Eco Certificates

In the Australian construction industry, the JV3 Verification Method is considered an important component, especially in the assessment of complex commercial buildings' energy efficiency. The JV3 Modelling defined under the National Construction Code (NCC) is considered more flexible than the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) requirements.  In this blog, we'll try to understand what the JV3 Verification Method is, how it works, and why it is important in modern-day building design. What is the JV3 Verification Method? In contrast to the rigid provisions of the DTS, the JV3 modeling has a more liberal approach about energy efficiency. It allows designers to develop various options to achieve energy targets. Building energy consumption analysis in JV3 uses an NCC-accredited computer program to estimate the energy consumption of a building. This is done against an energy-efficient building that satisfies the minimum energy requirements under the DtS model.  A proposed building complies wi...

  Do you want to increase the NABERS rating of your building? But even after trying several times, you’re unable to achieve the desired NABERS rating? We’re here to help you! A higher NABERS water rating or energy star rating can help you gain significant environmental benefits, cost savings, and better property marketability.  Here are ways in which you can enhance your NABERS ratings. How do you increase your building’s NABERS Rating? Do an Energy Audit Before making any changes, conduct a comprehensive energy audit to identify where your building loses energy.  This should include:  Reviewing HVAC systems  Checking the lighting systems  Understanding the mechanical condition of equipment consuming energy in large quantities.  The first step of NABERS rating improvement involves understanding the energy profile of your building. Upgrade Lighting Systems Lighting typically consumes much of the total electricity within a building. So replacing them w...

  The NCC, or National Construction Code, is the backbone of Australian construction industry regulations. For those involved in commercial building projects, adherence to the 2022 NCC BCA Section J is mandatory. This section focuses on energy efficiency requirements for commercial establishments, aiming to reduce their environmental impact while enhancing their energy performance. The 2022 NCC energy efficiency legislation for commercial establishments is the NCC’s latest edition for Australia. It superseded the previous version, i.e., the NCC 2019, and introduced a series of updates and changes. In this article, you will learn four fundamental changes introduced to the NCC BCA Section J for commercial buildings. Slab-on-Ground Insulation is Not Needed The old NCC 2016 required buildings to have insulation underneath the ground slab. However, in most cases, this requirement has been removed for Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) section J assessments in the NCC. It was good news for many bu...

Have you ever wondered how a simple landscaping project can enhance the sustainability quotient of your building? The ultimate goal of the BASIX Report is to specify your building's sustainability index, and a landscaping project can add to its BASIX score. From lush greenery to vibrant blooms, landscaping not only turns your mundane yard into an inviting oasis but also helps preserve local ecosystems and prevent pollution. Sustainable landscaping, as promoted by BASIX, involves using multiple creative strategies to transform your garden or backyard into an environmentally friendly and climate-appropriate space. Let's delve into the article to uncover the know-how of BASIX-compatible landscaping in 2024. Sustainable Landscaping Practices Deploying the sustainable landscaping practices discussed below is vital to improving the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX). Native plants Incorporating native plants in your landscaping project offers multiple benefits. These plants are w...

The rise of real estate properties is quite at its peak in Australia. NABERS is the rating system that measures the environmental performance of all Australian tenancies or buildings.  But, as you know, Australia has seen a boom for not just residential but commercial properties as well. So, what about the environmental quality of the indoor office spaces where people spend most of their day’s time?  The air and environmental quality of the indoor spaces at the office cannot be neglected either! Looking after the need to assess and improve the indoor environment, the NABERS Indoor Environment (IE) rating was introduced alongside the NABERS Energy and Water rating.  The indoor environment is a multifaceted concept where various factors tend to influence the air and environment quality of the dedicated spaces.  Thus, it impacts the health, productivity, and well-being of the occupants. Therefore, acquiring the NABERS IE rating becomes important before you move into a ...

The National Australian Built Environment Ratings System, also known as NABERS, assigns a "star" rating to several building categories, including workplaces, hospitals, shopping malls, and hotels. This NABERS energy rating ranges from 1 to 6 and checks the sustainability capabilities of commercial structures all around Australia.  The Importance of NABERS Rating No matter how small a building's energy footprint is, it affects the environment. Building-related greenhouse gas emissions, waste disposal, and water consumption all influence worldwide CO2 emissions.  NABERS ratings can stimulate the transformation of commercial facilities into more energy-efficient ones and motivates developers to construct new structures with energy conservation in mind. All people involved in the building sector must contribute to improving a NABERS rating for the rating to provide actual effects and intended impact.  The foundations and plans for improving building and tenancy activities fo...

  NABERS energy rating is an excellent way to evaluate and manage the energy consumption required for powering a commercial building. But carbon-neutral certification goes a step further in ensuring the sustainability of future commercial developments.  Carbon neutral assessments recognise other sources of greenhouse gas emissions from commercial structure operations such as energy, water, waste and refrigerants.  BCA Section J control and regulates the energy efficiency requirements for commercial structures in Australia.  Once the total greenhouse gas emissions have been measured, you can manage the energy consumption and offset by integrating measures such as solar panel installation. Consequently, your commercial building has no negative impact on the climate. Managing these additional environmental impacts is vital to address the rapidly worsening climate crisis. NABERS Energy rating offers an avenue to attain Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification. This...