JV3 Assessment: An Alternative Solution To DtS Method
JV3 is an alternative solution (also known as energy performance solution) for non-residential structures when attaining energy compliance is impossible or costly with the ‘Deemed-to-Satisfy’ (DTS) method. JV3 assessment is similar to modelling residential dwellings for thermal comfort compliance using NatHERS software. The JV3 method involves a reference DtS building to compare the total energy utilisation to that of the new commercial development. The annual energy consumption of both buildings is calculated using simulation software. The software must be approved by ABCB (Australian Building Codes Board) Protocol for Building Energy Analysis. Section J compliance is attained only when the annual energy consumption of the proposed commercial development is less than the reference DtS building.
When Do You Require JV3 Assessment? A JV3 verification can be helpful in the following situations: ●
Some innovative and creative commercial building designs featuring substantial external glazing might find it challenging to achieve compliance standards of the BCA Section J report through the traditional DtS assessment, making the construction (glazing or insulation) exorbitantly expensive.
●
In certain projects, the intricate building design, coupled with the NCC Climate Zone protocols, makes it impossible to attain Section J energy compliance with the conventional DTS restrictions.
●
Additionally, JV3 modelling might be a requirement at the Planning Approval stage as a component of the Sustainability Management Plan or any other ESD Report. The BESS software typically triggers the requirement when the artificially heated and cooled area measurement reaches 1000m2.
Fortunately, even when DtS compliance methods make it challenging to attain energy compliance standards, the JV3 assessment can be a good alternative. Before we discuss the benefits of the JV3 verification method, let’s understand how the process (energy compliance solutions) works. Also Read: 5 Design tips to achieve a 6-star NatHERS rating
How Does JV3 Modelling (Energy Compliance Solutions) Work? The National Construction Code (commonly construction/glazing levels to attain compliance.
known
as
NCC)
has
standardised
However, the NCC allows certain flexibility. You can justify and elaborate that your commercial construction has achieved a performance as good as the prescriptive method (DtS approach) using alternative assessment.
In such cases, you can balance certain low-performing components such as glazing with high-performance design elements such as insulation. In simple words, you have the flexibility to swap building components to achieve energy compliance. JV3 assessment is applicable for ● All commercial buildings classes(Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) ● Common spaces of Class 2 buildings Commercial buildings include residential portions of hotels, offices, shops, restaurants, cafes, storage units, factories, hospitals, clinics and other public utility spaces.
Pre-requisites for JV3 Assessment To prevent any poor quality outcomes, abusing the provisions and duplicacy, the NCC regulates certain aspects of the JV3 Performance Solution. These include: ● ● ●
Only software validated under ASHRAE 140 standard can be used to run the simulation Considering hour-by-hour outputs and the right modelling approach, Should implement NCC prescriptive schedules DtS) for operations, temperature setpoints, etc.
What Are The Benefits Of the JV3 Assessment? Although the costing and the method of JV3 modelling might be more than DtS, it can be beneficial for the following reasons:
● ● ●
● ● ● ●
Allows greater design flexibility while complying with the BCA Section J report requirements. A tested and successful approach to minimise construction costs. Provisions to replace expensive energy efficiency measures with low-cost design components such as single-glazed windows and skylights instead of double-glazed or triple-glazed. You can opt for customised construction materials and glazing options. Allows compensating the building energy requirement by implementing onsite renewable systems, e.g. solar systems. Flexibility to minimise/enhance insulation components in certain building portions and compensate for the alterations in insulation somewhere else within the building fabric. Feasibility to adjust the SHGC factor of your glazing.
●
●
Integrate higher levels of artificial lighting density within your commercial than what NCC allows and balance the energy consumption with another high-performing design solution somewhere else in the building. Achieve thermal comfort in all occupied zones.
DtS is a simple and cost-efficient solution. But it doesn’t consider the following: ● ● ● ● ●
Thermal interaction of building fabric materials. Shading effect Thermal mass. Internal heat gains Colouring of walls or roofs surface.
All these elements play a critical role in improving the energy efficiency of the building. Thus the construction ends up becoming expensive. Connect with an expert building consultant to get started with the JV3 assessment of your commercial venture.
Contact Us
Company Name: Eco Certificates Address: Suite 413, 33 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, NSW 2153, Australia Phone: 1300 162436 Email id: info@ecocertificates.com.au Website: http://ecocertificates.com.au