Local Territory companies have been awarded a contract to advise on a roadmap to more energy efficient commercial buildings in the NT.
The National Construction Code (NCC) sets the minimum standard for energy efficiency for a building, including its services, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Section J primarily addresses the thermal performance of the building fabric, building sealing and services, such as heating, cooling and lighting.
With a team of four local sub-contractors and a local presence, leading energy efficiency professionals DeltaQ will identify the implications and costs of Section J implementation from an NT construction industry perspective. The modelling will also look at changes in construction costs, energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions reductions and energy cost savings.
The Territory Government is leading by example – starting from 1 May 2021 energy efficiency compliance will need to occur on all NT Government commercial building projects valued over $3 million.
Currently newly constructed buildings may feature elements of energy efficiency in the NCC, such as efficient heating ventilation and air conditioning systems and/or electrical systems. The Territory Government has applied Section J to a number of government building projects such as the Palmerston Regional Hospital and Zuccoli Primary School, contributing to industry education on the requirements and implementation of Section J.
The Territory Government is implementing a range of building reforms and this consultancy will inform government’s roadmap to more energy efficient commercial buildings in the NT.
Recently, the Territory Labor Government released a greenhouse gas emissions tender which focuses on making our Territory Government assets energy efficient to further enhance the Territory’s capability to reach our net zero emissions target by 2050 and protect our environment.
Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
“The Territory Labor Government knows that climate-smart policy is smart economic policy that will create new jobs for Territorians and deliver significant cost-savings to Territorians.
“Energy efficient buildings are good for local business and local jobs, as a cost saving measure when it comes to running an organisation.
“The Section J consultancy will help inform government’s decision on a roadmap to adopting Section J energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings in the Northern Territory.”