Specification 44: A Class 1 Performance Solution

This 139-minute course provides a comprehensive introduction to Specification 44, a performance-based compliance pathway for residential energy efficiency under the National Construction Code. Through detailed modeling demonstrations and practical examples, participants will master the fundamentals of using Specification 44 for Class 1 building energy assessments and compliance reporting.

Key Course Content

This course covers Specification 44 within the NCC's H6 Energy Efficiency provisions, focusing on thermal performance for homes between 50-500 square metres through hands-on modeling and practical optimization examples.

You'll master the NCC compliance framework, distinguishing performance solutions from deemed-to-satisfy approaches, and the four-stage performance-based design brief process. The course teaches the three key load limit equations (heating S44C2, cooling S44C3, thermal energy S44C4) incorporating degree hours calculations, dehumidification gram hours, and area adjustment factors based on habitable room areas.

Through practical modeling, you'll learn how to use the tagging systems for space classification, distinguishing habitable areas (bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens) from non-habitable spaces affecting compliance calculations. You'll apply H6V2 Verification Method assumptions including infiltration settings, natural ventilation parameters, realistic lighting loads, occupancy patterns, and equipment specifications addressing problematic kitchen loads.

Climate-responsive optimisation covers building envelope improvements, strategic window selection, effective shading design , and natural ventilation strategies. You'll use zone load analysis with EnergyPlus 22.2 simulation (15-minute timesteps, TMY2020 climate files) for iterative design decisions.

Advanced topics include H6P2 whole-of-home calculator covering NCC parts 13.6/13.7 with building limits, net equivalent energy usage calculations (Part A vs Part B), equipment efficiency factors, PV system impacts, and pool/spa calculations. Both H6P1 thermal performance and H6P2 whole-of-home requirements must be met for complete compliance.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be proficient in creating compliant Specification 44 models from initial geometry through final compliance documentation, interpreting detailed zone load analysis results to guide design optimization decisions, implementing climate-responsive strategies for different Australian climate zones, and understanding the complete performance-based design brief framework for building certifier engagement and professional documentation requirements.

Course Completion

A Certificate of Competency will be awarded upon achieving an 90% pass mark on the final assessment, demonstrating practical understanding of Specification 44 modeling methodology, load limit calculations, optimization strategies, and compliance procedures for professional building energy assessment practice.

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