JV3 Performance Solution

When the rigid (yet low cost) Deemed to Satisfy method looks like implementation will be costly during the construction phase, our clients seek compliance using Energy Performance Solution such as JV3 Modelling (i.e. Verification Method).  If professionally performed, JV3 Performance Solution allows for applying any change to the energy performance while reducing the construction cost, such as replacing a double-glazed window to a single glazed while reducing the energy demand.

At Energy Compliance, we offer all avenues to achieve Energy Compliance under the National Construction Code (NCC).

We have always been able to reduce construction costs when performing JV3 modelling by more than the value of our fee, which is why we offer this unique Service Guarantee:

If we can’t reduce your construction costs by more than the value of our JV3 service fee, and you decide not to use our report, then you won’t have to pay the remainder of our invoice.

WHAT IS ENERGY PERFORMANCE SOLUTION?

The National Construction Code (NCC) offers prescriptive and standard construction/glazing levels to comply with the code. However, the NCC is flexible and allows using any construction/glazing other than the prescriptive constructions (i.e. Deemed to Satisfy methods), if we justify that the new construction technique has a performance that is as good as the prescriptive method. The process that justifies an alternative (cheaper) construction instead of NCC prescriptive construction is called Performance Solution.

For instance, NCC requires your building to have minimum double glazing with U value of 2.0 to comply with the code. However, we can provide a Performance Solution which adds 15% more insulation to the roof or use shading devices (low-cost construction methods) to justify the implementation of a single glazed window instead (i.e. save your construction costs).

The Performance Solution JV3 modelling is a compliance approach that requires simulation of the proposed building using computer modelling software on an hourly basis. For energy performance solution, NCC sets the boundaries for computer energy modelling in its Section JV3 and calls it “Verification Using a Reference Building”. Architects and people in the energy efficiency industry also call performance solution as “Alternative method” or “JV3 modelling” method. All these refer to the same energy Performance Solution which is modelling an alternative compliance method to a rigid Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) prescriptive method.

This alternative method compares the thermal performance of the proposed building with proposed insulation, glazing and services with the NCC Reference Building. The reference building has the same geometry as the proposed building but with insulation, glazing and services prescriptive of NCC Deemed to Satisfy solution. The outcome is simple – pass or fail! To pass the energy efficiency requirement test, annual energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed building must be equal to or less than that of the NCC reference building.

The Performance Solution JV3 modelling is a compliance approach that requires simulation of the proposed building using computer modelling software on an hourly basis. For energy performance solution, NCC sets the boundaries for computer energy modelling in its Section JV3 and calls it “Verification Using a Reference Building”. Architects and people in the energy efficiency industry also call performance solution as “Alternative method” or “JV3 modelling” method. All these refer to the same energy Performance Solution which is modelling an alternative compliance method to a rigid Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) prescriptive method.

The Alternative Method or JV3 compliance path is simple and works all the time when the Deemed to Satisfy approach provides an undesirable solution or doesn’t meet the client’s requirements.

ADVANTAGES OF PERFORMANCE SOLUTION (JV3 MODELLING)

• Provides Energy Compliance to the NCC in a more flexible manner.
• A proven method of reducing construction costs.
• Allows replacing high-cost energy-saving measures with low-cost options (e.g. single-glazed windows instead of double glazed).
• Has no limitation in applying customised building materials and glazing options.
• Allows offsetting the building energy demand with the use of onsite renewable solar systems (electricity or solar hot water).
• Allows offsetting the use of low-cost HVAC solutions with other low-cost energy efficiency measures.
• Your HVAC engineer can use the estimated hour-by-hour energy demand from different building zones to perform a preliminary design and hourly feasibility assessment of different energy system options.
• Reduce/increase insulation in some areas of the building and offset it by a change in insulation somewhere else in the building fabric.
• Increase/reduce the amount of light you receive inside the building by adjusting the SHGC factor of your glazing to your desired value.
• Reach to higher levels of artificial lighting power density than what NCC allows.
• Assure that we achieve a thermal comfort in all occupied zones according to the definitions in ASHRAE 55 and NCC regulations.

While the Deemed to Satisfy method is low cost and quite fast to obtain, it doesn’t consider:

• Thermal interaction between building fabric components.
• Shading effect because of the adjoining structures and features (which offsets cooling demand).
• Effect of thermal mass in heat storage or discharge.
• Effect of internal heat gains from sources like lighting, occupancy and appliances (which offsets heating demand)
• Effect of walls or roofs surface colours in offsetting heating and cooling demand.

It therefore doesn’t result in the most cost effective solution all the time. Solutions under DTS can be prohibitively expensive to install.

The JV3 method, on the other hand, utilises holistic modelling of the entire building, and our team at Energy Compliance, with no exception to date, have always satisfied our valued client’s construction cost reduction requirements.

Feel free to discover our past experience

HOW THE JV3 MODELLING PROCESS WORKS

First, we model the building under the prescriptive Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) provisions to calculate the energy demand from a standard “NCC reference building”.

