Commercial Energy Efficiency Reports
EcoForm have years of experience assisting with commercial developments. Offices, warehouses, multi storey mixed use, change
of use, apartment buildings, we have you covered. EcoForm can help your project to comply with Energy Efficiency, Sustainability,
and Bushfire requirements quickly and easily.
Commercial Energy Efficiency Reports
EcoForm have years of experience assisting with commercial developments. Offices, warehouses, multi storey mixed use, change of use, apartment buildings, we have you covered. EcoForm can help your project to comply with Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, and Bushfire requirements quickly and easily.
Why Sustainability Matters In Commercial Developments
The ideal time to consider energy efficiency for your commercial development is at the design stage. At the design stage, we can adjust features of the building to incorporate cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency. Trying to consider energy efficiency and sustainability at the end of the design stage, or worse, after it has been built, is costly and nowhere as effective.
With EcoForm as part of your design team, you will have access to the information you need to make these important decisions around energy efficiency, sustainability and bushfire risk.
Commercial buildings are a large consumer of electricity and producer of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. With electricity costs rising and the spotlight shining ever-brighter on sustainability, buildings which have considered sustainability and energy efficiency will be more attractive to tenants and buyers alike.
For example, Green Star rated (just one of the assessments we offer) buildings consume 66% less electricity and 51% less water than the average Australian building, which translates into financial savings. Green Star-rated office buildings deliver a 4.3% ‘green premium’ at the time of sale, a 13% higher return, a 25% longer Weighted Average Lease Expiry as well as a 56% lower vacancy rate (as per report Green Star in focus: The business case).
Engaging EcoForm to be part of your design team and examine sustainability and energy efficiency opportunities within your commercial development will not only assist with regulatory compliance but can add value now and throughout the development’s life.
Why Sustainability Matters In Commercial Developments
The ideal time to consider energy efficiency for your commercial development is at the design stage. At the design stage, we can adjust features of the building to incorporate cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency. Trying to consider energy efficiency and sustainability at the end of the design stage, or worse, after it has been built, is costly and nowhere as effective.
With EcoForm as part of your design team, you will have access to the information you need to make these important decisions around energy efficiency, sustainability and bushfire risk.
Commercial buildings are a large consumer of electricity and producer of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. With electricity costs rising and the spotlight shining ever-brighter on sustainability, buildings which have considered sustainability and energy efficiency will be more attractive to tenants and buyers alike.
For example, Green Star rated (just one of the assessments we offer) buildings consume 66% less electricity and 51% less water than the average Australian building, which translates into financial savings. Green Star-rated office buildings deliver a 4.3% ‘green premium’ at the time of sale, a 13% higher return, a 25% longer Weighted Average Lease Expiry as well as a 56% lower vacancy rate (as per report Green Star in focus: The business case).
Engaging EcoForm to be part of your design team and examine sustainability and energy efficiency opportunities within your commercial development will not only assist with regulatory compliance but can add value now and throughout the development’s life.
Need Expert Advice On Energy Efficiency
Or Bushfire Planning?
Talk to one of our team to find out how EcoForm can help with
your next project.
Need Expert Advice On
Energy Efficiency
Or Bushfire Planning?
Talk to one of our team to find out how EcoForm can help with
your next project.
Commercial Energy Efficiency Reports
JV3 Assessments
JV3 assessments model the entire building in a 3D modelling program. We then compare this to another model of the same building that has all the individual components required on the BCA. A maximum energy efficiency load (kWh) is established for the building. We can then change the components of the building as long as this maximum is not exceeded.
This means not all areas need to comply with the minimum areas of the BCA as per the Elemental Provisions Assessment method. If, for example, you had an energy efficient building and found you didn’t need wall insulation, you wouldn’t need to put it in.
You can also use items such as energy efficient lighting to offset your insulation requirements. This means you have a lot more freedom to find a solution without expensive upgrades such as under floor insulation or upgraded glass.
Section J Assessments
Section J of NCC volume 1, is where you will find the energy efficiency regulations you need to comply with when building or altering a commercial building. So, a report that assesses the energy efficiency for your commercial project and proves to the regulatory authority that you comply with these requirements is called a section J report.
A Section J report assesses each individual component of the building which must comply with the insulation or performance requirements shown in the NCC. So for example the Roof/Ceiling, walls, floor and all other building elements must each have a minimum R Value. Using this method, you cannot, for example make the roof insulation better and have less wall insulation. You must comply with each individual section.
Glazing is assessed on each facade individually and has a maximum percentage of glass, so you cannot offset lots of glazing on one side by having minimal amount on another side. Lighting is also assessed against the minimum criteria.
With a Section J report, you cannot trade off areas where you are exceeding the requirements with areas you are not meeting the requirements, which is the main drawback of using this method.
Advantages of a Section J report are:
- Lower upfront assessment cost
- Quick and simple compared to a JV3 assessments
- Clear what insulation needs to be installed early in design stage
A JV3 assessment o the other hand is a fully modelled thermal assessment with distinct advantages over a Section J report including:
- Less insulation generally required, particularly floor and wall insulation resulting in lower construction costs
- Upgraded glazing not usually required resulting in lower construction costs
- More freedom to trade off one area against another (For example better wall insulation instead of upgraded glass)
- Greater energy efficiency than a DTS method
Contact EcoForm to find out which is the best option for your project.
