VURB Assessment & Reference Building Compliance

Verification Using a Reference Building (VURB) is a performance-based residential compliance pathway under the National Construction Code (NCC).

When a standard NatHERS rating or Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) pathway falls short due to complex architectural design, extensive glazing, or unique site constraints, VURB provides a flexible alternative. It directly compares the thermal performance of your proposed dwelling against a fully compliant "reference building" model to verify equivalent performance.

Key Benefits of a VURB Assessment

• Design Flexibility: Ideal for modern or complex residential designs where standard DTS rules are too restrictive.
• Tailored Evaluation: Assesses the holistic impact of your building envelope, form, orientation, glazing ratios, and shading strategy.
• Clear Compliance Pathway: Provides a structured, performance-verified route to meet NCC energy efficiency standards without compromising design intent.

When Should You Consider VURB?

A VURB assessment is best evaluated early in the design stage when reviewing:

• Complex or Non-Standard Geometries: Designs with high window-to-wall ratios or challenging orientations.
• Alternative Fabric Strategies: Projects balancing insulation levels, frame choices, or glazing specifications to meet energy targets cost-effectively.
• Approval & Strategy Alignment: Projects where standard NatHERS modeling needs a performance-based comparative strategy to pass local building approvals.

Ready to Review Your Project?

Whether your project requires standard NatHERS modeling, a DTS review, or a comparative VURB assessment, we can help you determine the most efficient pathway for approval.