NCC Energy Efficiency Flashcards
1
Q
How many climate zones are recognised in NCC across Australia?
A
NCC recognises 8 different climate zones
2
Q
Where are climate zones described in NCC?
A
Schedule 1 Definitions in any volume of the NCC
3
Q
What is a conditioned space?
A
Essentially a space within a building which is heated or cooled by the building’s services, eg. a heating system, cooling system or some other form of air-conditioning. Note that the definition of conditioned space is slightly different between Volume one and Volume two.
4
Q
What is a non-conditioned space?
A
Basically any space within a building that is not expected to be heated or cooled by the building’s services.
5
Q
What is a building’s fabric?
A
All the structural elements and other components used to make the building, which includes roof, ceiling, walls, glazing and floors
6
Q
What is the buildings envelope?
A
Consists of the parts of a building’s fabric that separate conditioned spaces from non-conditioned spaces, including other spaces inside the building and the environment outside the building. Note that definition of building envelope is slightly different between V1 and V2.
7
Q
What is thermal mass?
A
Term used to describe how well a building stores heat.
8
Q
What do materials with high thermal mass do?
A
Absorb heat from the environment and then release that heat slowly when the surrounding ambient temperature goes down. Thermal mass exposed to winter sun warms during the day and warm the space it is in as it cools. Cool the thermal mass down overnight in summer and it will cool the space as it heats during the day.
9
Q
What is ventilation?
A
Refers to the natural movement of air into or out of a building through an opening designed for that purpose eg. Permanent opening like vent, part of window, door or other device that can be held open
10
Q
What is a building’s heating load?
A
The calculated amount of energy delivered to the heated spaces of the building annually by artificial means to maintain the desired temperature in those spaces
11
Q
What is a building’s cooling load?
A
The calculated amount of energy removed from the cooled spaces of the building annually by artificial means to maintain the desired temperature in those spaces.
12
Q
What is used to determine a building’s energy efficiency rating?
A
A building’s calculated heating and cooling loads, which are calculations of the amount of energy used to maintain the temperature in the conditioned space of a building.
13
Q
What is the definition of glazing in NCC?
A
Refer to glass and the frame associated with it in the building envelope. It can apply to windows and doors in walls and some roof windows.
14
Q
What can appropriate glazing do?
A
It can contribute to managing the temperature of the building and can greatly reduce the heating and cooling load.
15
Q
What is R-value?
A
Measure of how well a material or building element insulates. It measures the material’s thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the material insulates and the less easily it transmits heat.
16
Q
What is the total R-value of a building component or assembly?
A
Calculation of the sum of the R-values of the individual component layers in an composite material or assembly. It includes any building material, insulating material, air space and associated surface resistances.
17
Q
What is U-value?
A
Measure of how easily a material or building element transmits heat. It measures the materials thermal conductance. The higher it is, the more easily the material transmits heat. The lower it is, the better the material insulates.
18
Q
What is the total system U-value of a building component or assembly?
A
Calculation of the sum of the U-value of the individual layers in that component or assembly. It includes glazing, frame, air space and surface resistances.
19
Q
What is SHGC?
A
Solar heat gain coefficient - Measure of the proportion of solar energy (or solar radiation) that passes through a glazing system (the glass and the frame). It measures solar admittance of the glazing.
20
Q
What does a high SHGC mean?
A
It means the glazing system allows more solar energy/heat into a room.
21
Q
How do we achieve energy efficiency?
A
- Passive solar design eg. Orientation, appropriate use of thermal mass, ventilation and shading, glazing, insulation and other materials in the building fabric
- Adequate building sealing
- Efficiency of building systems and appliances
22
Q
What is the aim for energy efficiency provisions in NCC?
A
Aim to reduce the energy required to operate a building, and therefore the GHG produced by buildings in Australia.
23
Q
Where is energy efficiency covered in NCC volume 1?
