JV3 Assessments & JV3 Report
What is JV3, when is it required and what does it cost?
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What is a JV3 Assessment?
JV3 is an assessment method for commercial buildings that uses software modelling to show compliance with the National Construction Code’s (NCC) energy efficiency requirements. It is an alternative pathway (verification method) that provides greater design flexibility than the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) requirements in a Section J assessment.
A JV3 report will determine how the proposed non-residential building performs compared to a reference building. The reference building is modelled using all the DtS provisions in Section J. The proposed building is modelled with the insulation and glazing that will be installed during construction.
Once the models are complete, the insulation and glazing in the proposed building can then be adjusted. Compliance is demonstrated if the proposed building has lower energy usage than the reference building.
What are the benefits of JV3?
Section J requires compliance to be demonstrated with each performance requirement in Section J. This approach is restrictive because it looks at each element of the building in isolation and does not consider the expected energy usage.
The shortcomings of Section J can be addressed with the JV3 Performance Solution method. JV3 assessments use software modelling to determine expected energy usage. The modelling is comprehensive so it allows for a high level of optimisation and trade-offs. This means it has the flexibility of offsetting energy usage with Solar PV Panels, or using higher insulation to reduce glazing requirements.
The JV3 can account for the following during modelling:
- Interaction between the different building components
- The impact of shading from nearby structures and buildings
- The impact of thermal mass (heat storage in building materials)
- The impact of heat production from lights, occupants and appliances
- The impact of colour selections
JV3 Modelling
Our JV3 Modelling for commercial buildings shows compliance with the Section J regulations. We use advanced simulation techniques to guarantee compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC). Discover how our services can enhance your project’s sustainability and lead to cheaper compliance outcomes:
- Advanced Software and Tools: We use software such as EnergyPlus for comprehensive energy assessments.
- JV3 Compliance Expertise: Our team specialises in JV3 compliance, ensuring your designs align seamlessly with NCC standards.
- Optimisation of Building Elements: Software modelling optimises insulation, glazing, HVAC systems, and shading devices to deliver the best outcome.
- Detailed Reports and Recommendations: Our reports allow architects, builders, and developers to easily understand the compliance requirements.
Green Choice Consulting can help ensure your new building is both cost-effective and compliant.
What does a JV3 cost?
The cost of a JV3 Report varies depending on the class and size of the building. Most assessments will range from $2000-$4000 (plus GST).
The cost of the assessment varies based on the following factors:
- The number of different wall types
- The number of different roof types
- The number of levels in the building
- The type of floor construction
- The amount of shading and glazing
Larger projects will take additional time to model and will have higher costs.
When to Consider a JV3 Assessment
Suitability of JV3 for Different Building Classes
A JV3 assessment is applied to commercial buildings such as offices, retail outlets, warehouses, and educational facilities. It is useful for projects where the Section J Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) compliance method is too restrictive, or where more flexibility is needed to optimise energy performance across the building.
JV3 assessments are considered in the following scenarios:
- Non-compliance with DTS provisions: A design does not meet the DTS requirements.
- Optimising energy-usage: There are opportunities to optimise energy usage through design choices like shading, insulation, or solar panels.
- Comprehensive analysis: An understanding of how different building elements interact is needed to ensure energy efficiency.
- Complex designs to save costs: They are also frequently used in larger, more complex buildings where the energy and cost-saving potential is greater.
Frequently Asked Questions on JV3
The time required for a JV3 assessment varies based on the complexity of the building design and the number of revisions needed to achieve compliance. Typically, a JV3 assessment takes 5-10 business days.
To begin a JV3 assessment, building designers need to provide detailed plans of the building, including:
- Site plan, showing orientation and shading from nearby structures
- Floor plans, showing layout, and eaves
- Elevations, showing window locations, window sizes and shading
- Electrical plans, showing lighting
- Window schedule, showing glazing types, locations and sizes
Yes, while the assessment itself incurs a cost, JV3 optimisation can lead to cost-savings during construction and operation. For example, incorporating solar panels can reduce the need for high-performance glazing, whilst still achieving compliance.
Yes, a JV3 assessment suitable for alterations or additions to existing commercial buildings, especially if the changes impact the building fabric. This can include modifications to the design, and/or changes to insulation, glazing, or HVAC systems.
The JV3 assessment would include modelling the altered or additional sections to ensure they comply with the requirements of Section J; however, the requirements may vary based on the extent of the alteration and local regulations.
- Class 3: Residential buildings other than houses, such as hotels or larger boarding houses.
- Class 5: Office buildings or buildings used for professional or commercial purposes (e.g. government offices).
- Class 6: Shops or other buildings for the sale of goods by retail or the supply of services (e.g. restaurants, cafes).
- Class 7: Car parks and storage buildings.
- Class 8: Factories or buildings where goods are produced.
- Class 9: Public buildings, such as hospitals, schools, or assembly buildings.
The main difference between a JV3 assessment and the Section J DTS method lies in their approach to compliance. The DTS method requires each individual building element, such as insulation or glazing, to meet specific prescriptive standards outlined in the NCC. These standards are rigid and do not allow for trade-offs between building components.
A JV3 assessment uses software modelling to simulate the building’s overall energy performance. It allows for flexibility by considering how different building elements interact, and enables trade-offs, such as offsetting energy usage with solar panels or using improved insulation to reduce glazing requirements. If the overall energy consumption of the proposed building is lower than that of a reference building using the DTS provisions, compliance can be achieved.
Learn more about the difference between a section J and JV3 report here.
No, JV3 assessments are for commercial buildings, as outlined in NCC Section J. For residential buildings (Class 1 and Class 2), other compliance methods are used to meet energy efficiency standards, such as the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). The only exception is Class 3 buildings which includes boarding houses and hotels. JV3 is not suitable for residential buildings.
No, a standard JV3 assessment focuses on energy efficiency related to energy-usage, insulation, glazing, and heating and cooling loads. It does not include daylight modelling, which is a separate analysis focused on the amount of natural light entering a building. Daylight modelling can be conducted as an additional assessment to optimise natural lighting, reduce artificial lighting needs, and contribute to overall energy performance. Most software tools used for JV3 assessments have the capability to perform daylight modelling if required.
Yes, any commercial project can use the JV3 pathway, if it falls under the relevant building classes defined in the NCC. The JV3 pathway is beneficial for projects where flexibility in design is needed or when the Section J DTS approach is too restrictive. Large or complex buildings, such as shopping centres, office buildings, or factories, often benefit the most from the JV3 approach because it allows for design trade-offs that optimise performance and reduce construction costs. Smaller projects are usually suited for the simpler, Section J DTS pathway.