Second, we model the building, with all its details as per your wish list, keeping in mind to minimize the construction costs. We call this model “the proposed building”.

Third, we compare the heating and cooling loads and greenhouse gas emissions of the reference building to that of the proposed building. If the proposed building generates less greenhouse gas emissions than the reference building, then the proposed building passes the NCC energy efficiency test.

Finally, we issue a performance Solution that any building surveyor or any local council in Australia identifies as a valid alternative solution.

The performance Solution or JV3 approach provides flexibility and construction cost reduction. For instance, with 15% increased roof insulation (which is low cost to implement), we may be able to minimize the glazing costs. Note that, with this solution, the building also requires less heating and cooling compared with the NCC prescriptive method.

EXAMPLE OF A SOLUTION ONLY APPLICABLE BY JV3 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION

Here is a simple example that shows the logic behind the cost efficiency of the JV3 alternative energy modelling solution.

For instance, let’s assume a client has selected Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) approach for meeting NCC Section J, energy efficiency compliance. The NCC Façade Calculator requires installing expensive low-E double-glazed windows to meet the minimum NCC compliance requirements. The reason is that DtS is an elemental approach and doesn’t consider the holistic performance of the building and the interaction between glazing and other elements of the building.

Contrary to the DtS prescriptive method, JV3 Performance Solution evaluates the overall building performance and annual heating and cooling demand as a compliance criterion. Its holistic approach allows interaction between the building fabric and glazing (that is a key element in construction cost reduction).

At Energy Compliance, we investigate the prescriptive DtS solution first. If the clients find some prescriptive measures to be expensive to construct, we then perform a JV3 energy modelling to justify energy solutions with lower construction costs. For instance, we investigate using single glazed windows with shading devices to some east/west windows. Shading devices can be an external roller shutter or similar. Here comes a question that how a shutter can magically save you $50k in glazing cost?

The broad capabilities in JV3 modelling tools allow, for instance, modelling a shutter that is in an open or closed position in different seasons to reduce the heating & cooling demand of the building. JV3 modelling allows to maintain a shutter in an open position to maximise natural heat gain from sun during the winter (when you need it) and to close the shutter during summer and minimise the solar heat gain (when you don’t need it). Getting more heat from the sun during winter and blocking heat source in summer allows reducing the overall annual heating and cooling energy demand of the proposed building compared with the same building with NCC minimum Low-E double-glazed windows (reference building).

Summary of benefits

A Performance Solution:

• Assists the client to save construction costs.
• Provides improved living comfort for the future occupants.
• Minimises greenhouse emissions from the buildings
• Assists building owners to make an informed decision on selecting the building materials and services.

REGULATION AROUND JV3 MODELLING & PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS

National Construction Code (NCC) regulates the JV3 Performance Solution to stop cowboys in the energy efficiency industry from abusing the provisions for flexibility and cost reduction. JV3 regulations require using:

• A validated software under ASHRAE 140 standard,
• Hour-by-hour accurate modelling approach,
• Able to implement NCC prescriptive schedules of operations, temperature set points.

At Energy Compliance, we use DesignBuilder software that satisfies all the above requirements and eventually allows modelling the building in 3D, assessing the air conditioning and heating system performance, CFD and daylighting.

Building classes that can benefit from the JV3 method

The JV3 alternative method or Performance Solution applies to all commercial buildings (Classes 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and common area of class 2 buildings). Apartments (class 2 buildings) and the residential components of commercial buildings (classes 4) are assessed under NatHERS. Residential detached homes (Class 1) and sheds/garages (class 10) buildings can benefit from the Performance Solution under Volume 2 of the National Construction Code, referred to as “Verification Using a Reference Building” or VURB method.

Adding insulation to the garage (class 10) walls can sometimes improve energy efficiency more cost-effectively in the “Verification Using a Reference Building method”.

JV3 Modelling Tools

JV3 modelling is like NatHERS modelling, yet with far more capabilities. The software used for the JV3 alternative method or the energy Performance Solution should be capable of hourly energy modelling of a building and should comply with the ABCB’s set of regulations.

At Energy Compliance we model buildings with DesignBuilder modelling software. This robust energy modelling software complies with all the requirements in NCC energy Performance Solution clauses. For commercial buildings, it complies with the ABCB Protocol for Building Energy Analysis Software (Version 2006.1). Referring to Clause 3 of the ABCB protocol for building energy analysis software; DesignBuilder software:

Is commercially available in Australia;

Is based on a simulation program using an hourly climate data file;

Is capable of computing the annual energy consumption of a building under the Verification methods of the NCC;

Can geometrically describe the building in 3D, which accounts for the surface azimuth, tilt angles and adjacent structures and features;

Provides the results comparable to other similar software under ASHRAE Standard 140, Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer programs using International Energy Agency BESTEST,

Satisfies all the specific capabilities in Clause 4 of the ABCB protocol for building energy analysis software.

