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: (more…)
