Understanding the NCC and why it matters for your projects

The National Construction Code (NCC) sets the minimum standards for the design, construction, and performance of buildings throughout Australia. It covers key areas such as structural safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The NCC is updated every few years to reflect new technologies, environmental goals, and evolving industry practices.

For builders and developers, staying up to date with the NCC isn’t just about compliance, it’s essential for delivering buildings that are efficient, future-ready, and legally certifiable.

Recent changes in Section J of the NCC place new requirements on how buildings manage energy use and support electric vehicle charging. These updates, J9D3 (Energy Monitoring) and J9D4 (EV Charging Infrastructure), are now critical considerations in the design and delivery of both residential and commercial developments.

At Crown Electrical Solutions, we help you navigate these changes with confidence, ensuring every project meets the code and performs to a higher standard.

As part of Australia’s push for smarter, more energy-efficient buildings, the National Construction Code (NCC) Section J9D3 outlines new minimum requirements for energy monitoring infrastructure.

At Crown Electrical Solutions, we’re ready to help you meet these standards, efficiently and without disruption.

What Is Clause J9D3?

J9D3 sets out rules for buildings to track and monitor energy use across key systems. The level of metering required depends on the size of the building:

For Buildings Over 500 m²:

- Must include time-of-use meters for electricity and gas consumption.

For Buildings Over 2,500 m²:

- Must also separately meter:

- - HVAC and air handling fans

- - Lighting

- - Appliance outlets

- - Central hot water

- - Lifts and escalators

- - Solar or on-site generation

- - EV chargers and battery systems

- - Ancillary equipment

All these meters must be networked into a central system that allows data logging, review and export, supporting long-term energy performance and compliance.