Has a calculation method that complies with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140 and can assess the heating load and cooling load by modelling:

(i) The building fabric; and

(ii) Glazing and shading; and

(iii) Air infiltration and ventilation; and

(iv) The function and use of the building, including zoning, hours of occupation, hours of heating and cooling availability and internal heat gains; and

(v) Relevant built-environment and topographical features; and

(vi) The sensible heat component of the cooling load and heating load.

DesignBuilder can use climatic data in the calculation that is based on hourly recorded values and represents a typical year for the proposed location.

For more information about DesignBuilder ASHRAE Standard 140-2017 compliance, please refer to: https://designbuilder.co.uk/download/documents.

WHAT ENERGY COMPLIANCE OFFERS

Glazing can be a significant construction cost component, and how the National Construction Code (NCC) handles glazing often makes it much more expensive than necessary.

This unnecessary cost is due to the rigid and incompatible energy assessment method for glazing in buildings under the Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) provisions, wherein glazing is assessed in isolation to the rest of the building fabric (other than external walls). Fortunately, the NCC allows an alternative solution for energy efficiency compliance assessment, called JV3.

The JV3 assessment method provides the ability to model glazing and all other building components as a system.  So, for example, specifying a lower thermal performance window can be offset by increasing the amount of insulation in the roof space.

About our modelling capabilities for the JV3 report

At Energy Compliance we use DesignBuilder hour by hour building thermal modelling software analysis. Our JV3 modelling software present prominent features and capabilities compared to its rival software. These features include:

• Graphic visualisation, which allows to model to the utmost accuracy. This feature involves a graphical presentation of the building construction and glazing and their applied location in the model. When modelling natural ventilation, we can track and visually check the airflows through internal and external openings. Models can now be accurately rotated on the land/site. We can also export or import to/from Revit 2019.

In summary, we calculate with EnergyPlus and visualize with the Autodesk Revit!

• Simulation – we can:
  • Model thermal mass though PCMs (Phase Change Materials).
  • We can run simulations for several years.
  • For the first year calculation, simulation software warms up the slab before the beginning to simulate!
  • Viewer mode allows viewing and customizing the building thermal results into grids, histograms and figures. Finally, we can now check your heating and cooling system design results in a detailed manner, down to the very last wall and window!

• Daylighting option in our modelling software allows us:
  • To calculate daylight credits for schemes such as Green Star certification schemes.
  • To generate contour plots of daylight to illustrate availability and glare within each zone through the whole building.
  • To show summary daylight performance in a tabular report.
  • To simulate multi-zone daylighting, including light transmission through exterior and interior windows and reflection from all surfaces.

• Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) is part of our modelling software and allows us to:
  • Simultaneously simulate the building 3D models and heating and cooling system to accurately consider the dynamic interaction between the building envelope and building services (i.e. heating and cooling and ventilation).
  • Use the extensible library of components including boilers, chillers, heating coils, heat pumps, cooling coils, pumps, fans, humidifiers, set-point managers, etc.
  • Include all ten options from ASHRAE 90.1 baseline HVAC system types,
  • Zone groups allow grouping multiple zones that have similar system types together and simplify the HVAC diagram layout and speed data entry.
  • The energy model can generate node temperatures, flow rates and humidity levels at sub-hourly intervals.
  • For air distribution, we can use cooled beams, direct air, dual duct CAV, dual duct VAV, single duct CAV reheat, single duct VAV with/without reheat, single duct VAV reheat with variable speed fan.
  • Energy model software considers radiant heat distribution (water pipes buried in surface layers) such as chilled ceilings and heated floors.
  • We can implement CHP (combined heat and power) generation and Tri-generation (combined generators with absorption chiller) and ice thermal storage in the overall energy modelling.
  • We can all add variable speed fan cooling towers in detailed HVAC modelling.

• Uncertainty and sensitivity reports.
  • We can analyze the uncertainty and the degree of freedom in models and decide! While a “probabilistic” factor kicks in, there is no better way to find out how influential this is to the complete modelling procedure. We can calculate Multivariate linear regression for each output variable in our sensitivity analysis if required by our clients.

• This is one of the most important parts of our service. We can assess different windows U value and SHGC and any other custom variables in three types for parametric analysis and additional outputs as an objective in optimization simulations. Model rotation is available as a variable alongside the previously existed site rotation variable.

Why choose Energy Compliance team as your energy consultants?

ENERGY COMPLIANCE SERVICE GUARANTEE

If we can’t reduce your construction costs by more than the value of our JV3 service fee, and you decide not to use our report, then you won’t have to pay the remainder of our invoice.

You won’t get this guarantee anywhere else!

OUR HISTORY

At Energy Compliance, we provide expert JV3 modelling services to architects, developers and even other national energy assessment businesses. Our clients are very appreciative, and enjoy large construction cost savings, with single-pane glazing replacing double/triple-pane glazing.

Our unique Service Guarantee provides real peace of mind for clients, who are comfortable investing a small fee in return for major construction cost savings.

If you have a project with high glazing costs or insulation installation difficulties, we are here to help you.

We also provide other unique energy efficiency solutions for large-scale commercial applications, such as shopping centres and industrial process heating/cooling.