JV3 Assessment — The NCC Verification-by-Simulation Pathway
JV3 is the National Construction Code's flexible energy-compliance pathway: a dynamic computer simulation that proves your design performs at least as well as a Deemed-to-Satisfy reference building. Here's when JV3 makes sense over NatHERS, what it costs, and who can issue it.
JV3 vs NatHERS — when to use which
| NatHERS | JV3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Houses, townhouses, standard apartments | Complex apartments, commercial, non-standard residential |
| Software | AccuRate, FirstRate5, BERS Pro | IES VE, EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder |
| Output | 0–10 star rating | Pass / fail vs reference building |
| Cost | $300 – $1,500 | $2,500 – $25,000+ |
| Issued by | NatHERS-accredited assessor | Section J / ESD engineer |
| Flexibility | Within NatHERS modelling rules | Almost any design — trade-offs allowed |
When JV3 is the right pathway
- • Apartment building with mixed-mode ventilation
- • Glazing ratio above standard DTS limits
- • Commercial / mixed-use Class 3–9 building
- • Unusual orientation or shading conditions
- • Want to trade off insulation for better glazing (or vice versa)
When NatHERS is faster & cheaper
- • Standard Class 1 detached house
- • Small townhouse or duplex
- • Existing-home ratings (ACT, BASIX)
- • Renovation under DTS rules
- • Most rebate / disclosure programs
Not sure if you need JV3 or NatHERS?
Our directory includes both NatHERS-accredited assessors and ESD engineers who run JV3 simulations. Tell us your project and we'll point you at the right pathway.