Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Compliant Section J Report

In Australia, commercial building projects must meet Section J requirements before they can proceed. But understanding how to get there can be confusing for some people. 

In fact, energy efficiency compliance is among the most common causes of delays in commercial building approvals. That means one missing detail in your Section J report can slow down your entire project.

The best way to avoid getting stuck in such a situation is to understand how the process works. And that’s precisely what we’ll be covering ahead. 

Let’s get started. 

How to Get a Compliant Section J Report: Step-by-Step

Today, you don’t need to handle the complexities of preparing a Section J report on your own. The process is simpler than you might think. Here’s how it works: 

Step 1: Gather Your Building Documentation

The process starts by collecting a complete set of documents about your building design. These help the assessor model your project accurately and check its performance against National Construction Code (NCC) standards.

You’ll typically need to provide the following documents: 

• Site plan showing the project location, orientation, and nearby buildings. 
• Floor plans with room layouts, usage types, and dimensions. 
• Elevations including cladding types, finishes, and window openings. 
• Sections showing the construction method for floors, roofs, and walls. 
• Window schedule listing glazing sizes, frame materials, and opening styles. 
• Mechanical (HVAC) details about air conditioning or ventilation systems, if available. 

Make sure to keep complete and accurate drawings to avoid any delays later on in the process. 

Step 2: Engage a Qualified Energy Assessor

Next, you’ll need a certified energy assessor experienced in commercial building compliance, such as PassivEnergy. They’ll review your plans and decide which NCC compliance method applies to your project: 

• Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS): The standard approach used for most projects. 
• J1V3 (Verification Using a Reference Building): A modelling method for complex or unique designs. 
• Green Star Pathway (J1V2): Used for sustainability-focused or large-scale projects. 

Our energy assessor’s handle all modelling and compliance decisions, so you don’t have to worry about technical details. 

Step 3: Energy Modelling and Performance Checks

In this stage, the assessor uses advanced energy modelling software, such as Better Building, Design Builder or IES VE, to simulate your building’s thermal performance. We will analyse several factors, including: 

• Insulation levels (R-values) for floors, walls, and roofs.
• Glazing performance (U-values and SHGC values).
• Lighting layouts, wattage limits, and control systems.
• HVAC efficiency and air sealing levels.

These elements are important for ensuring the building design complies with the NCC energy efficiency requirements (Parts J4–J9).

Step 4: Design Adjustments and Final Report

If any element of the design falls short of compliance, our energy assessor’s provides cost-effective recommendations to fix it.

Once those are complete, the assessor prepares the official Section J report. This report contains all the documentation, calculations, and compliance data needed for your building permit or certifier submission. 

Moreover, if the council has any queries, you don’t need to worry. We will address them and provide further clarification or necessary revisions. 

What You’ll Receive in Your Final Section J Report

In the end, you’ll get a ready-to-submit package from PassivEnergy that includes: 

• A fully compliant Section J report (covering Parts J4–J9).
• NCC façade calculator results.
• Insulation values for floors, walls, and ceilings.
• Glazing values (U-value and SHGC values).
• Generic NCC compliance values for reference.
• NCC J7 lighting calculator outputs.
• Requirements for J5 building sealing (to prevent air leakage).
• Requirements for J6 HVAC systems (for energy-efficient performance).

This package is everything you’ll need for building permit approval. Nothing else is required.

How Long Does a Section J Report Typically Take?

On average, a Section J report takes around 3 to 5 business days to complete. It typically depends on the project’s size and complexity. 

Smaller projects, such as retail fit-outs or small office buildings, can be completed in just a few days. However, larger or more complex commercial developments may require additional time for accurate thermal modelling and review. 

We also handle urgent 24 hour turnaround requests.

Common Bottlenecks in the Section J Reporting Process

Many projects experience delays in Section J compliance due to incomplete documentation, design oversights, or data inconsistencies. Here are the main issues that typically slow progress. 

• Incomplete Plans or Missing Details: Missing window schedules, unclear elevation, or HVAC specifications can pause the entire assessment. 
• Last-Minute Design Changes: Modifications to glazing, insulation, or floor layouts after assessment begins mean the report must be updated.
• Unrealistic Energy Targets: Designers often set energy performance goals that don’t align with NCC standards.
• Low-Quality Drafts: Old drawings or specifications that don’t reflect the current build design slow down modelling and compliance checks.

One of the main reasons behind these bottlenecks is choosing the wrong person or business to handle the assessment. When assessors lack proper experience or understanding of NCC requirements, reports often end up incomplete or non-compliant.

Leave the Compliance Headaches to the Experts

Trying to meet Section J standards can quickly become a time-consuming challenge if you’re doing so without experience. From glazing schedules to HVAC data, even a small missing detail can delay your building approval.

But with PassivEnergy, you won’t have to worry about that. 

We handle the entire Section J process for you. All you need to do is send us your project drawings and specifications. From there, our team prepares a fully compliant report that satisfies council and certifier requirements.

Let our specialists handle your Section J compliance. Get a free quote today!