A
Section J energy efficiency
24
Q
What topics are covered in Section J of NCC volume 1?
A
- Performance requirements
- Compliance solutions - DTS solution and/or performance solution (with verification methods)
25
What are the overall objectives of energy efficiency Performance Requirements in NCC volume one?
- Reduce energy consumption and peak energy demand
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve occupant health and amenity
26
What is J1P1 Energy use about in NCC volume one?
Requirement for a building (other than a SOU of class 2 building or a class 4 part of a building) including its services to have features that facilitate the efficient use of energy
27
What are some features that facilitate the efficient use of energy?
- The function and use of the building
- Level of human comfort required for use of the building
- use of solar radiation for heating and minimise energy used for cooling
- energy source of services
- sealing of building envelope against air leakage
- achieving the required regulated level of energy consumption for a conditioned space, specific for building class
28
What is in Specification 44 in J1P2?
The method of calculating:
- the heating load limit
- cooling load limit and
- thermal energy load limit for this Performance Requirement.
29
What are the 4 Performance Requirements in Section J of NCC volume one?
J1P1 Energy use
J1P2 Thermal performance of a SOU in class 2 or class 4 part of building
J1P3 Energy usage of a SOU in a class 2 or a class 4 part of a building
J1P4 Renewable energy and electric vehicle
30
What is J1P3 Energy use of a SOU of a class 2 or Class 4 part of a building about?
- Sets out requirements for energy values of domestic services supplying a SOU of a class 2 or 4 part of a building
- Domestic services include heating, ventilation and cooling appliances and gas water heaters
- Sets out maximum lighting power densities for all internal spaces with artificial lighting
31
What is J1P4 Renewable energy and electric vehicle charging about?
Requires buildings to have features that enable the future installation of:
- onsite-renewable energy generation and storage
- electric vehicle charging equipment
32
What is the building envelope in Section J of NCC volume one?
The parts of building's fabric that separate a conditioned space or habitable room from the exterior of the building or a non-conditioned space including:
- the floor of a rooftop plant room, lift machine room or the like
- the floor above a carpark or warehouse
- the common wall with a carpark, warehouse or the like
33
How can we comply with the energy efficiency performance requirements J1P1 Energy use of NCC volume 1?
- Part J4 for building fabric
- Part J5 for building sealing
- Part J6 for air-conditioning and ventilation
- Part J7 for artificial lighting and power
- Part J8 for heated water supply and swimming pool and spa pool plant
- J9D3 for facilities for energy monitoring
34
How can we comply with the energy efficiency performance requirements J1P2 Energy use of NCC volume 1?
- J3D3 using house energy rating software or;
- the following:
- J3D4 for ceiling fans
- J3D5, J3D6, J4D3, J4D7(4) and Part J5 for. general thermal construction
- J3D7 for roofs
- J3D8, J3D11 to J3D13 or J3D9 for walls and glazing
- J3D10 for floors
35
Which building class do J1P2 and J1P3 of NCC volume 1 apply to?
Sole-occupancy unit of a class 2 or a class 4 part of a building
36
What are ways to comply with J1P3 Energy usage of NCC volume one?
For a SOU of a class 2 or a class 4 part of building:
- J3D14 for a SOU of a class 2 or a class 4 part of a building with a total floor area not greater than 500sqm or
- J3D15 using energy rating software and
- Part J6 for air-conditioning and ventilation
- Part J7 for artificial lighting and power
37
What are ways to comply with J1P4 Renewable energy and electric vehicle charging of NCC volume one?
- J9D4
- J9D5
38
How do we demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency performance requirements of NCC volume one?
- Supported with suitable evidence and/or documentation to demonstrate that compliance has been achieved and;
- Assessed and approved by the Approval Authority
39
In NCC volume 1 Part J2 Energy efficiency, explains the overall application of the DTS Provisions in section J for all building classes and types of buildings
J2D1
J2D2
40
In NCC volume 1, what does Part J3 elemental provisions for a SOU of a class 2 or 4 part of building covers?
