Section J energy efficiency reports
Section J energy efficiency reports for commercial buildings and fitouts. We review the proposed work and confirm the report scope, required information and fee before starting.
- Suitable for
- Class 3 and 5–9 buildings, tenancy fitouts, Class 2 common areas
- From (ex GST)
- $950 DTS report · J1V3 modelling quoted per project
- Includes
- Report, clause-by-clause compliance table, notes for the drawings
- Turnaround
- 3–5 business days for a DTS report · J1V3 quoted
Turnaround is confirmed in your quote and starts once all required information is received.
What you receive
- A Section J report with a clause-by-clause compliance table for your certifier
- A list of the specifications and notes that need to go on the drawings
- Glazing and lighting calculations
- Coordination with your electrical and mechanical designers where needed
What to send
- Architectural plans, elevations and sections, with floor areas and room or space uses
- Building classification, and whether the work is a new building, an addition or a fitout
- Glazing or shopfront schedule, where new glazing is proposed
- Lighting layout or electrical design, if available
- Air-conditioning and ventilation design or equipment schedule, if available
- Whether the report is for a CC or CDC, and which NCC edition your certifier is applying
Missing something? Send what you have and we’ll confirm what else is needed, and whether a DTS report or J1V3 modelling suits the design, before quoting.
How it works
- Send the drawings. We review the proposed work and confirm the report scope, the pathway, the required information and a fixed fee, usually within one business day.
- Assessment. Each element of the design is checked against the applicable Section J provisions, or the whole building is modelled for a J1V3 assessment.
- Options if needed. Where an element does not comply, we set out the practical options and the specifications needed on the drawings.
- Report issued. The report and drawing notes are sent to you for your certifier, ready for the CC or CDC application.
Frequently asked questions
Does a commercial fitout need a Section J report?
Often, yes. If the fitout includes new lighting, air-conditioning, glazing or insulation, the certifier will usually want evidence that the new work meets Section J. For many fitouts that mainly means lighting power and controls (Part J7) and air-conditioning (Part J6).
When do I need the report: DA, CC or CDC?
Section J is a building code requirement, so it's usually needed for the construction certificate or CDC. Some councils ask for an energy statement at DA stage for larger buildings. We'll confirm what your certifier needs.
What's the difference between DTS and J1V3?
A DTS report checks each element against the prescriptive tables. A J1V3 assessment models the whole building and compares its annual energy use against a reference building. It gives more flexibility, for example extra glazing offset by better lighting, but costs more to prepare.
Does Section J apply to apartments?
In NSW, individual apartments are covered by BASIX. Section J applies to the common areas of a Class 2 building, such as lobbies, corridors and car parks, and to any commercial parts of a mixed-use building.
How long does a Section J report take?
A DTS report is usually 3–5 business days from complete drawings. J1V3 modelling is quoted per project. Turnaround is confirmed in your quote and starts once all required information is received.
Is NCC 2025 in force in NSW?
Not yet. NSW has announced it will adopt NCC 2025 from 1 May 2027. Until then NCC 2022 applies. Which edition applies to your project generally depends on when the CC or CDC application is lodged, so check with your certifier.
About Section J
Section J sets minimum energy efficiency standards for non-residential buildings: offices, shops, cafes, gyms, warehouses, factories, schools, medical centres, hotels and more. Your certifier needs evidence of compliance before issuing a construction certificate or CDC.
What Section J covers
| NCC 2022 Part | Covers | Typical issues |
|---|---|---|
| J4 Building fabric | Roofs, ceilings, walls, floors and glazing | Total wall-glazing U-value, SHGC, thermal bridging in steel framing |
| J5 Building sealing | Air leakage around doors, windows, exhausts and roof lights | Seals on entry doors, dampers on exhaust fans |
| J6 Air-conditioning & ventilation | Plant efficiency, controls, fans, ductwork and pipework insulation | Time switches, economy cycles, minimum EER and COP |
| J7 Artificial lighting & power | Lighting power density and lighting controls | Watts per m² for the space type, occupancy sensors, exit signs |
| J8 Heated water & pool plant | Hot water systems, pool and spa heating and pumps | System type, pump timers, pool covers |
| J9 Monitoring & energy resources | Energy meters, provision for solar PV and EV charging | Metering thresholds by floor area |
Two ways to comply
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) report
We check each element of the design against the prescriptive DTS provisions and record the result in a compliance table: R-values, glazing performance, lighting allowances and plant requirements. It is the quickest and most economical route and suits most fitouts and straightforward new buildings.
J1V3 verification (energy modelling)
For glass-heavy designs, or where DTS would force costly upgrades, we model the whole building’s annual energy use and compare it with a reference building that just meets DTS. If the proposed building uses less, it complies, even if individual elements don’t meet the tables. DTS or J1V3: which pathway? →
Fitouts: what usually applies
Most tenancy fitouts don’t change the building envelope. The report then focuses on the new work, which usually means:
- Lighting: allowed watts per square metre for each space type, plus occupancy and time controls
- Air-conditioning: minimum plant efficiency, time switches and ductwork insulation
- Any new glazing or shopfront: performance of the new glazing system
- Exhaust and kitchen ventilation for food premises
NSW will adopt NCC 2025 from 1 May 2027. It adds on-site solar PV requirements, battery-ready switchboards and tighter fabric, HVAC and lighting standards for commercial buildings. What changes and who it affects →
Send your plans for a fixed quote.
We confirm the assessment scope, required information and fee before work begins. Turnaround is confirmed in your quote and starts once all required information is received.