A Quick Comparison between JV3 and DTS Assessments

March 8, 2023

Energy consumption in buildings can vary depending on a lot of factors.

These factors include the materials used, the positioning of specific property elements, the layout of rooms and spaces, and the general design of the buildings. The surrounding elements, the number of appliances and equipment present on the properties, and the age of the properties can likewise affect the energy of buildings and structures.

One important thing about building energy use is it can already be regulated right from the very beginning. During the design phase of a proposed building, property owners can already have their plans assessed by professionals to determine their energy efficiency.

General Overview of Energy Efficiency Assessments

Energy efficiency assessments are vital to property owners as they help them understand the potential energy use of their buildings. They can also verify whether properties adhere to the energy efficiency standards of the authorities or not. If not, assessors would often provide suggested modifications that would later make properties energy efficient.

Two of the most common energy efficiency assessments that property owners here in Australia may want to consider are JV3 and DTS assessments.

JV3 assessments are audits made for non-residential buildings. They are often done by comparing the assumed energy use of new buildings to a reference building with high consideration over their climate and location. DTS assessments, alternatively, are often used to gauge the energy use of residential building plans. They also compare the proposed building’s construction plans to the standards prescribed by the National Construction Code.

Main Differences between JV3 and DTS Assessments

While both assessments are used to gauge the energy use of proposed buildings, they still have several differences that property owners like you must know. 

The DTS assessment, for once, requires all components of a building to individually meet the NCC standards. The JV3 assessment, alternatively, checks the whole building and sees if it complies with the NCC Objective JO1, which aims to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. This assessment relies on a computer-simulated 3D model of the building. A simulation with this 3D model will then be run with actual historical weather data. This process aims to check the temperature of the building every hour for one year.

The simulated building must then be comprised of Section J-compliant HVAC and artificial lighting so that the assessor can check its Annual Energy Consumption. The calculated Annual Energy Consumption in kWh of the simulated building must be less than the figure of the reference building so it can acquire a Building Solution based on JV3.

Going back to the DTS assessment, it is often considered to be quicker and easier to carry out. Every building element during this assessment should comply independently. Trade-offs are likewise not possible with this assessment. So, even if the windows are highly energy-efficient, they will not be considered for the insulation requirements. Increasing the total insulation of a building likewise still requires one to install roof raisers or spacers.

DTS requirements can make overall construction costs to become higher. A DTS-compliant building, however, is significantly easier to spec out, especially in its early design phase. It is also easier for HVAC consultants to calculate their maximum heating and cooling loads.

If you need some help with these types of energy efficiency assessments, you can contact us at Empire Thermal Group.

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