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Case Study: Achieving NCC Section J Compliance with JV3 – Optimising Refrigerant Pipe Insulation



Project Overview

Deratec was engaged to deliver a JV3 Performance Pathway assessment under NCC 2022 Section J for a multi-storey mixed-use building. The objective was to demonstrate compliance while providing greater flexibility in building fabric and services design.

A key focus was to assess whether reducing refrigerant pipe insulation thickness could still achieve full compliance, delivering both cost savings and construction efficiency.


Simulation model of a building showcasing detailed shading analysis with solar path and angle projections.
Simulation model of a building showcasing detailed shading analysis with solar path and angle projections.


The Challenge

  • DTS (Deemed-to-Satisfy) requirements mandated 32 mm refrigerant pipe insulation.

  • This increased material and labour costs, adding unnecessary complexity.

  • The design team sought a performance-based solution that would allow thinner insulation (19 mm) while ensuring the building still met the stringent Section J (J1P1) requirements.


Minimum building fabric and services requirements for the reference and proposed models.
Minimum building fabric and services requirements for the reference and proposed models.

Deratec’s Approach

Using the JV3 Verification Method, Deratec carried out full energy modelling and simulations:

  • A Reference Building was modelled using DTS provisions.

  • A Proposed Building model incorporated the reduced 19 mm insulation.

  • Both models were simulated using EnergyPlus-based software, validated against ASHRAE 140 standards.

  • Simulations considered real climate data from NCC Climate Zone 5 (Sydney), ensuring accuracy and reliability.



Comparison building fabric for reference and proposed models
Comparison building fabric for reference and proposed models

Results

The results show that the total annual Greenhouse Gas emission of the Proposed Building models is less than the annual Greenhouse Gas of the Reference Building. The proposed services (i.e., reduced mechanical pipe insulation) utilized within the proposed building are therefore compliant with the performance requirement of J1P1 under J1V3 method of verification.


Summary of the energy simulation results.
Summary of the energy simulation results.

The proposed building achieves compliance with the J1V3 Verification Method by successfully offsetting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing total annual energy consumption compared to the reference building.
The proposed building achieves compliance with the J1V3 Verification Method by successfully offsetting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing total annual energy consumption compared to the reference building.


Key Outcomes:

  • Pipe insulation reduced from 32 mm → 19 mm

  • 106,000+ kWh annual energy savings

  • 90,000+ kgCO₂-e reduction in emissions

  • Full compliance with NCC 2022 Section J (Performance Requirement J1P1)




Conclusion

Through JV3 performance modelling, Deratec delivered a smarter, more efficient pathway to compliance. The project achieved:

  • Reduced construction costs through material savings

  • Simplified installation without compromising performance

  • Verified compliance under NCC 2022 Section J

This case study demonstrates how JV3 can provide design flexibility while ensuring buildings remain energy-efficient, sustainable, and compliant.



Contact Us

Interested in how JV3 can optimise compliance and reduce costs for your project?

📩 Contact Deratec today to discuss your requirements or request a sample JV3 report.



 
 
 

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