Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings

New energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings (Classes 5 to 9) will be implemented from 1 August 2006.

The new provisions are contained in Section J – Energy Efficiency of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2006 – Volume One. The requirements for commercial buildings are based on the same climate zones as the existing provisions for housing in Volume Two of the BCA.

The primary objective of the requirements is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all new buildings by efficiently using energy. The minimum requirements address the building’s fabric, external glazing, building sealing, air-conditioning and ventilation, lighting and power, and access for maintenance.

The requirements for Part J2 – External Glazing can be determined by using the glazing calculator software that has been produced by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). The software was developed to provide a better understanding of the glazing parameters and can be downloaded from www.abcb.gov.au.

There are specific South Australian state variations regarding Part J3 - Building Sealing, including the need to seal roof lights, external windows and doors, exhaust fans and evaporative coolers in all South Australian climate zones.

The energy efficiency requirements for hot water supply are regulated by the Waterworks Act 1932 and the Water Regulations 1996, both of which are administered by SA Water. Directions issued under Regulation 17 of the Waterworks Regulations 1996 and Regulation 17 of the Sewerage Regulations 1996 call up Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3500 Parts 0, 1, 2 and 4 as published in 2003 (and Amendment 1 as published in November 2005). For further information contact SA Water (08) 8207 1400 or visit their website at www.sawater.com.au.

Building energy analysis software that complies with the ABCB’s Protocol for Building Energy Analysis Software can also be used to verify compliance with the new requirements in accordance with Clauses JV2 and JV3. Copies of the Protocol can be obtained from the ABCB website by clicking here.

Earlier this year, the ABCB wrote to a range of building energy analysis software manufacturers and suppliers seeking their advice regarding the compliance or otherwise of their software with the Protocol. Responses were received regarding the following software programs:

The Building Energy Software Tools Directory webpage on the US Department of Energy (DOE) website http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tools_directory/ may also assist in determining the compliance or otherwise of the software with the Protocol. The directory provides information on 317 building software tools for evaluating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability in buildings.

For more information

  • Planning SA, Building Policy Branch, (08) 8303 0602