Building Performance Solutions
Gold Coast Headquarters | Servicing Australia
Some building projects require solutions that go beyond standard construction methods to address specific design, compliance, or performance requirements. GMA Certification Group provides professional building performance solutions to help property owners, builders, developers, architects, and other industry professionals address complex building requirements.
Our team can help assess proposed building solutions, identify relevant performance requirements, and provide guidance when a project requires an alternative approach to standard building provisions.
Call
1300 851 852 to discuss your building performance requirements.
What Is a Building Performance Solution?
A building performance solution is an approach used to demonstrate that a proposed builing design or construction method meets the required performance criteria of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Some projects may not be able to meet a requirement using a standard Deemed-to-Satisfy solution. In these situations, a performance-based approach may be considered where appropriate.
The solution must demonstrate that the relevant performance requirements are satisfied.
When Is a Performance Solution Needed?
A performance solution may be considered when a proposed building design does not follow the standard Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions of the NCC.
This can occur when a project includes:
- Unique building designs
- Complex architectural features
- Alternative construction methods
- Non-standard building materials
- Unusual building layouts
- Alternative fire safety approaches
- Innovative building systems
- Complex access arrangements
- Design constraints within an existing building
The need for a performance solution depends on the specific circumstances of the project.
Building Performance Assessment
GMA Certification Group can help project teams understand the building performance requirements relevant to their proposed design.
Depending on the project, the assessment may consider areas such as
- Fire safety
- Structural performance
- Access and egress
- Health and amenity
- Accessibility
- Energy efficiency
- Building services
- Construction methods
- Building materials
- Alternative design approaches
Our team can work with relevant project professionals to identify the information and assessment required.
Performance Solutions and NCC Compliance
Performance Solutions form part of the NCC's performance-based framework.
Rather than simply following a standard Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway, a Performance Solution can demonstrate that an alternative approach achieves the relevant NCC Performance Requirements.
The assessment method will depend on the issue being addressed and the complexity of the proposed solution.
GMA Certification Group can provide building code advice and help coordinate the certification requirements associated with a proposed performance solution.
Fire Safety Performance Solutions
Fire safety is one area where Performance Solutions may be considered for complex building designs.
For example, a project may require an alternative approach to a standard fire safety provision because of architectural design, building layout, existing conditions, or other project constraints.
Where specialist fire engineering or other technical assessment is required, the appropriate professional input may be necessary to support the proposed solution.
Performance Solutions for Existing Buildings
Performance-based approaches can also be relevant when working with existing buildings.
Existing structures may have limitations that make it difficult to meet current standard provisions without significant changes to the building.
A Performance Solution may provide an alternative pathway where appropriate, subject to the relevant requirements and assessment.
GMA Certification Group can help assess the certification considerations for existing buildings and identify when further technical information may be required.
Working With Your Project Team
Performance Solutions can involve multiple professionals and technical disciplines.
GMA Certification Group can work with the following:
- Property owners
- Builders
- Developers
- Architects
- Building designers
- Engineers
- Fire engineers
- Project managers
- Other construction professionals
Clear communication between the project team can help ensure the proposed solution is properly documented and supported by the required technical information.
Why Choose GMA Certification Group?
Experienced Building Certification Professionals
Practical Building Code Advice
Project-Specific Assessment
Support for Complex Projects
Queensland Building Knowledge
Building Performance Solutions FAQs
What are building performance solutions?
Building performance solutions are alternative approaches used to demonstrate that a building can meet the relevant performance requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) when a standard or deemed-to-satisfy solution may not be suitable.
When is a performance solution required?
A performance solution may be required when a proposed design, construction method, or building feature does not follow a deemed-to-satisfy provision of the NCC and an alternative approach is needed to demonstrate compliance.
What is the difference between a performance solution and a deemed-to-satisfy solution?
A deemed-to-satisfy solution follows the specific provisions set out in the NCC. A performance solution provides an alternative way of demonstrating that the relevant performance requirements of the NCC have been met.
What types of building issues can a performance solution address?
Performance solutions can address a range of building compliance matters, depending on the project. These may include fire safety, access and egress, fire resistance, ventilation, energy efficiency, and other NCC performance requirements.
Who prepares a performance solution?
The appropriate person or specialist involved will depend on the nature and complexity of the performance solution. This may involve building professionals, engineers, fire safety consultants, or other suitably qualified specialists.
What information is needed to develop a performance solution?
The information required depends on the proposed solution. Plans, specifications, existing building information, engineering documentation, and other relevant project details may be required.
Can performance solutions be used for existing buildings?
Potentially, yes. Performance solutions may be considered for certain existing building situations where alternative methods of demonstrating compliance are appropriate. The specific circumstances need to be assessed on a project-by-project basis.
Does a performance solution need to comply with the NCC?
Yes. A performance solution must demonstrate compliance with the relevant performance requirements of the NCC using an appropriate assessment method.
Can GMA Certification Group help with performance solutions?
GMA Certification Group can provide building certification and consultancy services and can help assess the certification requirements of your project, including matters where a performance solution may need to be considered.
How long does a performance solution take?
The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the issue, the type of building, the information available, and whether specialist reports or assessments are required.
Why use a performance solution?
A performance solution can provide greater flexibility where a standard deemed-to-satisfy approach is impractical or unsuitable. It can help achieve the required building performance while allowing alternative design or construction approaches to be considered.
How do I find out if my project needs a performance solution?
Contact GMA Certification Group to discuss your project and the specific building or compliance issue. Our team can help determine whether further assessment or a performance solution may be appropriate.
Call
1300 851 852.
