Building Connection Summer 2016

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BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 53
maximum efficiency of the air-conditioning system. The
conditioned space(s) may be able to be opened up and utilise
passive cooling when not in use.
COMPLIANCE OPTIONS
Currently, several options exist for northern climate
dwellings to meet the applicable Performance Requirement for
energy efficiency, P2.6.1. These include:
∫ Developing a Performance Solution
∫ Developing a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Solution
∫ A combination of the two.
While the feedback received during stakeholder consultation
demonstrated that these options are adequate for tropical
designs to meet P2.6.1, the responses identified issues with
stakeholders comprehending the intent of P2.6.1 in relation
to the specific characteristics of climate responsive designs
for northern Australia. The feedback indicated that additional
guidance material, specifically for climate responsive
dwellings, would assist practitioners in the application of
these compliance solutions.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
The development of an Advisory Note and Case Studies
included targeted consultation with relevant Northern
Territory, Queensland and Western Australia stakeholders. The
consultation aimed to identify whether there were any specific
issues or barriers to the uptake of certain climate responsive
designs due to the NCC energy efficiency provisions. Some of
the barriers identified included a varied understanding of the
Performance Requirement P2.6.1, the suitability of energy
rating tools for north Australian climates, and the perception
that the NCC excludes free-running and climate responsive
designs.
The Advisory Note has been developed to provide industry
with clarity on the intent of the Performance Requirement. The
suite of Case Studies demonstrates how climate responsive
designs can use a Performance Solution or DTS Solution for
NCC compliance.
ADVISORY NOTE
The NCC DTS Provisions were developed primarily for
dwellings designed to have an artificial cooling and/or heating
system installed. This is typical of construction practices
and occupant behaviour in many Australian locations. A
Performance Solution is therefore likely to be the best option
for a free-running dwelling to satisfy the Performance
Requirement P2.6.1. To assist practitioners, the Advisory Note
demonstrates the likely process of developing a Performance
Solution for the design of free-running dwellings.
CASE STUDIES
A number of Case Studies have been developed to
demonstrate how a climate responsive design may satisfy
Performance Requirement P2.6.1 for specific NCC climate
zones. The Case Studies are:
1. DTS Elemental Solution for NCC climate zone 1
2. DTS Elemental Solution for NCC climate zone 2
3. DTS Elemental Solution for NCC climate zone 3
4. Performance Solution for NCC climate zone 1
Case Studies 1, 2, and 3 use the DTS Elemental Provisions
to demonstrate how a building may satisfy Performance
Requirement P2.6.1 for specific climate zones. The final case
study illustrates how a tropical house using a hybrid design
may meet the Performance Requirement P2.6.1 through the
use of a Performance Solution.
Each Case Study details the specific considerations for the
given climate zone and method of compliance.
This suite of guidance material relating to climate
responsive design has been developed to clarify the intent of
the Performance Requirement P2.6.1, and the development of
solutions where climate responsive designs are preferred. The
Advisory Note and Case Studies also provide generic principles
and criteria to enable practitioners to develop solutions for
specific circumstances.
Australian Building Codes Board
COMPLIANCE
LEVEL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
PERFORMANCE
SOLUTION
and/or
DEEMED-TO-SATISFY
SOLUTION
COMPLIANCE
SOLUTIONS
FIGURE 1: NCC COMPLIANCE STRUCTURE
The Advisory Note and Case Studies are available for free
download via the ABCB website.