC edition, jurisdiction and design stage. Preliminary architectural drawings may be sufficient for an initial pathway review, while detailed verification generally requires coordinated drawings and confirmed construction specifications.
For modelling purposes, the proposed dwelling must be described accurately enough to establish its geometry, orientation, glazing, shading and thermal construction characteristics. Inconsistent window schedules, unresolved insulation specifications or conflicting drawing revisions can introduce uncertainty and delay the assessment.
These are the documents used to establish and assess the proposed design. They are distinct from the technical verification results and broader Performance Solution documentation that may be prepared later to support the project's compliance strategy.
Drawings
Floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and site information establish the dwelling's layout, dimensions, orientation, building form and relevant shading conditions.
Glazing
Window and glazed-door schedules, dimensions, frame specifications, U-values, solar heat gain coefficients and relevant external shading details help define the proposed dwelling's thermal characteristics.
Fabric
Wall, roof and floor build-ups, insulation specifications and relevant material properties help establish the thermal characteristics of the building envelope.
Context
Project location, building classification, applicable NCC requirements, design stage and relevant certifier or building surveyor feedback help establish pathway eligibility and assessment scope.
Clear, coordinated documentation helps reduce modelling assumptions, design queries and avoidable revisions. Before formal assessment begins, the project team should confirm which drawing revision and construction specifications are to be assessed, together with any outstanding information that could materially affect the results.
For a detailed preparation checklist, read VURB Assessment Documents: What to Prepare Before Modelling.
Design Team Coordination
Where VURB is an available and appropriate verification method, early coordination helps align the proposed dwelling, thermal modelling and supporting compliance documentation before key design decisions are finalised.
A VURB assessment relies on a defined version of the proposed dwelling. Changes to glazing specifications, external shading, insulation, construction systems or building geometry can affect the modelled heating and cooling loads. Where prescribed characteristics of the proposed dwelling change, the corresponding reference-building model may also need to be updated.
Early coordination allows the energy assessor and design team to identify which decisions are likely to influence the assessment, establish the information required for modelling and agree on how subsequent design revisions will be communicated. This is particularly important where architectural drawings, glazing schedules and construction specifications are being developed by different parties.
Once modelling has commenced, a revised window specification, altered shading element or changed construction detail should not automatically be assumed to remain covered by the original assessment. The significance of each change needs to be reviewed, and updated modelling may be required before the revised design can be supported by the verification evidence.
For a closer explanation of how revisions are managed, read Residential Design Changes During a VURB Assessment.
Design Team
Coordinate the architectural design, glazing and shading details, and construction specifications. Communicate relevant design changes so their potential effect on the thermal assessment can be reviewed.
Delivery Team
Confirm that proposed materials, glazing products and construction details align with the assessed design. Flag substitutions or buildability changes that may require further thermal review.
Assessment and Approval
The energy assessor evaluates relevant design revisions and maintains the technical assessment evidence. The certifier or building surveyor considers the proposed compliance approach and supporting documentation within the applicable approval process.
Confirming the assessment scope, design revision and responsibilities early can reduce conflicting documentation and unnecessary remodelling. It also helps project teams understand when a change can be addressed through clarification and when additional assessment work may be necessary.
For more detail on how project scope, design complexity and revisions can influence assessment fees, read VURB Assessment Cost Australia: What Affects the Fee?.
Residential Performance Thinking
VURB is a defined verification method for residential thermal performance. Where applicable, its comparative approach can also help project teams understand the relationship between building specifications, heating and cooling loads, and compliance outcomes.
Residential thermal performance is influenced by decisions made throughout the design process. Building form, orientation, glazing, external shading, insulation and construction systems all contribute to the way a dwelling responds to its climate. These relationships are relevant whether compliance is demonstrated through NatHERS, Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions or an applicable Performance Solution.
Under VURB, the proposed dwelling is assessed against a prescribed reference building using defined heating and cooling load criteria. This comparison can provide useful information about the thermal consequences of proposed specifications. However, meeting the verification criteria is not the same as demonstrating that the dwelling is optimised for comfort, operational energy use or every aspect of residential energy compliance.
For architects, designers, builders and certifiers, the broader value lies in using reliable assessment information at the appropriate stage of a project. Clear modelling assumptions, coordinated specifications and an understanding of the relevant compliance requirements can support more informed design decisions and more consistent documentation.
Design
Thermal outcomes are influenced by early decisions about building form, materials, glazing and shading. Assessment findings can inform refinements before those decisions become difficult to change.
Evidence
Heating and cooling load comparisons must be interpreted against the prescribed reference-building criteria, the assessed design revision and the scope of the applicable verification method.
Compliance
A successful VURB comparison provides evidence for the relevant thermal Performance Requirement. Other applicable NCC provisions and Performance Solution documentation obligations must still be addressed.
A thermal assessment is most useful when its findings are understood in relation to the design being assessed. The comparison may help identify how particular construction and glazing specifications contribute to the dwelling's modelled performance, without extending the conclusions beyond the verification method's defined scope.