- Sets out DTS provisions for the installation of building fabric and the energy efficiency of domestic services of a SOU of class 2 or 4 part of building
- covers different DTS pathways including NatHERS energy rating option
41
In NCC volume 1, what does Part J4 building fabric cover?
- Building fabric provisions, primarily based on insulation and glazing requirements
- covers thermal construction, including:
* Roof and ceiling
* Glazing including roof lights
* Walls and floors
- Applies principles aimed at reducing:
* Heat gain and loss
* The need to confirm spaces within buildings
42
In NCC volume 1, what does Part J5 building sealing cover?
- Building sealing to minimise unwanted air leakage
- Provisions are designed to work as a system to ensure building achieve the desired level of energy efficiency
- Covers: Roof lights, windows and doors, construction of ceilings, walls and floors, chimney and flues, exhaust fans and evaporative coolers
43
What building classes does Part J6 Air-conditioning and ventilation apply to?
All class 2 to 9 buildings including SOUs in class 2 and class 4 parts of a building except a Class 8 electricity network substation
44
What does Part J6 Air-conditioning and ventilation cover?
Air-conditioning and ventilation systems and their associated components, covering:
- AC and mechanical ventilation system control
- fan systems, unitary AC equipment, heat rejection equipment
- Pipework insulation and ductwork insulation and sealing
Part F6 also contains ventilation system provisions
45
What does Part J7 Artificial lighting and power cover?
- Limiting energy used for artificial lighting while maintaining adequate lighting levels
- Power supply to certain equipment including lifts and escalators
- includes adjustment factors for different controls that increases the amount of lighting a space can have above the usual baseline (Table J7D3b)
46
What building classes does Part J7 Artificial lighting and power apply to?
All class 2 to 9 buildings including SOUs in Class 2 building and class 4 parts of building. Some clauses do not apply to a Class 8 electricity substation.
47
What does Part J8 heated water supply and swimming pool and spa pool plant cover?
- using low greenhouse intensity energy source
- Reduce energy used for pumping and heating
48
Where can we find provisions for heated water supply for food preparation and sanitary purposes?
Part B2 of NCC volume three
49
What building classes does Part J8 Heated water supply and swimming pool and spa pool plant apply to?
All class 2 to 9 buildings including SOUs in class 2 buildings and class 4 parts of a building
50
What does Part J9 Energy monitoring and on-site distributed energy resources cover?
- Sets out requirements for the monitoring of energy use (other than for billing purposes) and facilitate easy retrofit of renewable energy and electric vehicle charging equipment
- buildings must have energy meters enable individual time-of-use energy data recording
51
What building classes does Part J9 Energy monitoring and on-site distributed energy resources apply to?
All class 2 to 9 buildings except:
- SOU of class 2 or 4 part of a building
- Class 8 electricity network substation
52
What are in Part J specifications?
- 10 Specifications provided to assist with complying with Section J, including 6 DTS provisions
- Specifications address:
1) Material properties
2) Calculation of U-value and solar admittance
3) Thermal performance of spandrel panels, soils and sub-floors
4) Lighting and power devices
5) calculation of heating and cooling loads limits and thermal energy load limits
6) Parameters and extra requirements for verification methods
53
What are the required energy ratings for SOUs/ apartments?
- NatHERS rating based on annual energy load
- Numerical star rating from 0 to 10
- Individual apartments must achieve a 6 star minimum rating
- A collective average energy rating across all SOUs in a building must be 7 stars
54
What does NatHERS stand for and what does it do?
Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme - A house energy rating software scheme that facilitates consistent energy ratings (out of 10 stars) from software tools that assess the energy efficiency of dwellings based on their design
55
What does the NCC require for class 1, 2 and 4 buildings when using NatHERS compliance pathway for energy efficiency?
