Energy modelling | Health Technical Advice (HTA)

This Health Technical Advice (HTA-2026-001) provides guidance on predictive energy modelling for health care capital works during the design and delivery phases.

It has been developed in response to frequently asked questions and to support a more consistent approach to energy modelling and reporting across the health capital works pipeline. It is to be read in conjunction with the Guidelines for sustainability in health care capital works and the VIDA Health Net Zero Building Handbook.

Reducing operational energy consumption of health infrastructure is a key priority for VIDA Health and Victorian health agencies to minimise operational costs. All capital works projects are expected to outperform the minimum energy efficiency standards set by the National Construction Code Section J – Energy Efficiency, for new constructions, extensions, and refurbishments alike. Energy modelling is a tool that can be used throughout an asset's life cycle to optimise design, commissioning, and operation for energy efficient performance, and as the design develops, it is refined to provide predictive energy targets that can track operational performance and identify out of range energy consumption.

The document sets out project design targets, with new buildings or major refurbishments of $20M Total Estimated Investment or more required to achieve a 15% energy demand reduction compared to a reference building, and new 'greenfield' hospitals also required to meet a 5 Star NABERS Public Hospitals energy benchmark. It describes the modelling and reporting approach for energy demand reduction and NABERS Energy, including the reference project methodology, onsite renewable energy treatment, and reporting requirements at each project milestone.

It outlines the expected energy modelling process across project phases, from masterplan modelling to test building massing and orientation, through schematic design modelling using representative sample spaces, to design development modelling that produces a whole building energy model and demonstrates compliance with project performance targets. It also covers how energy end use outputs support commissioning and building tuning, how the project's 2.5% sustainability budget should be informed by energy modelling and return on investment calculations, and how predictive modelling can test climate resilience strategies such as increased cooling capacity during heatwaves.

Finally, the document explains NABERS requirements, including the NABERS Reverse Calculator for setting a hospital's design target energy budget, predictive NABERS modelling requirements such as off-axis scenarios and renewable energy treatment, and the information required in NABERS reporting. Appendices provide the energy modelling boundary, health equipment loads, medical imaging equipment energy use, and additional modelling guidance on load diversity, ICT loads, cooking equipment, supplementary air-conditioning, lifts, medical air and suction plant, and exclusions from the NABERS boundary.

Please note: This document has been prepared as a guide and for information purposes only. No legal obligation for any loss, damage or expense is incurred by any person relying on the information provided.