The National Construction Code (NCC) is Australia’s primary set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings. As a performance-based code, it sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, and sustainability of certain buildings. It primarily applies to the design and construction of new buildings. You can read more about NCC here.
For all projects located in Australia, the default envelope values in cove.tool are referenced from 'Part J1 Building Fabric' of NCC volume 1 which contains the requirements for multi-residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings and structures. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has developed a façade calculator which helps users understand and apply the various assembly provisions provided in NCC Volume One Part J1.5 Building fabric DTS Provisions for energy efficiency. This article will show a step by step guide of how the values obtained from the façade calculator can be used in cove.tool.
STEP 1
Download the façade calculator from this link. The calculator is Microsoft Excel based and is compatible with Windows and Excel 2010 or newer versions.
STEP 2
When you open the calculator, enable macros and input general information of the project location on the General_Information tab.
STEP 3
Enter the glazing system information on the Glazing_Systems tab. Select 1 option from multiple system types, glass types and frame types using the drop down menu. The calculator will automatically populate the glass U-value and SHGC. Based on the frame type, enter the total system U-value and SHGC value.
STEP 4
On the baseline energy page on cove.tool, under envelope, change the glazing U-value and SHGC value to match the weighted average of the Total System values from the façade calculator. Click on recalculate to update the whole building EUI.
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