2nd generation Thermal Simulation Software Implementation

Upgrade to the Thermal Comfort Index
The Sustainability Unit is currently working on an upgrade of the BASIX Thermal Comfort Index to incorporate '2nd generation' thermal simulation tools such as AccuRate and BERS Pro. This upgrade will result in the removal of NatHERS, the current version of BERS and First Rate from the Simulation method.

Reminder of Stakeholder input: There is considerable enthusiasm for 2nd generation tools to be fully incorporated into BASIX, however industry needs to be provided with sufficient time to adjust to 2nd generation tools and the potential removal of Rapid.

Stakeholder feedback has been sought since the launch of the 2nd Generation Software Pilot in February 2007, including circulation of BASIX e-newsletters on 30 January 2007 and again on 13 December 2007.

All stakeholders are requested to provide their feedback no later than 1st March 2008.
Submissions will be received via email basix@planning.nsw.gov.au, and are to include

• the AccuRate or BERs Pro files
• drawings
• a summary of the results
• a short synopsis of the case and implications to cost etc.

Simulation Method

All 2nd generation software will be required to comply with the Australian Building Codes Board Protocol for House Energy Rating Software 2006.1, which sets minimum standards and features for thermal simulation software.
It is expected that AccuRate, and updated versions of BERS and First Rate will all be configured to comply. A transition period is currently under way as AccuRate and BERS Pro can be used as compliance options under the AccuRate Pilot which has been operating since February 2007. When the change is made, NatHERS and the current versions of BERS and First Rate will no longer be valid compliance options. The cross ventilation section will be removed from the Simulation Method as cross ventilation will be assessed within 2nd generation tools.
The Department welcomes any feedback on the outcomes and stringency of the AccuRate Pilot. It is expected that dwellings that may pass the current NatHERS stringency may not pass the final AccuRate stringency and vice versa as the superior thermal modelling in 2nd generation tools may place different weightings on the design elements of individual dwellings. For this reason it is recommended that the industry test their designs against the draft stringency in the Pilot using either AccuRate v1.1.3.0 or BERS Pro v4.1 to understand the impact and provide feedback to the Department.

The NSW 2nd Generation Pilot Procedures Document outlines how AccuRate and BERs Pro are to be used as part of this Pilot including the stringency, process for entering results into BASIX and process for modelling dwellings.

BASIX Thermal Comfort Protocols relating to the current Simulation method are available for information.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Method

At the same time, DIY will have some improvements to the shading options, more windows will be available and, to the extent possible, the scoring will be aligned with the Simulation method subject to further analysis of the outcomes of the current AccuRate Pilot.

Rapid Method

Rapid was made available prior to the introduction of DIY and is now considered to be superseded by DIY, as DIY has improved orientation sensitivity and more flexibility, yet is relatively quick to complete. The Department would prefer to remove the Rapid Method and seeks feedback on this proposal from BASIX users. The Department requests that industry provides feedback supported by dwelling drawings and quantified estimates of impact. Where possible, please provide feedback through industry organisations.

Time line:The technical working groups will meet in December 2007 through to February /March 2008 to discuss the results of the Pilot and provide feedback. Stakeholder consultation will be held with technical and stakeholder working groups. Users will be able to test the new single dwellings website from April/May 2008 but will not be able to generate a BASIX Certificate using the new method until June/July 2008. It is likely that the change will occur first for the BASIX single dwelling tool, followed a few months later for the BASIX Multi-dwelling tool.

Stakeholders can provide feedback by no later than 1st March 2008 via email - basix@planning.nsw.gov.au, or by phoning the BASIX Helpline on 1300 650 908.