Section J – Glazing Standards (NFRC, AFRC, ISO 15099) – Speckel Support

To calculate glazing system performance values, the primary requirement within the NCC 2019 – Vol 1 is to meet the definitions within Schedule 3 through a recognised repeatable calculation methodology and provide evidence to support compliance with a relevant ABCB protocol. There is no ABCB protocol for this subject matter and no stated Standard within the NCC 2019 – Vol 1.

Today, the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC) aims to provide an energy rating system for windows and doors so that glazing systems can be compared against each other. The intent is aligned with https://www.energyrating.gov.au/, where one product can be compared to another under standardised assumptions and conditions so consumers can identify benefits.

The AFRC is the Australian operator of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a US non-profit organisation that aims to provide objective window, door, and skylight energy performance ratings. The role of the AFRC and NFRC are thus very similar, to provide independent verification of product system performance. They intend to provide consumer feedback and not an engineering Standard for design and construction.

The AFRC use protocols, procedures, and technical interpretation guidance for a small group of Certified Simulators that undertake Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) assessments. WERS is accredited by the AFRC, and its ratings are available online and in NatHERS accredited software.

Technically speaking, the AFRC is not a recognised Standard, it does not meet Schedule 3 – Definitions within the NCC 2019 – Vol 1, and thus its ability to be used in commercial buildings must be considered as to meet the performance requirement of JP1 - Energy Use. Other Internationally recognised Standards, such as ISO 15099, specify detailed calculation procedures for determining the thermal and optical transmission properties of window and door systems and meet the definitions within Schedule 3.