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BCA Section J reports are generally conducted by highly qualified and experienced energy efficiency consultants. Consultants who perform Section J reports must have an in-depth knowledge of the energy efficiency measures of both mechanical and electrical systems of a building. Having knowledge of the thermal properties of building fabrics is also important.
Also known as a Part J report, a Section J Report highlights the energy efficiency requirements for a Class 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 for non-residential commercial buildings. This is defined by Section J (or Part J) of Volume One of the National Construction Code (NCC), formally known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The Section J Method of Compliance (Deemed-to-Satisfy – DtS) is used when the Evidence of Suitability method (using the Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) Provisions of Part J of the Energy Efficiency section of the NCC Volume 1) have been chosen as the most appropriate method to assess the compliance of the proposed development.
Section J Reports are also used for all new residential and commercial developments that are not covered under Class 1 or 2. These include types of boarding houses, guest houses, hostels, lodging houses, commercial, retail, apartments and backpacker accommodation. Other buildings can also include a residential area of schools and hotels. The Section J Report is also required for new building extensions and refurbishments to existing buildings.
In the field of ESD, two terms which constantly appear are the U and R values of products, but what do these mean? Whether referring to insulation or glazing each product on the market has a specific either U or R value. These values refer to the thermal performance of specific products and materials and how they assist in maintaining thermal control in a building or structure. These values are an integral part of the BASIX, NatHERS and Section J process in the NCC, which require specific values to be either entered into the glazing calculator for Section J reports or specific glazing types with predetermined U and SHGC values for BASIX and NatHERS along with specific R values for insulation and building materiality.
The U value of products refers to the heat loss through building elements, this is calculated at the rate of heat loss per metre square of material. When looking for better performing products the lower the U value the better the product is at preventing heat loss. The U value is generally calculated at the U value of the total window assembly including the glass, frame, seals and spacers this is also called the UW, whereas the U value of the glass is known as the UC (centre of glass). A lower U value means the less heat that is being lost preventing unwanted heat flow and heat escaping.
The R value represents the thermal resistance of the building elements, where contradictory to the U value the higher the R value the better performing the product is, in the sense of reducing heat loss (the higher the R value the better the product is at insulating). All building elements have a determined R value, including the walls etc. Therefore, the R value in applications such as Bers Pro, (one of the NatHERS approved software for BASIX and NatHERS certification) accounts for the RT or total R value of the wall system and insulation, where although each product has a separate R value, they ultimately are calculated together.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is another integral part of choosing thermally performing glazing. This refers to the amount of radiant solar heat that is absorbed or blocked by the glazing. Both the U and SHGC values are greatly considered in rating projects in Section J of the NCC. The number given for the SHGC is the fraction or percentage of heat released inwards through the glazing therefore. If you want to gain heat through windows in colder climates the higher SHGC value should be chosen, whereas if the aim is to reduce the amount of solar energy entering the house, a lower SHGC is preferable.
Endorsed by the National Framework for Energy Efficiency (NFEE), the Energy Efficiency Project was an agreement between Australian Governments to improve energy efficiency in the country. NFEE’s objective being to unlock the significant economic potential associated with increased implementation of energy efficiency technologies, along with processes through which to deliver a least cost approach to energy efficiency in the country. In order to enable the effective involvement of stakeholders, within the development of the BCA Energy Efficiency Provisions, working groups and committees composed of representatives from a range of government, industry and community organisations were developed.
DtS Provisions contribute to the bulk of the NCC. DtS Provisions can be adopted if designers and/or builders do not want to develop a new way of achieving Performance Requirements. Performance Requirements refer to the level of performance which must be met.
The Section J Report includes:
The specific requirements of the assessment regarding your new building or renovation will depend on factors such as the Class of the Building, the Climate Zone and the size of the building in terms of the floor area.
As Australia’s climate is varied, this leads to different locations having different heating and cooling requirements. As such, the energy efficiency DtS Provisions vary regarding location. The NCC has classed locations with similar climates into 8 zones:
The NCC climate zones 1 and 2 have a desire for cooling which is likely during most of the year. Climate zones 3 and 4 have a higher need for heating than cooling for most of the year. Climate zone 5 is seen to have a warm climate with a limited need for cooling and heating. Climate zones 6 and 7 are cool climate areas and need a significant level of heating to maintain comfortable temperatures. Zone 8 also requires heating due to it being an alpine region.
And see what Energy Compliance looks like in Australia under the new NCC 2019 building codes.
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The cost of the overall assessment of a building is dependant on its size and complexity and therefore requires a specific quote to be made. Prices for Section J reports range from $1200 to $4000 depending on the size and complexity of the project.
To find out the exact price of a Section J Report for your project, send us your plans and we will review them to work out an accurate fee and time frame.
