Section J Report - Section J NCC 2022
What is a Section J Report, what are the Section J Requirements and what does a Section J Report cost?
At Green Choice Consulting, we provide detailed and compliant Section J Reports tailored to your commercial project’s needs.
Our team ensures your development meets the energy efficiency standards outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC), reducing energy usage while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Contact us to arrange a Section J report for your development on 1300 864 944.
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What is Section J?
Section J in the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) is focused on the energy efficiency requirements for buildings. The primary goal of Section J is to ensure that buildings are built to a minimum standard to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
All commercial buildings must meet the minimum standards detailed in the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). The NCC looks at thermal performance, energy use for heating and cooling, lighting, hot water systems and air conditioning systems.
It should cover the following:
- Building Fabric: Insulation requirements, glazing requirements and building sealing
- Building Services: Requirements for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, hot water systems and lighting
- Energy: Energy Monitoring and on-site energy sources
The regulations in the NCC apply to new commercial buildings, renovations, alterations and extensions. This includes apartments, board-houses, caretaker’s residence’s offices, cafes, shops, restaurants, laboratories, schools, medical centres and more.
Section J Report
What Is A Section J Report?
A Section J Report is used to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency provisions contained in the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). It primarily looks at the energy requirements for non-residential buildings.
The best way to show compliance is to use the provisions contained in Section J of the NCC 2022. The report should be prepared by an experienced Section J consultant or mechanical engineer.
The report will show how your proposed building complies with the Energy Efficiency Requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
The report should contain supporting calculations to show how the building meets each requirement set out in Section J. This includes calculating the required R-Values for insulation and performance values for glazing.
The purpose of the Section J compliance report is to demonstrate how the building will meet the regulations and standards. The report is used to demonstrate to council or a building certifier that the building meets the Section J requirements.
When Is A Section J Report Required?
A Section J Report is required when applying for a construction permit for a commercial building.
The following types of building classifications are required to comply with the Section J NCC requirements:
- Class 2: Apartment buildings
- Class 3: Residential buildings such as a boarding-house, guest house, hostel, lodging-house or backpackers accommodation
- Class 4: A single dwelling in a building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9. An example of a Class 4 part of a building would be a caretaker’s residence in a storage facility.
- Class 5: An office building used for professional or commercial purposes, excluding Class 6, 7, 8, or buildings
- Class 6: A shop or other building that has the purpose of serving goods or services directly to the public. Examples include a cafe, restaurant, bar, shop, kiosk, hairdresser’s, showrooms or service stations
- Class 7: Carparks, storage facilities or wholesale display buildings
- Class 8: Laboratories, or buildings for the purpose of producing, assembling, altering, repairing, packing, finishing or cleaning goods. An example would be a factory
- Class 9: Buildings of a public nature. This includes health-care, an assembly building within a school and aged care buildings
If you are planning to build a new commercial building or planning an extension or renovation you will require a Section J assessment to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency provisions.
The NCC applies Australia wide and all councils will require compliance.
Section J Requirements
Section J of the NCC 2022 details the performance requirements or relevant building elements that your commercial development needs to meet.
You will need to meet the Total R-Values required for the floors, roofs and walls. You will also need to meet glazing requirements and air movement requirements.
The provisions also detail requirements for the testing and installation of insulation, compensation for loss of ceiling insulation from penetrations, floor edge insulation and the sealing of the building.
The NCC’s Section J is divided into specific performance requirement categories, each targeting a different component of energy efficiency.
Part J1 Energy Efficiency Performance Requirements
This section outlines overarching performance objectives for building fabric and energy-using systems. This includes:
- Limiting energy consumption through the building fabric, fixed services, and on-site energy generation.
- Ensuring that energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other services is as efficient as possible.
- Providing pathways to demonstrate that the building meets minimum acceptable energy efficiency levels.
This section applies across all commercial buildings and is satisfied either through Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions or Performance Solutions (e.g., J1V3 modelling).
Part J2 Energy efficiency
This part introduces the criteria and structure for energy efficiency measures. It’s essentially the gateway to the other parts of Section J, referencing them as compliance options.
Part J2 Includes:
- Clarification on which buildings require compliance.
- Introduction to the compliance pathways (DTS or Performance Solution).
- Linkage to energy modelling or element-based compliance.
