Section J Report — NCC 2022 Compliance for Commercial Buildings
A Section J report proves a Class 2–9 building meets the energy-efficiency provisions of the National Construction Code. Here's what's in one, what it costs in 2026, and how the DtS and JV3 pathways compare.
What is Section J of the NCC?
Section J is Part J of the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One. It sets the minimum energy-efficiency requirements for every commercial building in Australia — offices, retail, hotels, apartments, warehouses, healthcare and assembly buildings (NCC classes 2–9). Class 1 dwellings sit under NatHERS and the residential DtS path in Volume Two instead.
A Section J report is the document a certifier needs before issuing a building permit. It demonstrates compliance through one of two pathways: the prescriptive Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) path that checks each element (wall R-value, glazing U-value, HVAC efficiency) against a minimum, or the performance-based JV3 verification that models the whole building and compares its predicted energy use to a code-compliant reference model.
What a DtS Section J report covers (NCC 2022)
| Clause | What it controls | Typical target |
|---|---|---|
| J1 Building fabric | Roof, wall, floor R-values | R4.1–R6.3 roof; R2.8–R3.8 wall |
| J2 Glazing | SHGC, U-value, aggregate calculation | Uw ≤ 4.3, SHGC ≤ 0.55 |
| J3 Sealing | Air-tightness, door seals, chimney dampers | Perimeter sealing continuous |
| J5 HVAC | Air-conditioning, ductwork, controls | Min MEPS + variable-speed drives |
| J6 Lighting | Illumination power density (W/m²) | 4.5–8 W/m² by space type |
| J7 Hot water & pool heating | Efficiency, insulation, controls | Heat-pump / solar preferred |
| J9 Energy monitoring | Sub-metering by end use | HVAC, lighting, hot water separate |
2026 Section J report fees
| Project type | DtS report | JV3 verification (add-on) |
|---|---|---|
| Small commercial fit-out / duplex | $1,500 – $3,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Apartment block (Class 2, <20 units) | $3,000 – $7,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Mid-scale office / retail | $5,000 – $12,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Large or complex Class 5–9 | $12,000 – $30,000+ | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Fees vary with project floor area, glazing complexity, and whether NABERS or Green Star commitments run alongside the report.
Section J vs JV3 — which path do I need?
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS)
Element-by-element checklist against NCC minimums. Cheaper and faster — right for straightforward buildings where every element meets the minimum spec.
- No simulation required
- Trades locked to minimum spec
- Typical 1–2 week turnaround
JV3 Verification
Whole-of-building simulation. Use when the design trades one element (bigger glazing, exposed concrete) against another (better HVAC, thicker insulation).
- NCC-approved simulation software
- Design flexibility for architects
- 2–4 week turnaround
Who prepares a Section J report?
- ESD consultant — most common for mixed-use and Class 2 apartment developments where the report sits alongside a BASIX or Green Star scope.
- Building-services / mechanical engineer — preferred for Class 5–9 buildings where J5 HVAC modelling dominates the report.
- Accredited energy assessor with commercial experience — for smaller projects and Class 2 apartment blocks that overlap NatHERS.
- JV3 specialist — must be competent in IES-VE, DesignBuilder or EnergyPlus and hold professional indemnity insurance for the simulation.
Get quotes for your Section J report
Compare fees from up to three accredited Section J consultants — most respond within 24 hours with an itemised scope and turnaround.