Are you planning to build or renovate a commercial building and found out that you need a Section J Report?
Are there building regulations and energy efficiency standards you need to comply with? Do you wish there was an easier way to go about getting certifications for your building?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then read on about:
- What is Section J?
- What is In Section J?
- The history and changes/updates to Section J
- Benefits of Section J reports
- How to Get a Section J Report
What is Section J?
Section J is part of the National Construction Code (NCC), which sets the minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings in Australia. Specifically, Section J deals with the energy efficiency of buildings, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
A Section J report aims to show compliance with provisions for building elements such as walls, roofs, floors, windows, lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation. A qualified energy efficiency consultant can prepare the report after an assessment of the building elements.
A Section J report is required for Class 2-9 buildings, except in NSW, where residential Class 2 and 4 parts of a building are predominantly subject to the Building Sustainability Index or BASIX requirements.
| CLASS | DESCRIPTION |
| 1 | Houses and other buildings used for residential purposes |
| 2 | Buildings containing sole-occupancy units which are dwellings (e.g. apartments, blocks of flats) |
| 3 | Accommodation buildings, such as hotels, motels, and backpacker hostels |
| 4 | Dwellings in other buildings, such as a shop-top apartment |
| 5 | Office buildings, such as a professional office |
| 6 | Shops and other retail buildings |
| 7 | Buildings used for car parking, storage, or display |
| 8 | Factories and other buildings used for manufacturing, assembling, or processing goods |
| 9 | Buildings used for health care, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes |
Also, councils and other authorities may sometimes require a Section J report to accompany a Development Application and/or Construction Certificate (NSW) application in order to proceed.
What is in Section J?
Section J consists of eight parts, each covering a different aspect of energy efficiency, as follows:
- Part J1 to J3: Energy Efficiency – General Requirements
- Part J4: Building Fabric
- Part J5: Building Sealing
- Part J6: Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
- Part J7: Artificial Lighting and Power
- Part J8: Heated Water Supply and Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Plant
- Part J9: Energy Monitoring and On-site distributed energy resources
Each portion specifies the minimum performance requirements for the relevant building elements. They also outline the methods for demonstrating compliance. Section J compliance can be achieved by either meeting the prescriptive Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions, or by using an alternative pathway such as a Performance Solution.
History and Updates to Section J
Section J was introduced in late 2006 as part of the Building Code of Australia (BCA, later renamed as the NCC). BCA Section J has since undergone several revisions to reflect the changing technologies, market conditions, and policy objectives. Below are the primary changes made.
2010 Revision
- Increased the stringency of the energy efficiency requirements by 10% to 40%, depending on the building type and climate zone
- Introduced new provisions for insulation, glazing, lighting, and air conditioning
2016 Revision
- Further increased the stringency of the requirements by 5% to 35%
- Added new provisions for building sealing, air movement, heated water supply, and swimming pool and spa pool plant
- Aligned Section J with the National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP) and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme
2019 Revision
- Set an average increase in stringency of 40%
- Introduced a new method of assessing wall/glazing systems
- Aligned Section J with the international standards for energy performance of buildings (ISO 52000)
Beyond Compliance: Benefits of Section J Reports
A Section J Report is a requirement for obtaining a building approval as well as a valuable tool for improving the environmental and economic performance of your building. By complying with Section J, you can:
- Reduce your energy bills and operating costs
- Enhance comfort and indoor environment quality
- Increase your building’s asset value and marketability
- Minimise the environmental impact and carbon footprint of your building
- Demonstrate your social responsibility and leadership
A Section J Report can also help you identify opportunities for further improvement, beyond the minimum requirements. Those can include incorporating renewable energy sources, passive design strategies, or high-performance materials.
How to Get a Section J Report
You first need to engage a qualified energy efficiency consultant who can assess of our building design against the relevant provisions. The typical process is as follows:
- Review of plans
- Identification of requirements relevant to your building
- Energy modelling (if required)
- Identification of issues and compliance solutions
- Report preparation
Need a Section J?
If you want an expert consultant you can rely on to produce a high-quality Section J Report, Application Solutions can help. We have been assisting building owners, builders, certifiers, architects, and designers achieve energy efficiency compliance for over 16 years. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your building project requirements.