It acts like a roadmap for the designer to choose how they will achieve compliance.
Part J3 Elemental provisions for sole-occupancy unit (Class 2 Building or Class 4 part of building)
Part J3 is tailored for Class 2 SOUs (sole-occupancy units) and Class 4 parts of buildings (typically dwellings within commercial buildings), prescribing elemental provisions such as:
- Prescriptive measures for building fabric such as roof, wall, floor insulation.
- Glazing allowances and shading requirements.
- Building sealing to reduce air leakage.
These provisions are similar in intent to the residential energy efficiency measures, but adapted for use within mixed-use buildings.
Part J4 Building fabric
Building fabric performance or thermal performance of the building envelope – between the interior and exterior of the property, and its components, including roof and ceiling construction, roof lights, walls and floors. It sets requirements for insulation levels, thermal bridging, and air leakage to minimise heat transfer and reduce energy consumption.
Main focus areas include:
- Thermal Resistance (R-values): Specifies minimum insulation levels for roofs, walls, and floors.
- Thermal Bridging: Avoiding materials that conduct heat too easily through the building envelope.
- Solar Absorptance: Light-coloured roofs and external walls are encouraged in warmer climates to reflect heat.
- Roof Reflectivity and Ventilation: Improved performance through ventilation and reflective surfaces.
A well-designed fabric reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, cutting energy costs over the building’s life.
Part J5 Building sealing
Part J5 addresses the often-overlooked issue of air leakage, which can dramatically affect a building’s heating and cooling performance.
Requirements include:
- Sealing of chimneys, flues, windows, doors, vents, and roof penetrations, such as roof lights and exhaust fans.
- Self-closing mechanisms on entry doors to air-conditioned zones.
- Control of uncontrolled air infiltration and exfiltration.
Proper sealing maintains conditioned air, increases HVAC efficiency, and improves occupant comfort.
Part J6 Air-conditioning and ventilation systems
This part governs the design and specification of mechanical HVAC systems in commercial buildings.
Key requirements include:
- Use of energy-efficient heating and cooling plant equipment.
- Limiting energy loss through ducts and piping (e.g., insulation and sealing).
- Efficiency ratings for air conditioning units.
- Zoning controls and time-switching capabilities.
The focus is on ensuring systems are sized appropriately and avoid energy waste during operation.
Part J7 Artificial Lighting and power control
Lighting and associated power systems are significant energy consumers, especially in office and retail environments.
Requirements include:
- Illuminance power density limits (maximum watts per square metre) for different room types and building uses.
- Lighting zoning and control: Including timers, sensors (occupancy or daylight), and manual switches.
- Emergency lighting and exit signs must also comply with energy efficiency benchmarks.
This part ensures that lighting is not just energy-efficient but also intelligently controlled and responsive to occupancy.
Part J8 Heated water supply and swimming pool and spa pool plant
This part applies to systems that consume energy for heating water, including:
- Central hot water systems: insulation of pipes, efficient heat sources (e.g., heat pumps or solar).
- Swimming pools and spa pools: efficiency standards for heated water supply systems, circulation pumps, and covers.
Reducing the energy used to heat and maintain water temperatures can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint, especially in gyms, hotels, and apartment buildings
Part J9 Energy monitoring and on-site distributed energy resources
Introduced in NCC 2022, Part J9 reflects the push toward smarter, more sustainable buildings. It includes requirements for:
- Energy metering systems: Large buildings must be able to monitor energy use by end-use categories (HVAC, lighting, etc.).
- Solar PV readiness: Provisions to allow integration of on-site renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar.
- EV Charging Preparation: Some classes of buildings must have infrastructure ready for electric vehicle charging in the future.
This section aims to future-proof buildings and support Australia’s net-zero ambitions.
The specific requirements for your project will vary based on the design, climate zone, size of the building, size of glazing, and other factors. When completing an assessment only the “Conditioned Envelope” is assessed (excl. J6 – Lighting).
A thermal performance assessor will usually determine the requirements for all sections (excluding Part J6-J9). The relevant engineers will usually specify the systems used and provide compliance documentation for Parts J6-J9.
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Section J Costs
The cost of a Section J Report can vary depending on the type of building and complexity of the project.