Apartment & Unit
(Multi Residential)
Assessments
Whether it is a small townhouse development, medium size apartment complex, or large multi-storey apartment complex, EcoForm has the expertise to assess your plans and give you the guidance you need to gain approval for your multi-residential project.
In some council areas, EcoForm will need to get involved with your project in the Development Application stage to ensure the sustainability reports required at the planning stage have been provided. Or it may be at the building licence stage we are needed.
Whichever it is, contacting EcoForm early so that we can help guide you with the reports you require will ensure delays are limited, energy efficiency and sustainability requirements can be integrated with the least impact on design and budget, and you have a clear understanding of where your project is heading.
Contact EcoForm to discuss your multi-residential project. We would be happy to be on your team.
- ESD Reports
- Green Star
- LCA
- 6 Star
Commercial Energy Efficiency Reports
JV3 Assessments
JV3 assessments model the entire building in a 3D modelling program. We then compare this to another model of the same building that has all the individual components required on the BCA. A maximum energy efficiency load (kWh) is established for the building. We can then change the components of the building as long as this maximum is not exceeded.
This means not all areas need to comply with the minimum areas of the BCA as per the Elemental Provisions Assessment method. If, for example, you had an energy efficient building and found you didn’t need wall insulation, you wouldn’t need to put it in.
You can also use items such as energy efficient lighting to offset your insulation requirements. This means you have a lot more freedom to find a solution without expensive upgrades such as under floor insulation or upgraded glass.
Section J Assessments
Section J of NCC volume 1, is where you will find the energy efficiency regulations you need to comply with when building or altering a commercial building. So, a report that assesses the energy efficiency for your commercial project and proves to the regulatory authority that you comply with these requirements is called a section J report.
A Section J report assesses each individual component of the building which must comply with the insulation or performance requirements shown in the NCC. So for example the Roof/Ceiling, walls, floor and all other building elements must each have a minimum R Value. Using this method, you cannot, for example make the roof insulation better and have less wall insulation. You must comply with each individual section.
Glazing is assessed on each facade individually and has a maximum percentage of glass, so you cannot offset lots of glazing on one side by having minimal amount on another side. Lighting is also assessed against the minimum criteria.
With a Section J report, you cannot trade off areas where you are exceeding the requirements with areas you are not meeting the requirements, which is the main drawback of using this method.
Advantages of a Section J report are:
- Lower upfront assessment cost
- Quick and simple compared to a JV3 assessments
- Clear what insulation needs to be installed early in design stage
A JV3 assessment o the other hand is a fully modelled thermal assessment with distinct advantages over a Section J report including:
- Less insulation generally required, particularly floor and wall insulation resulting in lower construction costs
- Upgraded glazing not usually required resulting in lower construction costs
- More freedom to trade off one area against another (For example better wall insulation instead of upgraded glass)
- Greater energy efficiency than a DTS method
Contact EcoForm to find out which is the best option for your project.
Apartment & Unit (Multi Residential) Assessments
Whether it is a small townhouse development, medium size apartment complex, or large multi-storey apartment complex, EcoForm has the expertise to assess your plans and give you the guidance you need to gain approval for your multi-residential project.
In some council areas, EcoForm will need to get involved with your project in the Development Application stage to ensure the sustainability reports required at the planning stage have been provided. Or it may be at the building licence stage we are needed.
Whichever it is, contacting EcoForm early so that we can help guide you with the reports you require will ensure delays are limited, energy efficiency and sustainability requirements can be integrated with the least impact on design and budget, and you have a clear understanding of where your project is heading.
Contact EcoForm to discuss your multi-residential project. We would be happy to be on your team.
- ESD Reports
- Green Star
- LCA
- 6 Star
Contact The EcoForm
Team Today
Contact The EcoForm
Team Today
Sustainability Services
Does your project aim to go beyond the minimum standards required? That may be for many reasons, including the client requesting a more sustainable building, a council planning condition, to gain approval for a greater lot yield or exceeding the height restrictions of an area.
Whatever the reason, EcoForm can assist, and we will find the most suitable tool for quantifying the sustainability of the project, which can include the following methods:
- ESD Reports
- Life Cycle Analysis
- Green Star Services
Why Choose EcoForm For Energy Efficiency Reports
When you work with EcoForm, you are partnering with experts in sustainability, energy efficiency and bushfire risk management. We are more than consultants; we are part of your team. We guarantee to give you the most up-to-date advice, personal service and competitive pricing, just as if you had access to in-house energy efficiency and bushfire specialists.
Email your plans to admin@ecoform.com.au for a quote, or call 1300 372 846
Sustainability Services
Does your project aim to go beyond the minimum standards required? That may be for many reasons, including the client requesting a more sustainable building, a council planning condition, to gain approval for a greater lot yield or exceeding the height restrictions of an area.
Whatever the reason, EcoForm can assist, and we will find the most suitable tool for quantifying the sustainability of the project, which can include the following methods:
- ESD Reports
- Life Cycle Analysis
- Green Star Services
