NCC Changes 2022
In Australia the National Construction Code (NCC) serves as the cornerstone of building regulations, setting the standard for both residential and commercial construction. Between 2019 and 2022, the NCC has undergone significant revisions. This blog will delve into the key changes introduced during this period, shedding light on what these developments mean for the industry. These changes have already taken effect in NSW as of October 1st 2023, with Victoria adopting these changes as of 1st May 2024.
One of the most notable shifts seen in the NCC is the push towards greener building practices. The recent updates have placed a stronger emphasis on energy efficiency, with new benchmarks set to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings.
A pivotal development in the NCC is the advancement of sustainable building practices. The updated code emphasizes energy efficiency, elevating the minimum energy performance from 6 to 7 stars. This means every new home must undergo a comprehensive energy efficiency assessment using specialized software, which models the building's design, insulation, glazing, and materials against climate data to ensure compliance.
We believe there is a big misconception in the industry that raising the requirement to 7 stars will increase construction costs. However, with a well-designed building that utilises passive solar principles and the natural resources provided to us, it can be quite easy to achieve the 7 star minimum.
The NCC has also introduced a whole of home rating which looks at the services of the building and their efficiency to give a score out of 100. This assessment will include the heating and cooling appliances, hot water service, lighting, pools and spas, on-site renewable energy, on-site energy storage, and cooking loads.
The increased energy efficiency to 7 stars, and whole of assessments will ensure the building has more of a holistic rating to meet the increasing standards seen in today’s houses.
Typically in the industry, a house is assessed at the end of the process and may lead to needing to change some of the house that you love to achieve compliance. At Sap Architecture, we are accredited to perform both energy efficiency and whole of home assessments. By integrating these evaluations early in the design phase, we ensure compliance before construction documentation begins, saving time and costs while preserving the integrity of your home's design.
Another key change is the focus on accessibility, making buildings more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. New standards mandate step-free access, wider doorways, and accessible ground-floor bathrooms, equipped for present or future installation of disability-compliant fixtures.
The amendments to the NCC present both challenges and opportunities for designers, homeowners and builders. The new standards will provide long-term benefits including increased property value, enhanced safety, and reduced operating costs. Builders need to stay informed and adjust their practices accordingly, while homeowners should be aware of these changes, especially if they're considering renovations or new construction.
