WGE provided their input to the National Energy Efficient Building Project

WGE have provided their input to the National Energy Efficient Building Project which is looking at the efficacy of the energy efficiency measures included in the National Construction Code (NCC). Energy efficiency measures have been included in Section J and Part 3.12 of the NCC with aim of reducing the Greenhouse Gas emissions associated with the operation of buildings. Whilst these measures have undoubtedly improved the efficiency of new building stock, there are some issues with the system that need to be refined to ensure the improvements continue.

The main issues raised by WGE include:

• A process needs to be implemented to sign off and audit buildings after construction to confirm that they have actually installed the materials as designed.
• The commercial JV3 energy modelling process needs to award buildings for good orientation.
• A proportion of energy models used to show compliance should be audited to ensure quality modelling is performed.
• Before consultants can issue JV3 modelling reports, they should be required to obtain and maintain relevant qualifications, similar to the requirements for the residential NatHERS modelling requirements.

There are many issues that need to be considered to ensure the NCC continues to drive the built environment to greater levels of energy efficiency. Everyone in the industry is encouraged to have their say at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NEEBP.