JV3 is the alternative energy assessment method for non-residential/ commercial buildings. It involves using a reference building to compare the overall assumed annual energy consumption of proposed developments concerning their location and climate.
There are several reasons why a JV3 assessment should be part of your new commercial project. In the real-world scenario, there are no identical buildings where the energy consumption can be replicated.
A building with the replicating design, layout, and construction materials, can have a varying energy use than its twin located certain kilometres away. Factors including geographic location, climatic zones, and weather conditions can considerably contribute to varying annual energy consumption.
In such conditions, the DtS assessment might not be a practical solution. That'sThat's where JV3 modelling comes into play. Another energy assessment method is NABERS Rating.
What Is Included In The JV3 Assessment Report?
The JV3 assessment report includes the following:
- Description and technical details of ABCB Protocol-compliant software used for the assessment.
- Notice that the calculations comply with the JV3 conditions, including if the assessment was performed on plans/designs as supplied or modified. A reference building is also in strict compliance with the JV3 requirements.
- The assessor's details clearly stating that the assessment procedure was performed by a trained, accredited, qualified and competent person.
- Quality assurance & continual improvement system statement.
Regardless of the energy assessment method, always opt for a qualified building consultant for your Section J report, JV3 modelling, NABERS Rating, and DtS assessment.
Also Read this : Sustainability Requirements in Commercial Buildings
Compliance Standards For JV3 Assessment
- 3D model of the commercial project in the correct geographical location, orientation and weather/climatic condition.
- Schedules for space occupancy, internal heat loads, artificial and natural lighting and HVAC system.
- Simulation for 8760 hours (every particular hour in a whole year), with an operating schedule of at least 2500 hours every year.
- Evaluation of the aggregate heat transfer & cumulative energy consumption.
- Thermostats should be set between 18°C to 26°C.
- The air conditioning system and Artificial Lighting fixtures comply with NCC sections J5 and J6.
- The air conditioning & heating Annual Energy Efficiency Ratio (AEER) must comply with NCC Performance Requirement JP3, while the cooling system AEER must comply with MEPS.
The simulated DtS compliant Reference Building should be similar to the proposed commercial building except for the following conditions:
- Solar Absorptance (a) of Walls = 0.6 & Roof = 0.7
- DTS-compliant insulation requirements in all envelope components, including roof, ceiling, walls, and floor.
- DTS- glazing to all orientations encompassing roof lights as well.
- All other conditions match the proposed commercial development.
The JV3 assessment report should specify which components do & don't comply with DTS.
Why Should You Opt For JV3 Assessment?
- A JV3 modelling method for commercial development is usually more expensive than Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) Section J compliance method since it requires more intricate detailing and much more time to assess.
- This alternative assessment method involves comparing a proposed commercial development with a DtS reference building while considering the particular location and weather data of the proposed development.
- The proposed building's annual energy requirements must not exceed the annual energy consumption of the reference DtS building, thus enabling greater design, materials, and construction as long as the sum of the entire proposed building does not exceed the reference building's maximum annual consumption.
- JV3 assessment can be considered as a commercial equivalent of NatHERS energy modelling, enabling flexibility to choose glazing and design elements as long as it remains within the annual energy requirement of the DTS reference building.
In Which Building Class Is JV3 Modelling Applicable?
JV3 applies to all buildings belonging to Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. However, JV3 modelling can't be used for buildings coming under Classes 2 and 4.
What Are The Steps Involved In JV3 Assessment?
- Determine the annual energy consumption allowance by using a DtS reference building with to model the energy performance criteria in JV3.
- Evaluate the theoretical yearly energy consumption amount of the proposed Performance Solution using the building criteria of the subject or the Specification JV criteria.
- Evaluate the theoretical yearly energy consumption amount of the proposed Performance Solution by modelling the interior services with that of the reference DtS building.
- Compare outputs 2 and 3 (theoretical annual energy consumption) with the step 1 energy output. This ensures that the proposed building's yearly energy consumption is not greater than the DtS allowance.
Conclusion
With JV3 assessment, you can create a commercial architectural design that would never comply with DtS to obtain a certain aesthetic. For instance, a building designed with very large glazing can offset the energy loss in this component with increased wall & ceiling insulation.
JV3 modelling can also be utilised to achieve significant construction cost savings through practical designs.
For instance, if your proposed development has included better-than-average glazing you can reduce or even eliminate the wall insulation, given that the Annual Energy consumption remains less than the reference DtS Building'sBuilding's Annual Energy consumption.
Ensure to get your JV3 modelling and NABERS Rating done by a qualified professional to avoid complications and get the best value for money.