- Class 1 building to achieve NatHERS 7 star rating but allows 6.5 or 6 stars rating if there's an outdoor living area or an outdoor living area and a ceiling fan in NCC climate zone 1 and 2
- Class 2 SOU and class 4 of building to achieve NatHERS 7 star rating on average and a minimum star rating of 6 stars
56
What is BASIX?
NSW's Building Sustainability Index, it uses similar approach as NatHERS to meet the same performance
57
Where in NCC are the NatHERS heating and cooling load limits standard referenced?
- DTS provisions of J3D3 in NCC volume 1
- Specification 42 of NCC volume 2
- Applies to building 1, class 2 SOUs, class 4 parts of buildings - NT, Tas, NSW and parts of QLD and WA are exposed from the heating and cooling loads limits
58
What determines the applicable load limits for Class 1 buildings?
- by floor type of the lowest living area
- Refer Table 1, 3 and 5 for Concrete Slab-On-Ground (CSOG)
- Refer Table 2, 4 and 6 for suspended floor (SF) of timber or concrete or a mixture of CSOG and SF
59
How is energy efficiency rating for SOUs/ apartments completed?
- By an accredited assessors
- Using an accredited software tool
60
What can NatHERS be used to comply with?
Whole-of-Home requirements (J1P3)
61
What are the verification methods for performance solutions in Section J of NCC volume 1?
- J1V1 NABERS energy
- J1V2 Green Star
- J1V3 Verification using a reference building
- J1V4 Verification of building envelope sealing
- J1V5 Verification using a reference building for a class 2 SOU
- Using another VM such as overseas code or standard
62
What is J1V1 NABERS energy?
- An energy modeling framework that benchmarks a building's energy use against a 6 star scale
63
What building classes can NABERS energy be used for?
Class 3, 5 and 6 building and common areas of class 2 buildings
64
What are the responsibilities for building developers in terms of NABERS Energy?
- Enter into a NABERS Energy for Offices base building Energy Commitment Agreement. Target star rating is dependent on building classification
- Model the energy efficiency of the building using the NABERS based energy model
- Additional thermal comfort targets and other DTS Provisions also apply
65
What is J1V2 Green Star?
- Rating tool that compares a proposed building to a reference building compliant with the DTS Provisions in Section J
66
What building classes can J1V2 Green Star be used for?
Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 buildings or common areas of Class 2 buildings
67
What does the Green Star - Design and As-Built or Green Star Building rating need to comply with ？
Comply with the simulation requirements and be registered
68
What is J1V3 Verification using a reference building？
- Compares annual greenhouse gas emissions of a proposed building to that of a reference building
- The reference building is based on satisfying the DTS Provisions
- If the greenhouse gas emissions of the proposed building do not exceed that of the reference building, J1P1 is satisfied
69
What building classes does J1V3 Verification using a reference building apply to？
Class 3,5,6,7,8 or 9 buildings and common areas of class 2 buildings
70
What is J1V4 Verification of building envelope sealing?
It provides method of demonstrating compliance with the building sealing requirements in J1P1 and J1P2. It provides an option for complying with the prescriptive building sealing requirements in Part J5
71
What building classes can J1V4 Verification of building envelope sealing be used for?
- Class 2 to 9 buildings except for class 7
72
What is J1V5 using a reference building for a Class 2 sole-occupancy unit?
It can be used to verify compliance with J1P2 and J1P3 for a class 2 SOU. This method compares the proposed solution with a reference building that complies with DTS Provisions (Specification 45)
73
What is the calculation method used for J1V6 Verification using a reference building for a Class 2 SOU?
The calculation mentions needs to comply with ANSI/ ASHRAE Standard 140 - can't use a NatHERS tool
74
What does J1V5 Verification using a reference building for a Class 2 SOU cover?
- heating loads and cooling loads
- Energy value of the domestic services
- Additional requirements (Specification 33 and 45 as applicable)
75
For an SOU in a class 2 building, a minimum 6 star energy efficiency rating is not sufficient to demonstrate compliance with J1P1. True or False?
