The changes keep coming
Off the back of HIA’s successful NCC seminar roadshow in 2019, which saw more than 2000 attendees, HIA has been supporting the building industry to understand the new energy efficiency changes with our latest series of NCC webinars. More than 500 people tuned in throughout April, including targeted seminars for Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT where the provisions for houses and apartments will be felt most. Following this, HIA also held a national webinar on the NCC Volume One Section J (commercial buildings) energy efficiency changes.
These sessions brought together a range of experts to provide a more detailed understanding of these new requirements, which included case studies and worked examples. The webinars also covered information on the upcoming NCC 2019 out of cycle amendment due to take effect 1 July 2020 and some of the commonly asked questions HIA’s Building Services team receives from members.
As a presenter for HIA seminars on energy efficiency changes, could you share what you talked about?
BH: The seminars covered the increased performance requirements of NCC 3.12 – specifically the stringency relating to data entry when using the verification method [in order] to bring it in line with the requirements of six stars. We also looked at the introduction of capped heating and cooling loads for six-star compliance. This change is designed to remove any outliers in performance, making sure we have housing that provides consistent thermal performance year-round.
I presented case studies of various houses and their solutions to meet the capped loads. Each solution is individualised and required in-depth analysis to achieve the desired results.
What are the main takeaways that builders will need to know as they affect Class 1 dwellings?
BH: The main takeaways would be that six stars still remains the most dynamic and adaptable rating method. Being able to offset requirements via design and materials rather than strictly meeting fixed criteria in each component of 3.12 always leads to better results. Capped heating and cooling loads are a practical extension to six stars, ensuring a project performs equally well year-round.
There is some uncertainty for commercial buildings, how do you think industry will adapt?
BH: From a builder’s perspective the new requirements provide more flexibility and offer a greater range of solutions with different methods of assessments of walls and glazing. Although it is likely to increase construction costs if the intention is to maintain heavily glazed facades. However, like any regulation change it will take time for the industry to [become] accustomed.
Based on the COAG trajectory towards low energy buildings, there are even more changes expected from 2022. How do you see this working in practice?
BH: At this stage I don’t believe there are any formal changes for NCC 2022 set in place. One can assume that seven stars will be considered and some sort of whole of house approach to energy efficiency. There are software packages currently in development looking at a whole of house approach. Victoria has their Zero Net Carbon initiative and Score Card, while NSW has BASIX – these are established systems where the 2022 NCC could certainly take elements and initiatives from.
Will you be adapting your service offerings to help builders understand the changes?
BH: Extensive increases are on the horizon in 2022 and like all previous changes to the NCC, Energy Lab will adapt and continue to offer high quality reporting for the building industry. Our software developers are constantly looking at ways to increase the efficiency of our workflow and our adaptability through automation is key to all future success regardless of any changes to the building code. All these factors play a critical role for our energy partners and clients to make accurate and informed decisions regarding energy efficiency compliance.
Read the entire article at the HIA here.
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