The recent release of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 introduced significant changes to Section J Energy Efficiency. These changes aim to improve energy efficiency across the built environment in Australia.
To help professionals in our industry navigate these changes, Engineering Education Australia has engaged two of our sustainability experts Katie Fallowfield, Director – Sustainability and Ben Gibbs, Associate – Sustainability, to facilitate a webinar around the updates.
Ben says, “The 2019 version is the biggest change to Section J since its inception. It will impact all engineers and architects who are involved with building design and construction, they need to be across the changes and how it will impact the design of future buildings.”
Ben and Katie will be running two sessions, with each session focussing on a different case study.
The webinar will also include an analysis of the changes required to the building fabric and systems. The technical and cost impacts of these changes and the likely challenges design and construction teams will face in meeting the new requirements.
Ben says, “There is existing training available regarding the detail of the Section J changes so one of our first questions was, what additional value can we add through these sessions?
“The code isn’t exactly the easiest or most interesting document to understand so we want to provide some practical case studies of building designs that enable people to learn about the changes in a more engaging way.”
“Providing real-life examples is a much more effective method for transferring knowledge. We've decided to include a typical school and a typical aged car facility that we'll be applying the 2019 changes to and comparing against the previous 2016 version of Section J.”
Based in Brisbane, Ben has been with WSP for three and a half years and specialises in the sustainable development of buildings and infrastructure. He has worked on a variety of projects throughout Australia as well as internationally, including leading the Sustainability discipline on the Queen’s Wharf project in Brisbane.
“My current role at WSP provides me with an amazing opportunity to work on projects and with clients that are truly world leading in the sustainability space, not to mention with an inspiring team of like-minded people all seeking to create a better, more sustainable built environment.”
Ben is also a Chartered Professional Engineer, Green Star Accredited Professional, LEED Green Associate, WELL Accredited Professional and Fitwel Ambassador.
- Monday 27 July - National Construction Code 2019 Section J: School Design, Case Study. For more info click here.
- Thursday 30 July - National Construction Code 2019 Section J: Aged Care Facility Design, Case Study. For more info click here.
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