Section J Reports

What is a Section J Report

A Section J Report details the energy efficiency requirements that are required when building non-residential developments as per the National Construction Code. The report will detail the requirements of the following aspects of the build:

Building Fabric, which includes; Building sealing, Roof, wall and floor construction and insulation requirements and Glazing performances
Glazing performances
Air-conditioning and ventilation systems
Artificial Lighting and Power
Heated Water Supply, Swimming Pool and Spa Plant
Energy Monitoring
Facilities for electric vehicle charging (NCC2022 only)
Facilities for solar photovoltaic and battery systems (NCC2022 only)

Overall the Section J report will provide guidance on how to design and build the development in a way that achieved the following objectives:

reduce energy consumption and energy peak demand; and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
improve occupant health and amenity.

Why and when do I need a Section J Report

A Section J Report is required to be completed as part of the application for a Building Permit to be issued.

As per the National Construction Code, a Building Permit cannot be issued until an assessment of the energy efficiency of the building (via a Section J report) has been undertaken.

What is a JV3 Report? How is it different

A JV3 report fulfills the same purpose as a Section J report and has many of the same sections, however it is a more detailed assessment of the building fabric (floors, walls, roof etc) which models the proposed building using specialist software. This allows for greater flexibility in building materials (in particular glazing requirements) to be used.

The remaining sections (building sealing, lighting, heated water) etc are essentially the same.

What else can a Section J Report be called?

A Section J Report can be referred to by various names, including:

How do I get a Section J Report completed

Once the Building Permit/For Construction drawings have been prepared and shared, the Green Rate Team will review and provide a detailed quotation. Once approved, the Green Rate Team will begin the assessment utilizing the following steps:

Review of provided plans
Façade Calculator / JV3 Modelling undertaken
Preliminary report drafted with quality assurance checks undertaken
Preliminary report issued to the client for review and comment
Report finalisation

Why does getting a good quality Energy Rating matter?

Obtaining a good quality Section J report is critical for ensuring appropriate insulation and glazing specifications are recommended. This can have significant ramifications for the feasibility of the proposed design and to ensure that there are no nasty surprises during the build. In addition to this, a good quality analysis can ensure a low cost building which minimises the use of artificial heating and cooling.