The National Construction Code (NCC) sets the performance-based requirements for the design and construction of buildings across Australia, covering essential areas such as structural safety, fire safety, accessibility, health and amenity, building services and energy efficiency.
Compliance with the NCC is mandatory for all building projects and is required as part of the Development Approval (DA) and Building Approval (BA) process to ensure minimum standards for safety, sustainability, and performance are achieved.
The NCC is structured into three volumes, addressing commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, along with technical requirements for the design and installation of plumbing and drainage systems.
Volume 1, Section J (Energy Efficiency) defines the key performance requirements for building fabric and services, including thermal performance, energy use and system efficiency for mechanical and electrical services within commercial buildings.
Building thermal performance is influenced by key factors including orientation, glazing ratio, shading design and building fabric selection. Optimising these elements early in design is critical to achieving compliant, energy-efficient outcomes under the NCC.
Dewick & Associates provide specialist NCC Section J energy assessments, with in-house engineers reviewing architectural designs and undertaking energy modelling using either the J1V3 verification or Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) pathway, selecting the most appropriate compliance method for each project.
Through an iterative modelling approach, we balance energy performance, architectural intent, and cost efficiency, ensuring NCC compliance while maintaining practical and commercially viable design outcomes. Following assessment, we issue a detailed compliance report confirming methodology, results, and final outcomes, supporting clear documentation for certification and approval processes.
Complementing our mechanical engineering design services, Dewick & Associates’ Chartered and Registered Engineers review and assess proposed building services to ensure full compliance with the NCC Section J6 energy efficiency requirements.
Our Chartered Engineers assess system design, plant efficiency, and control strategies to ensure alignment with NCC provisions.
Following detailed analysis and compliance calculations, we provide a Section J compliance report and checklist suitable for submission to the Building Certifier, supporting a smooth approval process and ensuring all mechanical services meet mandatory energy performance standards.
We bridge the gap between architectural design and regulatory compliance, ensuring energy performance targets are achieved without compromising buildability or cost.
With over 50 years of combined industry experience, Dewick & Associates’ in-house engineering team comprises highly qualified Chartered and Registered Engineers with specialist expertise in building services design, energy efficiency and compliance engineering.
Our team holds a range of professional qualifications, including:
We deliver technically robust, regulation-compliant engineering solutions across mechanical and electrical services, supporting projects from early design through to certification and operational handover.
Services: Mech, Elec, Fire, Hyd, MEP
Format: Digital, online, D&A standard, QR code, client specific
Drafting: As Installed / As Built Drawings
Heat Loads, Ventilation Assessment
Air side / water side static calculations
Equipment sizing / schedules
Chartered / Registerd Engineers
Contractor support for BREEAM / Green Star / LEED submissions
Evidence Reports
Drawings Mark Ups
Structured approach to installation, inspection, testing and certification.
Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Fire and Hydraulic
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, MEP Includes processes and procedures
Inspection Test Plans (ITP)
Building Tuning Plans
