Eco Certificates

In a world where the concept of environmental sustainability is no longer an option but rather a necessity, in what way are we able to measure how well we are doing? What does it take to make sure that our buildings, where we live, work and play, have maximum energy efficiency? These questions can be answered by NABERS energy rating. This is an acronym for National Australian Built Environment Rating System which has the potential of changing the landscape on how we look at energy conservation. If you desire reducing your carbon footprint and creating a sustainable future then NABERS rating should be in your mind. In this article, we’ll discuss why this rating system matters much and how it adds value to your building and the environment. What is the NABERS Rating? Through the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), the environmental performance of buildings and tenancies can be judged. Such a process gives an idea of to what extent a building or space affects th...

  A commercial building that maintains a perfect climate year-round while consuming minimal energy always has high market demand. Therefore when you focus on energy-efficiency you automatically have a competitive edge in the market.  Nevertheless, apart from market demand, the NCC BCA Section J requires commercial buildings to meet certain energy efficiency requirements.  In fact, developers and builders must not just adhere to them but also aid in boosting a greener future. So what does Section J involve?  Today, we are going to look at what Section J is all about and how you can ensure that you’re in line with the requirements. What is NCC BCA Section J? The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022’s Section J is an essential part of the building rules of Australia. Formally referred to as BCA Section J, this section focuses on energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings and some residential structures. NCC BCA Section J helps to ensure that all new comme...

  If you work in construction, you are familiar with Australia's National Construction Code (NCC). It used to be called the Building Code of Australia (BCA) It sets the minimum standards for  building safety,  amenity, and  sustainability.  Section J of the NCC focuses on energy efficiency. To comply with Section J, you need to prepare an NCC BCA Section J report . This report highlights that  buildings are constructed following sustainable standards and  they operate with minimal environmental impact.  This guide delves into the NCC BCA Section J report. What is an NCC BCA Section J Report? An NCC BCA Section J report is a crucial document. It demonstrates a commercial building's compliance with the energy efficiency requirements. These requirements are outlined in Section J of the NCC.  It applies to  most new commercial buildings (Classes 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9) and  some residential developments are not covered under Classes 1 or 2....

  Many states and territories in Australia mandate builders, project managers, or designers to include the NCC BCA Section J Report in the documentation for a Building Approval, Development Approval, or Construction Certificate application. With minor variations, each state uses the energy efficiency requirements specified in the National Construction Code (formerly BCA). Overall, Section J of NCC BCA assists project managers, designers, architects, and builders in developing thermally comfortable designs that are compliant with the code requirements. Let’s learn everything vital about the Section J Report for commercial energy efficiency. What is a Section J Report? A Section J report is a document that highlights the energy efficiency standards for a building or design. It can be obtained from a Section J consultant. Section J defined the energy efficiency requirements in Volume 1 of the National Construction Code (previously known as the Building Code of Australia). All commer...

  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 ...