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  • National Construction Code 2025 Public Comment Draft

    About the consultation Have your say on proposed changes to the next edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). Your feedback is invited on the NCC 2025 Public Comment Draft (PCD) until Monday 1 July 2024. The NCC is updated every 3 years, based on required regulatory practices, industry research, public feedback provided and policy directions from governments to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) between publishing cycles. Updated content is included... More
    Opened 1 May 2024

  • Consultation Regulation Impact Statement: Commercial energy efficiency provisions

    About the consultation The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been undertaking work to scope potential energy efficiency changes for commercial buildings in the next edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The proposed provisions are included in the NCC public comment draft (PCD). An in-depth analysis of the impacts (both costs and benefits) of the proposed provisions is now open for comment. This analysis is presented in a Consultation... More
    Opened 1 May 2024

  • Consultation Regulation Impact Statement - Waterproofing and water shedding provisions

    About the consultation Research has indicated that serious defects related to waterproofing are the most common defects in buildings compared to other areas, such as fire safety, building enclosures, structural integrity, and key services. A lack of Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions is considered to have contributed to problems, including poor design and documentation, a hit-and-miss approach to Performance Solutions, and sub-standard construction outcomes. In turn, these problems... More
    Opened 1 May 2024

  • Consultation Impact Analysis: Condensation mitigation measures

    About the consultation Condensation issues in buildings can lead to excessive moisture and mould growth, which can cause adverse health outcomes and building degradation. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been undertaking further work on provisions to mitigate condensation risks. This work builds upon the condensation mitigation provisions included in the 2019 and 2022 editions of the National Construction Code (NCC). The proposed technical... More
    Opened 1 May 2024

  • Consultation Impact Analysis: Adequacy of Female Public Sanitary Facilities

    About the consultation The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has received multiple Proposals for Change (PFCs) expressing concern about the adequacy of NCC provisions for female sanitary facilities. Consequently, the ABCB is proposing Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions for the next edition of the NCC, which will increase the number of closet pans for female patrons in Class 9b buildings – single auditorium theatres and cinemas. An analysis of the impacts... More
    Opened 1 May 2024

  • WMTS:541-2024 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Specification sets out requirements for PVC-C pipes and fittings DN 8 to DN 100 for use in cold water fire sprinkler systems. PVC-C pipes and fittings certified to this specification are intended for use in cold water fire sprinkler systems as per B1D5 of the National Construction Code 2022. A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is... More
    Opened 21 February 2024

  • ABCB Water efficiency consultation document 2023

    The ABCB Office seeks input from wider industry on proposed changes to the water efficiency requirements in NCC Volume Three. The changes are outlined in the document linked below. NCC Volume Three, the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) has mandated minimum water efficiency standards since 2015. Water efficiency in fixtures and fittings has improved significantly since the PCA set its original requirements in 2015. It is now opportune to review the water... More
    Opened 24 November 2023

  • WMTS:519-2023 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Technical Specification sets out requirements for plastic bodied couplings with included elastomeric element that provides limited flexibility and are utilised in non-pressure rigid pipeline systems. The proposed revisions for the 2023 version include the following: - (i) Scope expansion to include fittings from existing limitation of DN225 to DN300 ... More
    Opened 13 September 2023

  • WMTS:055-2023 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Technical Specification sets out requirements for plastics bodied fittings with intermediate flexible joints for sewer or drain applications. These fittings are for use above or below ground and intended to be used where the pipeline is operating under gravity flow and the operating pressure is low. The proposed revisions for the 2023 version include the following: - ... More
    Opened 13 September 2023

  • WMTS:040-2023 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Technical Specification sets out requirements for metallic and plastic-bodied waste pipe outlets and gratings, separate or integral, for sanitary plumbing applications. The proposed revisions for the 2023 version include the following: - Amendments to Section 5 – Materials. In particular, clause 5.1.2, metallic components. Addition of clause 8.5.2... More
    Opened 24 April 2023

  • WaterMark Notice of Direction on Annual Factory Inspections | Public comment draft

    For Public Comment Notice of Direction on annual factory inspections for lead free WaterMark certified products In 2021 the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) decided to limit the allowable lead content in plumbing products, which contain copper alloys and are intended for use in contact with drinking water, to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%. A 3 year transition period to comply with this requirement is provided in the... More
    Opened 20 December 2022

  • AS 1172.7 - Sanitary plumbing products, Part 7: Waterless urinals | Public Comment Draft

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme Standards Australia's WS-003 committee has released a Public Comment draft to AS 1172.7 - Sanitary plumbing products, Part 7 Waterless urinals. The public comment period seeks comments from WaterMark stakeholders on the changes to the document. Once published this Standard is intended to be adopted within the WaterMark Certification Scheme to replace WMTS-459 and WMTS 469. The objective of... More
    Opened 9 December 2022

  • WMTS-052:2022 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme The proposed amendments to Technical Specification, WMTS-052 Metallic-bodied inlet pressure control valves greater than DN 50 , include the following proposed amendments:- Clause 9.1 scaling factor for a product as determined within AS/NZS 4020 to be tested as ‘in-line’ devices and not ‘end of line’ devices. Clause 5.2.3 (d) amended to align with current... More
    Opened 21 September 2022

  • Indoor Air Quality Handbook - review and update

    Overview As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a renewed focus on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings, with extensive research being undertaken by governments, industry and academics. The ABCB is reviewing and updating its IAQ Handbook to ensure it reflects the latest scientific evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic. You can contribute to the review and update of the handbook by helping to identify domestic and international research that may be relevant. ... More
    Opened 18 July 2022

