Given the rising rate of global warming and climate change impacts, green infrastructure regulations are becoming more stringent. Therefore, project developers, builders and architects need to be extra cautious while designing a commercial project.
One such green infrastructure regulation is BCA section J which sets energy-efficiency standards for commercial buildings. The BCA Section J report highlights the various elements of energy utilisation.
Causes Of Energy Loss In A Commercial Building
Experienced building professionals can identify a commercial building design's major energy loss features and regions to target for improving energy efficiency.
- Heating, ventilation, air circulation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and artificial lights consume the largest amounts of power in commercial structures. HVAC devices consume almost 35% of a commercial building's energy supply, thus limiting its efficiency.
- Energy is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas at global levels. These non-renewable sources release greenhouse gases into the environment during the consumption phase, causing sustainability challenges.
- Another emission-enhancing energy loss source is artificial lighting systems. Lights contribute to the consumption of around 17% of a commercial building's energy supply.
- Additionally, old and inefficient systems could be a huge source of energy loss.
Section J was conceptualised to ensure commercial buildings eliminate such energy holes and adopt more efficient systems and techniques. Section J can be assessed in two ways: the DtS method and the alternative JV3 assessment.
What Included In A BCA Section J Report?
BCA Section J report includes the following sections:
- Part J0 – Energy Efficiency
- Part J1 – Fabric of the commercial development
- Part J2 – Glazing
- Part J3 – Sealing of the commercial building
- Part J4 – Air circulation within the premises
- Part J5 – Air-conditioning and Ventilation (HVAC) Systems
- Part J6 – Artificial Lighting Systems and Power
- Part J7 – Heated Water Supply and Swimming Pool, Sauna and Spa Pool Plant
- Part J8 – Facilities and access for energy monitoring
How Can the BCA Section J Report Be Beneficial?
Environment
The fundamental role of BCA Section J report standards is to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. The use of fossil fuels or non-renewable sources of energy to maintain interior environment comfort in built spaces actively contribute to devastating climate and environmental challenges globally.
Economics
Energy-efficient buildings incur fewer operational costs. Additionally, these buildings are less sensitive to energy cost inflations. The money saved can be utilised to develop stronger and more resilient businesses. Additionally, the value of an energy-efficient building in the market is much higher than non-efficient buildings.
Comfort
Energy-efficient buildings are more comfortable and healthy to occupy throughout the entire day; require dependency on active heating and cooling systems, and benefit from natural light.
Electricity Reliability
A growing commercial real estate industry in Australia places more pressure on the reliability of the electricity grid ever. Energy-efficient buildings minimise reliance on grid electricity by using passive and natural sources, thus reducing business risk.
Conclusion
Sustainable buildings are the future of the Australian commercial and residential real estate industry. Therefore ensuring correct sustainability documentation for each project is necessary. Hire professional business consultants to assist you with the DtS method and JV3 assessment to avoid complications during the development phase.