True
A minimum 6 star rating for an SOU only demonstrates compliance against some of the energy efficiency Performance Requirements. You also need to demonstrate compliance with other DTS Provisions for things like thermal breaks and building sealing.
76
What are the 4 Performance requirements for Section J Energy Efficiency in NCC volume 1?
J1P1 Energy Use
J1P2 Thermal performance of a SOU in class 2 or Class 4 part of building
J1P3 Energy Use of a SOU of a class 2 or a class 4 part of a building
J1P4 Renewable energy and electric vehicle charging
77
What section is for energy efficiency in NCC volume 2?
Section H Part H6 Energy Efficiency
78
What are the Performance Requirements for Part H6 Energy Efficiency in NCC volume 2?
H6P1 - Thermal requirements
H6P2 - Energy Use
Specification 44 Calculation of heating load limit, cooling load limit and thermal energy load limit
79
What are the verification methods for performance solutions for energy efficiency in NCC volume 2 Section H?
H6V2 Verification using a reference building
H6V3 Verification of building envelope sealing
80
What is H6P1 Thermal Performance in NCC volume 2 about?
The total of the below of the habitable rooms and conditioned spaces in a building must not exceed the load limit in Specification 44:
- Total heating load
- Total cooling load
- Total thermal energy load
81
In H6P2 Energy Use in NCC volume 2, the energy value of a building's domestic services must not exceed what percentage of the energy value with a 3-star ducted heat pump, 5-star instantaneous gas water heater and a lighting power density of 4W/M2?
70%
82
In H6P2 Energy Usage of NCC volume 2, domestic services must, to the degree necessary, have features that facilitate the efficient use of energy appropriate to?
- The domestic service and its usage
- The geographic location of the building
- The location of the domestic service
- the energy source
83
What are the variations to energy efficiency performance requirements in NCC volume 2?
- Part H6 doesn't apply in NSW as it requires a BASIX sustainability rating for new homes and renovations (7 star equivalent)
- NSW variations in schedule 5 have other measures to support and complement BASIX
- In NT, Part H6 is replaced with NT Part H6 Energy Efficiency (5 stars)
- In Tasmania, Part H6 is replaced with BCA 2019 Amendment 1 Part 2.6 (6 Stars)
84
What are the DTS pathways for compliance with energy efficiency in NCC volume 2?
- NCC Volume 2 Part H6 Energy efficiency DTS provisions
- ABCB Housing Provisions Standard - Section 13 Energy Efficiency
85
How can we comply with the energy efficiency Performance Requirements of NCC volume 2?
All options for compliance must be:
- Supported with suitable evidence and/ or documentation to demonstrate that compliance has been achieved and
- Assessed and approved by the Approval Authority
86
In NCC volume 2, how can the performance requirement H6P1 for the thermal performance of the building be satisfied by?
- Comply with S42C2 (heating and cooling loads) using house energy rating software and S42C4(1) (Option 1: NatHERS energy rating) or;
- Comply with the following parts of the ABCB Housing Provisions:
- Part 13.2 for building fabric
- Part 13.3 for the external glazing and shading
- Part 13.4 for building sealing
- Part 13.5 for ceiling fans
87
In NCC volume 2, performance requirement H6P2 for the energy usage of the building is satisfied by?
- Complying with S42C3 using house energy rating software and S42C4(2) or;
- Complying with Parts 13.6 and 13.7 of the ABCB Housing Provisions for a building with a total floor area not greater than 500sqm
88
In NCC volume 2 Specification 42, a building must achieve an energy rating, including the separate heating and cooling load limits, using house energy rating software, of greater than or equal to ?