Typically most reports using the Deemed to Satisfy provisions will range from $500-$4,000 (plus GST).
The following aspects of the design can impact the cost of the report:
- The number of different wall types
- The number of different roof types
- The number of storeys
- The type of floor construction
- The amount of shading and glazing
Large projects such as hotels can have significantly higher costs because they may be more appropriate to complete using a J1V3 assessment (modelling the entire building in software to calculate energy usage).
We provide quotations on a case-by-case basis due to the complexity of these jobs. Contact us on 1300 864 944 to receive a detailed quote for your project.
Compliance Pathways
There are three recognised pathways for achieving Section J compliance:
1. Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions
The DTS provisions provide prescriptive requirements that, if followed, are deemed to satisfy the performance requirements of Section J.
This pathway involves adhering to specific construction methods, materials, and equipment specifications outlined in the NCC. While straightforward, this method can sometimes limit design flexibility.
2. Performance Solution (J1V3 Verification Method)
The J1V3 pathway involves energy modelling and simulation using specialised software to compare the energy performance of the proposed building with the reference building.
This pathway allows for greater design flexibility by demonstrating that the proposed building performs equally or better than a reference building that complies with the NCC’s energy efficiency requirements.
View more information about the JV3 modelling process.
3. Green Star (J1V2 Verification Method)
The Green Star pathway, aligned with Verification Method J1V2, is an alternative performance solution recognised under the NCC 2022. This method is typically applied when a project is targeting a Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), integrating energy efficiency as part of a broader sustainability framework.
Using J1V2, compliance is demonstrated through detailed energy modelling in accordance with Green Star – Design & As Built rating tool criteria.
This approach allows developers to achieve both Section J compliance and Green Star certification concurrently, reducing duplication and streamlining reporting processes.
It offers flexibility in design and promotes best-practice environmental performance, making it an attractive option for projects with sustainability goals that exceed minimum regulatory requirements
Source: Handbook: Energy Efficiency NCC Volume One
© Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia 2019, published by the Australian Building Codes Board.
Who Can Prepare a Section J Report?
Section J Reports should be prepared by qualified energy consultants or building professionals with a sound understanding of NCC compliance pathways. Professionals who can prepare these reports include:
- Accredited building energy assessors
- Building surveyors
- Architects with expertise in energy efficiency
- Building services engineers
- Energy efficiency consultants
At Green Choice Consulting, our team comprises qualified professionals with extensive experience in preparing accurate and compliant Section J Reports.
Why is a Section J Report Important?
A Section J Report is crucial for several reasons:
Regulatory Compliance with the NCC: It ensures that building projects comply with the mandatory energy efficiency requirements of the NCC, avoiding potential delays and penalties. This is required for Development Application (DA) or Construction Certificate (CC) approvals in most states.
Reduced Energy Consumption & Sustainability: By optimising building design and construction, it helps reduce energy consumption, leading to lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. This supports broader sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting responsible resource use.
Improved Building Performance: It contributes to improved thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and overall building performance.
Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient buildings in the commercial sector are increasingly valued in the market, potentially increasing property value.
NCC 2022 Updates to Section J
The 2022 edition of the NCC introduced significant updates to Section J, aimed at further enhancing energy efficiency standards. Key changes include:
Removal of Slab-on-Ground Insulation Requirements:
In previous versions of the NCC, insulation beneath slab-on-ground floors was a standard requirement to enhance thermal performance. However, NCC 2022 has removed this requirement for most climates, simplifying the compliance process.
This change facilitates the use of the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) pathway, making it more accessible and cost-effective for many projects.
It’s important to note that in colder climates, specifically Climate Zones 7 and 8, under-slab insulation may still be necessary to meet energy efficiency standards.
Future-Proofing for Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles:
NCC 2022 introduces provisions to ensure buildings are prepared for future installations of renewable energy systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure:
Electrical Infrastructure for EV Charging: Carparks with 10 or more spaces per storey are now required to have dedicated electrical distribution boards to accommodate future EV charging stations.
Solar and Battery Readiness: Main electrical switchboards must include circuit breakers or designated spaces to allow for the future installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage.
Additionally, for buildings with roof areas exceeding 55 m², at least 20% of the roof space should be reserved for potential solar panel installations, with certain exceptions such as roof terraces and car parks.
