6-Star - DTS or Modelling?

Current at: 04 May 2011 (B)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

As-Built Learning Exchange (ABLE) has been the leading provider of Energy Efficiency services and resources since the introduction of the provision in BCA 2003.

ABLE publications include the 2004 Energy Notebook, the 2006 5-Star Local Issues Impact Report, the BCA 2006 Glazing Calculator Add-Ons Common Practice Solution, the 2007 5-Star Plus Options Report, the BCA 2009 Glazing Calculator Add-Ons Common Practice Solution update (Excel 2003 and Excel 2007 versions), the 2009 Roof Light Common Practice Solution, Ceiling Insulation Area Common Practice Interpretation and BCA 2010 6-Star Public Comment Draft Local Practice Snapshot.

6-STAR - DTS OR MODELLING?

ABLE is about to commence a Local Practice Project to develop the information and resources that builders and designers will need to make informed 6-Star decisions.

Outcomes from the BCA 2010 6-Star Public Comment Draft - Local Practice Snapshot suggested that the shift from 5 to 6-Star will significantly more difficult than the previous shift from 4 to 5-Star and that the commonly used DTS assessment method may not deliver the better process and cost outcomes.

This project will investigate whether DTS or Modelling delivers the better process and construction cost outcome for:

·         Project display homes that are required to comply in multiple site orientations.

·         Design and construction homes that are designed for known orientation.

At the end of the project ABLE will document the outcomes and invite Project Contributors to participate in an industry Briefing Session so that Building Professionals can learn how to make an informed assessment choice.  ABLE will then publish the project findings.

PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR INVITATION

ABLE now invites building companies, design practices, suppliers, regulators and other entities to become Project Contributors.