- 7 stars
- 6.5 stars for building in climate zone 1 or 2 that has an outdoor living area which is fully covered with an impervious roof having a total R-value greater than or equal to 1.5 (for downward heat flow)
- 6 stars for building in climate zone 1, 2 or 6 if the building has an outdoor living area same as above and has at least one permanently installed ceiling fan
89
What are the DTS provisions in Section 13 Energy efficiency of the Housing Provisions?
Part 13.2 Building fabric
Part 13.3 External glazing
Part 13.4 Building sealing
Part 13.5 Ceiling fans
Part 13.6 Whole-of-home energy usage
Part 13.7 Services
90
What does Part 13.2 building fabric DTS provisions in Section 13 Energy efficiency of the housing provisions cover?
- building fabric provisions ensure an effective means of resisting unwanted heat flow
- Total R-value for different insulation locations is specified
- Total R-value of external walls are tailored for different climate zones
- There are different requirements for different construction types eg. Lightweight vs masonry or suspended floor vs slab on ground
91
What concession does Part 13.2 building fabric in Section 13 Energy efficiency of the Housing Provisions offer?
Concession where heating or cooling is solely used in a bathroom or amenity area
92
When is adjustment to insulation total R-value required under Section 13 part 13.2 building fabric of the Housing Provisions?
Where there are penetrations of gaps in insulation
93
What is Part 13.3 External glazing in Section 13 Energy Efficiency of the Housing Provisions about?
It's about controlling the amount of heat entering or leaving a building through glazing
94
What are the 5 key factors affecting heat transfer in glazing?
- building location
- glazing area
- degree of sun exposure - orientation and shading
- if the building is air-conditioned
- the type of frame and glass used as this determine the total system U-value and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for the glazing system
95
What does Part 13.4 Building sealing DTS provisions address?
- Chimneys and flues
- Roof lights
- External windows and doors
- exhaust fans
- Construction of ceilings, walls and floors
- Evaporative coolers
96
What is the part 13.4 building sealing DTS Provisions designed to do?
To restrict the unintended leakage of outdoor air into the building and loss of conditioned air from a building. Overall, DTS Provisions encourage ventilation that can be controlled by occupants to use outside air where appropriate.
97
What does Part 13.5 ceiling fans in Section 13 Energy efficiency of the Housing Provisions apply to and what is its intention？
It applies in climate zones 1,2, and 3 and climate zone 5 in NSW and QLD. It's providing requirements for the installation of ceiling fans for cooling in suitable climates
98
What does Part 13.6 Whole-of-home energy usage in section 13 of Housing Provisions do？
- Provide a collective budget for energy use in a building
- It covers a number of factors including
* Floor area of the home
* Main heating/ cooling equipment
* Main water heater
* Swimming pools
* spas
* On-site PV
- Can trade between the efficiencies of the components
99
What does Part 13.7 Services in Section 13 of Housing Provision aim to do？
Aim to minimise energy loss through the operation of：
- AC
- Central heating
- lighting
- heated water supply
- pool and spa heating and pumping
100
What are the requirements for Part 13.7 services in section 13 of Housing Provisions?
- insulation of services
- limiting the use of electric resistance space heating
- limiting the W/M2 allowed for lighting
- placing restrictions on certain energy sources for both heated water heating and swimming pool and spa heating
101
Where can you find the requirements for heated water supply systems including their energy efficiency?
NCC volume 3 Part B2
102
To meet the NCC energy efficiency Performance Requirements, all newly built class 1 buildings in Australia must use the same amount of energy for heating, cooling and other energy requirements?
False
- All newly built class 1 buildings must achieve a similar standard of energy efficiency
- But the allowed energy use differs in different climate zones and because of other factors
103
True or false, every new class 1 building is Australia must have a NatHERS energy rating to demonstrate that it meets the NCC energy efficiency Performance Requirements
False
- A designer or builder can demonstrate compliance against each of the elemental DTS provisions instead of doing a NatHERS energy rating
- BASIX is used in NSW instead of NatHERS
- Alternative approach may be used though a Performance Solution
