For several years, the Australian Building Code Board (ABCB) has been trying to evolve the building policies and sustainable standards of the National Construction Code (NCC) into a performance-based compliance system.

If you actively venture into the building and construction industry, you might be familiar with the term performance-based coding system”. But what does it signify?

Performance-based solutions like JV3 modelling were introduced to open up the opportunity to quantify more innovative designs while adhering to sustainability guidelines. The conventional

Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions for attaining energy-efficiency standards are more prescriptive. They’ll offer you a simple and ground-up method to comply with the requirements of the NCC. You need to adhere to each section’s requirements, and you’ll have a compliant design.

On the other hand, the modern performance solution is based on a top-down approach. The building code provides you with a set of overarching standards, and it’s up to you or your building specialist to demonstrate how the tailored approach fulfils and adheres to those standards.

BCA Section J Compliance can be fulfilled using JV3 modelling and conducting the JV3 compliance assessment (performance solution). This computer-based simulation enables you to measure the overall project performance. It gives you the opportunity to use design elements that may not otherwise adhere to the conventional DtS requirements and balance this energy loss by compensating somewhere else in the building design.

For instance, you can design cheaper, simpler, and lower-performance windows and glazing. You can balance the energy loss from windows and glazing with higher-performing wall insulation. JV3 assessment applies mostly to commercial spaces and certain residential constructions.

NSW had introduced similar sustainability requirements and guidelines for single and multiple residential dwellings. These guidelines were known as BASIX and can be fulfilled using a BASIX report and certificate.

What Is the JV3 Modelling Approach?

A JV3 approach can be defined as a performance solutions method for complying with Volume 1 of the NCC. It involves an entire building simulation approach for determining overall building performance compared to a reference DtS building.

What Is A Reference Building In JV3 Assessment?

To determine a reference building, you’ll first need to prepare a computer model of your proposed project. The reference building needs to be modelled in accordance with the Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) Provisions of NCC.

Once you upload the required values into the software, the software will calculate the energy consumption of that reference DtS building.

Once you obtain the energy consumption value, you can adjust and modify different design attributes to match or improve the overall energy performance compared to the reference DtS building.

Also Read: Benefits Of BASIX-Compliant Residential Buildings

What Are The Benefits Of Using JV3 Modeling?

JV3 simulations enable greater flexibility for building design. In simple words, this approach allows you to underperform the energy efficiency features in certain areas and balance by overperforming in other places.

This can be incredibly advantageous, especially when it comes to renovations or modifications. During a renovation and upgradation of an existing building, there might be various factors why some features can’t be changed. Additionally, in new constructions, eliminating certain features might not be possible for various reasons.

Such conditions include:

Restoring Heritage Requirements

It might not be feasible or practical to upgrade specific parts of a building due to heritage constraints. With JV3 modelling, you can ignore those specific areas and enhance energy performance scores in the un-restricted areas.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Even with the same design, every building can have different energy performance. While some features can be cost-effective in one building might prove to be extremely expensive in the other building.

JV3 assessment allows you to improve performance and introduce sustainability measures that are cheaper to implement while reducing performance in design areas where the construction cost can be excessively high.

Eliminate Design Constraints

Often, with energy efficiency standards, you’ll require more room to implement a certain design feature that performs better. Similarly, just as often, you might not accommodate a design element like thicker insulation in a roof since you have strict RLs. With JV3’s you can compensate for the performance elsewhere.

Allows Better Aesthetics

If you want to construct a state-of-the-art, landmark-type project, the vision and design aims of your project are crucial.

For instance, you want to install stained glass windows. Generally, stained glass windows or glazings have low performance. It is impractical and expensive to install double glazed stained glass without ruining the aesthetic.

With JV3 modelling, you can include this design feature without compromising the overall energy efficiency of a building.

How Professional Consultants Can Be Helpful?

A project involves numerous paperwork, especially when it comes to complying with the sustainability standards (BASIX report, NABERS, JV3, etc.) in Australia. The implementation of these performance codes is becoming stricter. And minor mistakes can push back your project for an indefinite time.

Having a professional partner to streamline the paperwork makes the entire documentation and assessment process easier. They can help you to reduce bottlenecks and help you concentrate on the factors that require your expertise.

Leave the paperwork to the professional consultants and fast-track your project.