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NCC eNergY & INDUSTRY effiCieNCY NEWS iN tHe built eNviroNmeNt eNergY effiCieNCY glaziNg aNd tHe bCa Written by The Australian Glass and Glazing Association Since the introduction of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2010, architects and building designers are bound by the more stringent energy efficiency provisions of Section J. Energy regulations now determine the selection of building materials to a greater extent than ever before and, in particular, changes to the Code’s glazing provisions have made architects and building designers re-examine how they will achieve compliance with the regulations. Despite the tougher glazing requirements of the BCA 2010, there is no doubt that the intention of the new provisions was not to limit the amount of glazing in buildings but rather to increase building energy efficiency. Provided that the appropriate glazing system is specified, designers can continue to use extensive glazing and achieve compliance with the Code. “Energy efficient glass is one of the easiest and most cost effective solutions to help architects and designers comply with the BCA, while providing for maximising glazed areas and design freedom,” says Nigel Carpenter, Executive Director of the Australian Glass and Glazing Association (AGGA). “Major advances in the Australian glass industry over recent years means it is well placed to provide a range of glass solutions, including double glazing and high performance coatings, which can maximise control over energy efficiency.” The ideal glass solution will provide appropriate lighting levels, while insulating against heat loss and shielding unwanted heat gain. That said, it’s important to recognise that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. “Glazing solutions need to be considered on a case-by-case basis rather than by taking a general approach. For instance; climate zone, orientation and insulation levels, as well as what performance characteristics you want your glass to provide beyond thermal performance, such as acoustic control or glare minimisation, should all be taken into account.” However, there is one constant when it comes to specifying windows and glass. “SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) and U-value are critical considerations,” says Nigel. “A low U-value is generally preferable regardless of climate, Melbourne Grammar, Photo: Peter Hyatt Nigel Carpenter whereas SHGC should be based on the climate as well as the orientation of the windows. In cooler climates, north facing windows should have a high SHGC to allow for passive solar energy in winter; fixed shading should be designed to shade the windows during summer. East and west facing windows should have a low SHGC to avoid overheating in summer. In hot climates, a low SHGC is always ideal.” While specifying the appropriate glass is fundamental to any glazing solution, architects and building designers should be aware that BCA compliance depends on the thermal performance of the whole window system. Nigel acknowledges that the issue of cost is invariably raised whenever high performance glass is discussed but says that, in many cases, the extra upfront costs are more than compensated for. “In addition to the decreased energy costs made possible through the improved thermal performance provided by the glazing, reducing heating and cooling loads mean it may be possible to downsize plant requirements and therefore also offsetting upfront costs,” he says. The AGGA has recently launched a new website featuring valuable information on glass and glazing, such as glazing for different climates and specifying glass for energy efficiency. Visit www.agga.org.au. About the AGGA: The AGGA is the peak industry body for the glass and glazing industry, representing over 600 manufacturers, importers, processors, installers, glaziers and suppliers to the building and window industry. The AGGA aims to heighten awareness of the benefits glass can provide, including increased energy efficiency, improved safety and outstanding design freedom. 20 • Australian Building Regulation Bulletin
CONTACT DETAILS FOR STATE AND TERRITORY BUILDING CONTROL ADMINISTRATIONS WESTERN AUSTRALIA Building Commission Department of Commerce Level 1, 31 Troode Street, West Perth, WA 6005 Locked Bag 12, West Perth, WA 6872 Telephone: 1300 489 099 E-mail: info@buildingcommission.wa.gov.au Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm Web site: www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au NORTHERN TERRITORY Department of Lands and Planning Building Advisory Services Branch Cavenagh House, 38 Cavenagh Street, Darwin NT 0800 GPO Box 1680, Darwin, NT 0801 Telephone: 08 8999 8960 E-mail: bas.lpe@nt.gov.au Hours: 8.00am-4.00pm Web site: www.nt.gov.au QUEENSLAND Department of Infrastructure and Planning Building Codes Queensland Division Level 3, 63 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 PO Box 15009, City East, QLD 4002 Telephone: 07 3239 6369 E-mail: buildingcodes@dip.qld.gov.au Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm Web site: www.dip.qld.gov.au ENERGY EFFICIENCY NCC + IN iNDUSTRY THE BUILT NEWS ENVIRONMENT SOUTH AUSTRALIA Department of Planning and Local Government, Building Policy Roma Mitchell House 136 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000 GPO Box 1815, Adelaide, SA 5001 Telephone: 08 8303 0602 E-mail: plnsa.building@saugov.sa.gov.au Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Web site: www.planning.sa.gov.au VICTORIA Building Commission Victoria 733 Bourke Street, Docklands, VIC 3008 PO Box 536, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Telephone: 1300 815 127 E-mail: technicalenquiry@buildingcommission.com.au Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm Web site: www.buildingcommission.com.au TASMANIA Department of Justice, Workplace Standards Tasmania Building Control Branch 30 Gordons Hill Road, Rosny Park, TAS 7018 PO Box 56, Rosny Park, TAS 7018 Telephone: 03 6233 7657 E-mail: wstinfo@justice.tas.gov.au Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Web site: www.wst.tas.gov.au NEW SOUTH WALES Dept of Panning & Infrastructure 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001 Telephone: 02 9228 6111 E-mail: information@planning.nsw.gov.au Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Mon – Fri, however BCA technical questions will be answered 9.30 – 11.30 Tue-Thu on 02 9228 6529 Web site: www.planning.nsw.gov.au AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate Ground Floor South, Dame Pattie Menzies House 16 Challis Street, Dickson ACT 2602 GPO Box 1908, Canberra City, ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6207 1923 E-mail: actpla.customer.services@act.gov.au Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm Web site: www.actpla.act.gov.au Australian Building Regulation Bulletin • 21
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Page 8 and 9: NCC & INDUSTRY NEWS ABCB Online and
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Page 16 and 17: COVER STORY TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI -
Page 18 and 19: af 2011 overvieW Building Australia
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