For Certified Energy, the objective is to provide clear, technically grounded assessment information that supports appropriate compliance decisions and helps project teams understand what their documentation needs to demonstrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
VURB stands for Verification Using a Reference Building. Under NCC 2022 Volume Two, H6V2 provides a verification method for assessing residential thermal performance against the relevant Performance Requirement, H6P1, where the method is applicable.
A VURB assessment models a proposed dwelling and a prescribed reference building to compare their heating and cooling loads. The proposed dwelling must satisfy the applicable climate-zone-specific criteria for the verification method to support a Performance Solution.
No. NatHERS is an accredited residential energy rating framework that can be used within an applicable Deemed-to-Satisfy compliance pathway. VURB is a separate NCC verification method that compares a proposed dwelling with a prescribed reference building. Both involve thermal modelling, but their compliance criteria and documentation requirements differ.
No. Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions provide prescribed ways to meet NCC Performance Requirements. Where permitted, VURB can be used as a verification method within a Performance Solution to demonstrate compliance with the relevant residential thermal performance requirement. Other applicable NCC provisions must still be addressed.
A reference building is a modelled version of the proposed dwelling constructed using prescribed compliant specifications. Under H6V2, key characteristics such as floor plan, orientation and glazing size and location are retained, allowing the proposed dwelling's thermal performance to be compared against the required benchmark.
VURB assesses the proposed dwelling's modelled heating and cooling loads against the prescribed reference-building loads. Building fabric, glazing, shading, orientation and geometry influence those results. The method does not, by itself, verify every residential energy-efficiency requirement or predict actual household energy consumption.
NCC 2022 H6V2 is deleted by the NSW variation, so that verification method is not available in NSW under those provisions. Residential projects in NSW must instead follow the applicable BASIX, NCC and approval requirements. The availability of VURB in other jurisdictions must be checked against their adopted NCC provisions and variations.
A review typically requires architectural plans, elevations, sections, site and orientation information, glazing schedules, shading details and construction specifications. Preliminary information may be sufficient for an initial suitability review, while formal modelling generally requires coordinated and sufficiently detailed documentation.
No. VURB is not available in every jurisdiction or appropriate for every dwelling. Many projects can use an applicable NatHERS-based or elemental Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway. Suitability depends on the building classification, adopted NCC provisions, project circumstances and proposed compliance strategy.
If the proposed dwelling exceeds an applicable heating or cooling load criterion, compliance has not been demonstrated through that verification method for the assessed design. The project team may review modelling inputs, investigate appropriate design changes and reassess the proposal, or consider another permitted compliance approach.
Where VURB may be applicable, its suitability is best reviewed before major glazing, shading and construction specifications are finalised. Early assessment can help identify the documentation required and reduce avoidable revisions, although detailed modelling should follow confirmation of the appropriate compliance pathway.
Certified Energy can review the available project information, relevant NCC provisions and proposed assessment scope to advise whether VURB warrants further consideration or whether another compliance pathway may be more suitable. The final acceptance of a Performance Solution remains subject to the applicable regulatory and approval process.
Related VURB Guidance
Explore specific questions about VURB eligibility, reference-building modelling, design decisions, assessment outcomes and Performance Solution documentation. Each guide examines a distinct part of the residential compliance process.
Pathway Comparison
Understand how a reference-building verification method differs from the prescribed Deemed-to-Satisfy approach to residential thermal compliance.
Read the comparisonJurisdictional Availability
Review how NCC adoption, state and territory variations, and project location affect the availability of the verification method.
Explore jurisdictional requirementsThermal Modelling
Learn how modelled heating and cooling loads are compared and why the applicable verification criteria depend on the climate zone.
Understand the modellingGlazing and Shading
Explore how glazing specifications, solar gains, heat losses and external shading influence reference-building assessment results.
Explore glazing and shadingDesign Complexity
Consider how complex geometry, extensive glazing and non-standard construction can affect assessment scope and pathway suitability.
Explore complex homesDesign Revisions
Understand when revised drawings, glazing specifications or construction details may require assessment updates.
Review design changesAssessment Outcomes
Find out what an unfavourable load comparison means and how project teams may approach design refinements and reassessment.
Understand assessment outcomesProject Preparation
Review the drawings, glazing schedules, construction details and project information typically needed before modelling begins.
View preparation guidanceCompliance Evidence
Understand the distinction between VURB modelling results and the broader documentation required to support an NCC Performance Solution.
Explore compliance documentationScope and Cost
Understand how modelling complexity, project information, design revisions and reporting scope may influence assessment fees.
Review cost factorsNew South Wales
NCC 2022 H6V2 is deleted by the NSW variation. Explore the BASIX and residential compliance requirements applicable to NSW projects.
Explore BASIX guidanceProject Review
Share your project location, drawings and approval context so Certified Energy can review whether the VURB pathway warrants further consideration.
Explore VURB assessment servicesProject 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: October 2026. This page is maintained by Certified Energy as part of its Residential Performance Knowledge Hub.
