Technical Courses

Section J Part J6

This course aligns with the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC) Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume One, Section J - Energy Efficiency, with a specific focus on Part J6: Air-conditioning and Ventilation.

Applicable to Class 2 to 9 buildings, this course provides foundational insight into the energy efficiency provisions of Part J6, clarifying their intent, scope, and relevance to HVAC system design. This course is structured as a series of three focused micro-sessions, each targeting a key aspect of HVAC energy efficiency under NCC Volume One, Section J6. Participants can enrol in the entire series or individual sessions to suit their learning needs.

Each session explores selected clauses in depth, with practical examples and references to ABCB calculators and industry standards. Together, the three sessions form a complete training course on DtS compliance for HVAC systems in commercial buildings.

Session dates

Session 1

26 March 2026 or
4 August 2026

Session 2

13 May 2026 or
14 September 2026

Session 3

17 June 2026 or
26 October 2026

Sessions 1-3 bundle fees (inc. GST)

Bundle registration

Please contact [email protected] to register for the bundle discount

Session 1: HVAC Controls

This session introduces the foundational control requirements for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems under Section J. It covers zoning, reheat limits, variable speed operation, ventilation modulation, and coordinated plant control—key strategies aimed at minimising energy use without compromising comfort or functionality. The session also explores how clauses J6D3 and J6D4 interact with other NCC provisions such as Part F4 (ventilation rates) and Climate Zone exceptions. By the end of this module, students will understand how to interpret control requirements, identify compliant configurations, and incorporate energy-conscious system design into both new and retrofit projects.

Topics:

• J6D3 - Air-Conditioning System Control
• J6D4 - Mechanical Ventilation System Control

At the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Identify situations where air-conditioning systems must be capable of being switched off.
• Determine when zoning and independent temperature control are required.
• Recognise limits on simultaneous heating and cooling, and reheating provisions.
• Identify when outdoor air economy cycles are required and where exemptions apply.
• Understand fan control requirements, including variable speed fans and control dead bands.
• Recognise plant control coordination requirements and their implications for compliance
• Apply additional provisions for sole-occupancy units in Class 3 buildings.
• Determine when ventilation systems must be capable of deactivation or modulation.
• Identify allowable outdoor air flow rates and how to avoid over-ventilation
• Recognise when heat reclaim, or demand control systems are required and how to apply Table J6D4.
• Understand car park ventilation control requirements under AS 1668.2.
• Determine when time switches are required and where exemptions apply.

This session is designed for:

• Mechanical services designers (entry-level)
• Experienced industry professionals looking to refresh the fundamentals

Session 1 fees (inc. GST)

Session 1: HVAC Controls registration

Session 2: Fans, Pumps and Insulation

This session explores the performance-based and Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) pathways for HVAC air and water systems under Clauses J6D5 to J6D9. It explains how system efficiency can be demonstrated at the component or whole-of-system level and the practical implications of each method. A strong emphasis is placed on reducing energy losses from excessive pressure drops, improving fan and pump selection, and applying duct and pipe insulation correctly. The content also covers duct sealing obligations and the use of ABCB calculators to assess compliance. Condensation risk, insulation continuity, and compliance exemptions are woven throughout, helping designers navigate both code requirements and real-world constraints.

Topics:

• J6D5 - Fans and Duct Systems
• J6D6 - Ductwork Insulation
• J6D7 - Duct Sealing
• J6D8 - Pump Systems
• Clause J6D9 - Pipework Insulation

At the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Understand how to apply either component-level or system-level compliance pathways for fan and pump systems.
• Apply fan efficiency formulas using pressure thresholds and regression data.
• Identify correct installation types (A-D) and their impact on efficiency requirements.
• Interpret allowable pressure drop limits for ducts, fittings, and components.
• Use the ABCB Fan System Calculator to evaluate system-wide compliance.
• Determine which ductwork and fittings require insulation under J6D6.
• Apply the correct minimum material R-Values based on duct location and climate zone.
• Identify what constitutes compliant insulation, including continuity of thermal barrier and vapour sealing where required.
• Recognise when exemptions apply, including for interface fittings and MEPS-compliant equipment.
• Identify when duct pressure testing is required and understand how to demonstrate compliance.
• Understand how sealing and leakage performance contributes to overall energy efficiency.
• Identify which pumps are covered under J6D8(2) vs J6D8(3) based on their type and application.
• Apply the correct energy efficiency metric—EEI for circulator pumps and MEI for others—to demonstrate compliance.
• Assess allowable pressure drops in pipework using J6D8 Tables.
• Recognise exemptions from pipe pressure drop limits due to fittings or low-velocity design.
• Use the ABCB Pump System Calculator to evaluate system compliance.
• Identify pipework, vessels, and tanks that require insulation under J6D9.
• Apply the correct insulation R- Values based on fluid temperature and pipe diameter.
• Understand vapour barrier requirements and installation practices for cooling systems.
• Recognise when insulation is not required due to exemptions (e.g. last room, encased in slabs, MEPS equipment).

This session is designed for

• Mechanical services designers (entry-level)
• Experienced industry professionals looking to refresh the fundamentals

Session 2 fees (inc. GST)

Session 2: Fans, Pumps and Insulation registration

Session 3: Heating and Cooling Plant

This session covers the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions in the NCC related to HVAC plant and equipment, including space heating, chillers, unitary systems, and heat rejection components. The aim is to promote energy-efficient technologies and discourage the use of electric resistance heating except under controlled or necessary circumstances.

Participants will learn when electric heating is allowed, how different heating technologies can be combined, and how performance thresholds are determined using recognised international standards. The session also covers energy performance requirements for chillers and unitary systems, highlighting when to apply full load versus part-load compliance methods and the importance of rusing realistic efficiency metrics such as IEER. Additional clauses address the control of bathroom and outdoor heaters, as well as minimum efficiency for gas boilers and limitations on fan motor input power for cooling towers and condensers.

This session provides a comprehensive understanding of how equipment selection and system configuration contribute to achieving compliance under Section J6, with a focus on aligning HVAC plant performance with practical building use patterns and operational needs.

Topics:

• J6D10 - Space Heating
• J6D11 - HVAC Plant Equipment
• J6D11(2) - Bathroom Electric Heaters
• J6D11(3) - Outdoor Heating and Cooling
• J6D11(4) - Gas Water Heaters
• J6D12 - Unitary Equipment
• J6D13 - Heat Rejection Equipment

At the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Identify permitted heater types and when electric heating is allowed under J6D10.
• Recognise the limitations on electric resistance heating and understand why energy-efficient options like heat pumps are preferred.
• Apply efficiency requirements for refrigerant chillers, including understanding the difference between EER and IEER.
• Assess when full-load or part-load compliance options should be used for chillers.
• Recognise the conditions under which small electric heaters may be used in bathrooms.
• Identify acceptable control strategies for fixed outdoor heating and cooling equipment.
• Apply gross thermal efficiency thresholds for gas-fired water heaters used in air-conditioning systems.
• Determine when additional EER requirements beyond MEPS apply to unitary systems based on capacity and cooling type.
• Apply motor input power limits for heat rejection systems (e.g. cooling towers, air-cooled condensers, evaporative coolers) and identify when exemptions apply.

This session is designed for

• Mechanical service engineers (entry-level)
• Experienced industry professionals looking to refresh the fundamentals

Session 3 fees (inc. GST)

Session 3: Heating and Cooling Plant registration