These measures are designed to facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy technologies as they become more prevalent.
Revised Requirements for Class 2 and Class 4 Buildings:
Significant changes have been made to the energy efficiency requirements for Class 2 (residential apartments) and Class 4 (a dwelling within a non-residential building) structures:
New Performance Requirements: NCC 2022 introduces Performance Requirements J1P2 and J1P3, focusing on thermal performance and overall energy usage for these building classes.
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Compliance Pathway: A DTS pathway has been established for energy efficiency compliance, providing an alternative to the previously mandatory Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assessments for each unit. This change offers more flexibility in demonstrating compliance and can streamline the approval process.
These updates reflect a commitment to enhancing the energy performance of residential components within commercial buildings.
In addition to the above, NCC 2022 also introduced the following updates to Section J:
- Greater emphasis on on-site renewable energy generation
- Stricter building sealing and lighting controls
- Introduction of energy monitoring infrastructure
Overall, the NCC 2022 updates to Section J aim to elevate the baseline energy performance of commercial buildings, promote sustainability, and prepare structures for future technological advancements in energy generation and consumption, reflecting Australia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
Proposed Changes in NCC 2025
The NCC is continually reviewed and updated to reflect advancements in technology and evolving energy efficiency standards.
The proposed amendments to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025, particularly within Section J, aim to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings (Class 3 and Class 5–9) and the common areas of apartment buildings (Class 2).
Key Proposed Changes:
1. Building Fabric Enhancements:
- Roofs and Ceilings: Updates to Total R-Value requirements, including higher reflectance and new emittance criteria for metal roofs with rooftop air conditioning equipment.
- Walls and Glazing: Assessment of thermal performance for each story, stricter solar admittance requirements, and revised Maximum Total System U-Value and opaque wall Total R-Value.
2. Air-Conditioning and Ventilation System Controls:
- Measures to restrict simultaneous heating and cooling, prevent poor design, and include temperature reset requirements for heated and condenser water.
- Expansion of interlock requirements to prevent air-conditioning operation when external doors are open.
3. Fan and Duct Systems:
- Alignment with EU327 standards, considering both peak and duty point efficiency.
- Requirement for variable speed operation for most fans with input power above 750W.
4. Heated Water Supply:
- Provisions for future electrification, including reserved electrical infrastructure capacity and plant space.
- Insulation requirements for circulating heated water pipework used for sanitary purposes and food preparation.
5. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure:
- Requirements for EV chargers in specified numbers of spaces within car parking areas of relevant buildings.
- Allowance for bus ducts and specifications for maximum permitted cable run lengths from EV charging distribution boards to parking spaces.
6. Renewable Energy Integration:
- Mandate for on-site photovoltaic (PV) panel installations, with capacity determined by available roof space, climate zone, and building classification.
These proposed changes reflect a concerted effort to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings.
What Tools are Used to Complete a Section J Report?
At Green Choice Consulting, we utilise industry-leading tools and software to provide accurate and reliable Section J Reports. These tools include:
J1V3 Tools:
Specialised energy modelling software, such as FirstRate5, AccuRate, and BERS Pro, is used to conduct energy simulations and compare the performance of the proposed building with the reference building.
These tools consider multiple factors to accurately assess energy performance, such as:
- Building orientation
- Climate data
- Material properties
DTS Tools:
ABCB Glazing Calculator: This tool aids in determining the compliance of glazing systems with the DTS provisions of Part J2. It allows users to input glazing properties and calculate SHGC and U-values to ensure they meet the required standards.
Material databases and compliance checklists are also used to verify that materials and construction methods meet the DTS requirements.
Get a Section J Compliance Report
With a reputation for precision, reliability, and industry expertise, Green Choice Consulting is your trusted partner for all Section J reporting requirements.
Our accredited team of energy efficiency consultants brings deep knowledge of the NCC, practical design insight, and a commitment to helping you meet compliance in the most cost-effective way possible.
Whether you’re an architect, builder, developer or building owner, we work collaboratively from early design through to final certification, ensuring your project meets energy performance targets without compromising on design or budget.
As leaders in both residential and commercial building energy assessments, Partner with Green Choice Consulting to streamline compliance, maximise energy efficiency, and future-proof your commercial development.
Contact us on 1300 864 944 or submit an enquiry online.
