A building permit checklist for JV3!
What makes this topic so confusing for everybody is the plethora of Energy Rating systems out there for assessing the energy efficiency of a design. So, to provide some clarity let’s define what we are talking about here to satisfy the requirements of JV3 in Section J of Volume 1 of the Building Code of Australia.
We are getting more comfortable with the reports for Energy Efficiency in the Housing Code, but the stuff we are getting for the non-domestic stuff, in particular for alterations, leaves a lot to be desired.
Because the ABCB is bounded by National Competition Policy (and probably state based trade practices legislation) it appears they cannot prescribe what a report must look like. The key thing is that it contains certain “minimum” information. The broad principles for that information are contained in the “ABCB protocols for energy rating software”, but is also defined (for non-domestic buildings) in Clause A2.2 of Volume 1.
Before we get to our checklist below – let’s start with what BCA A2.2 says. It’s the key clause in the BCA for evidence of compliance. Principally it says to assess compliance with the ABCB protocol you need either:
- a certificate from a professional engineer (defined term in the BCA); or
- a certificate from an other appropriately qualified person (not defined); or
- “Any other form of documentary evidence that correctly describes how the calculation method complies with a relevant ABCB protocol”.
As per the BCA definition the building surveyor / accredited certifier etc must evaluate the engineer or person’s “appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field.” Thanks ABCB guys! So basically we can accept anything? No, Clause A2.2 does clarify that:
- the certificate “certifies that the calculation method complies with a relevant ABCB protocol”; and
- “sets out the basis on which it is given and the extent to which relevant specifications, rules, codes of practice and other publications have been relied upon.”
Ok, maybe this explains why the reports we get are like they are. Nobody else understands either!?! (Now we are getting to the detail of a possible checklist). The ABCB protocol document also says:
- Inputs and outputs must be detailed on the energy analysis report;
- The energy analysis report must include all relevant inputs for the building fabric, the air-conditioning and ventilation systems, the lighting and power systems, the vertical transport systems and the supply hot water systems;
- Identify the chosen Verification Method (there is only JV3 now!);
- Use supplementary regulatory information (WTF!);
- The outputs must be presented in terms of annual energy consumption of the building in MJ/m2 of floor area per annum for a particular climate region for both (a)(viii) and (a)(ix) of JV3;
- A distinction must be made as to whether the energy source for the building heating is electricity (with heat pump plant) or gas;
- The energy analysis report must also include details of any limitations of the software or any approximations that were made to adapt the software to the application; and
- Provide the regulatory information needed by the building control authority by identifying items that can be physically verified (We like that!).
A sample reporting format is provided – its referred to as Appendix A. The ABCB then devalues this by saying:
- “Appendix A has been developed to provide an indication of the information needed in an energy analysis report; and
- This sample is intended to provide sufficient information to facilitate the work of the analyst’s supervisor by identifying key inputs and outputs for confirmation.”
So presumably the thought was that Appendix A would be “supplemented and extended” by other stuff. For fear of getting completely carried away and writing rows of expletives we have to stop here and sum up.
To certify compliance with JV3 we are asking people to complete our BDC JV3 checklist by:
- “Ticking boxes” to confirm:
- that the relevant bits of JV3 have been provided; and
- that the various requirements within the ABCB protocol have been provided; and
- Providing a certificate that says:
- the certificate certifies compliance for the calculation method for the ABCB protocol; and
- “sets out the basis on which the certificate is given and the extent to which relevant specifications, rules, codes of practice and other publications have been relied upon.”
- Providing a copy of their resume from which we will review “appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field”.
Wish us luck on our trip to Mars! Our next attempt at manned space flight will involve a checklist for compliance with performance requirements JP1, Jp2 and Jp3.
Tags: BCA, Building Permits, Energy Efficiency, Energy Rating Software, Section J