  • WMTS-536:2022 | Public Comment Draft Round 2

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme In resolving round 1 public comment for draft WMTS-536, technical changes were identified, which resulted in redrafting the test methods contained within Section 9. The ABCB wishes to consult again on the proposed technical changes to WMTS-536 before final publication. A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below. NOTE: Clicking on the... More
    Opened 18 May 2022

  • WMTS:537-2021 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Specification sets out requirements for a plastic bodied in-wall mounted urinal that is concealed when not in use and opens when user enabled by non-contact sensor automatic operation. The urinal is integrated with components enabling direct connection to the water supply and sanitary plumbing system. A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided... More
    Opened 9 December 2021

  • WMTS:533-2021 | Public Comment Draft Round 2

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme In resolving round 1 public comment for draft WMTS-533, technical changes were identified, which required redrafting. The changes included expansion of the material section and an addition of a functional test for the wet well washer. The ABCB wishes to consult again on the proposed changes to WMTS-533 before final publication. Note:- Only comments relating to the... More
    Opened 20 October 2021

  • WMTS:536-2021 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Specification sets out requirements for plastic bodied fixture connector adaptors. These adaptors are used for the connection of fixtures to the sanitary plumbing system and enable connection due to misalignment. Applications include water closet pans, baths and showers. A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below. NOTE: Clicking on the... More
    Opened 8 October 2021

  • WMTS:104-2021 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme WMTS 104 was amended in 2018 to include specific requirements for macerating units; some of the requirements have been found to be restrictive and not plumbing-related. In particular, the PAS 29 maceration test is related to the pulp container manufacture, not the appliance. The test requirements that are included are related to the ongoing requirements of the manufacturer, not type tests.... More
    Opened 8 October 2021

  • WMTS:535-2021 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This specification includes requirements for air valves for plumbing applications. The air valves covered by this specification are limited to anti-slam valves within the scope of AS 4956. Additionally, air valves for plumbing applications are limited to the requirements of this specification. This specification is applicable to anti-slam air valves from DN 15 to DN 250, with a maximum operating... More
    Opened 8 October 2021

  • Consultation RIS - Proposed NCC 2022 residential energy efficiency provisions

    The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is proposing to update the energy efficiency provisions for residential buildings in the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The proposed provisions are included in stage 2 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft (PCD). An in-depth analysis of the impacts (both costs and benefits) of the proposed provisions is now open for comment. This analysis is presented in a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS). ... More
    Opened 20 September 2021

  • National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 public comment draft (stage 2)

    The National Construction Code (NCC) is updated every 3 years, based on industry research, public feedback and policy directions from governments to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) between publishing cycles. Updated content is included in the public comment draft (PCD) for consultation, seeking feedback on the suggested amendments and/or inclusions in the next edition of the NCC. To help reduce the burden on stakeholders, feedback on NCC 2022 is being... More
    Opened 30 August 2021

  • Inspection and certification of fire safety systems installation

    In 2017, Building Ministers authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the Australian building and construction industry. Recommendation 19 of the resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) is that each each jurisdiction requires registered fire safety practitioners to design, install and certify the fire safety systems necessary in commercial buildings. In response, the BCR Implementation Team within the Australian Building Codes... More
    Opened 19 August 2021

  • WMTS-531 Commercial catering appliances | Public comment draft

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Technical Specification sets out minimum product requirements for the connection of commercial catering appliances employed for the preparation, cooking, and holding of food to the water service and sanitary plumbing piping. This Technical Specification does not cover sanitation aspects beyond the water system within the appliances only, i.e., from the mains water supply... More
    Opened 4 August 2021

  • Continuing professional development on the National Construction Code

    In 2017, Building Ministers authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the Australian building and construction industry. Recommendation 3 of the resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) states that each jurisdiction requires all practitioners to undertake compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) on the National Construction Code (NCC). In response, the BCR Implementation Team within the Australian Building Codes... More
    Opened 26 July 2021

  • WMTS-533:2021 Wet well washers

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This new specification sets out requirements for a prefabricated washing device consisting of a rotating arm with included spray nozzles designed specifically for use with wet wells and tanks. These devices are designed to be permanently fixed to the wet well and not portable. These devices operate on mains water supply pressure and control is integrated with the pump so as to... More
    Opened 14 July 2021

  • WMTS-534:2021 Metallic pressure differential bypass valves used in heated water systems

    For Public Comment Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This new Technical Specification shall be read in conjunction with AS 1357.2 and sets out the requirements for metallic pressure differential bypass valves used in heated water systems up to DN32. Valves covered under this Specification are for continuous operating temperatures not exceeding 85°C and pressures not exceeding 1000 kPa. A download link to the public... More
    Opened 14 July 2021

  • WMTS-040 | Public Comment Draft Round 1

    Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme This Technical Specification sets out requirements for metallic and plastics bodied waste pipe outlets and gratings, separate or integral, for sanitary plumbing applications. The objective of this revision is to amend the Stainless Steel requirements. A download link to the public comment draft is provided below and will be available again on the commenting page. NOTE: Clicking on the download... More
    Opened 6 July 2021

  • Discussion paper: Involvement of fire authorities in building design

    The Building Confidence Report (BCR), published in 2018, identified issues with the regulatory oversight of the construction of Class 2 - 9 buildings in Australia. It noted that fire authorities lack confidence that buildings will comply with the minimum fire safety requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC). Recommendation 8 of the BCR is: That, consistent with the International Fire Engineering Guidelines, each jurisdiction requires developers, architects,... More
    Opened 9 June 2021

  • Evidence of experience for building surveyor registration

    In 2017, Building Ministers commissioned an independent expert examination of systemic problems affecting compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC). The resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) made 24 recommendations for a best practice model for compliance and enforcement, to strengthen effective application of the NCC. Recommendation 4 of the BCR recommended action on career pathways for building surveyors. The BCR noted that the role... More
    Opened 24 May 2021
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