Building Ministers authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia. The resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) notes that there are significant differences across jurisdictions in the number of inspections required and the notification stages. This ranges from no mandatory inspections to very few inspections for domestic buildings. For commercial buildings many jurisdictions rely on the...More
In 2017, Building Minsters authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia. Amongst other recommendations t he resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) recommended that there be a statutory duty on design practitioners to prepare documentation that demonstrates compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC). It also recommended a more robust approach to third party review of designs,...More
In 2017, Building Ministers authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia. The resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) noted that building surveyors are not always competent to review and confirm compliance of all building design documentation, particularly for complex and high risk fire safety and structural designs. In the case where the building surveyor doesn’t have the required level...More
The Building Confidence Report (BCR), published in 2018, identified there were regulatory and compliance deficiencies in the regulatory oversight of the construction of commercial buildings in Australia. Note the BCR defined commercial buildings as Class 2 – 9 buildings and we have continued to use this definition in this consultation.
Recommendation 7 of the BCR is: That each jurisdiction makes public its audit strategy for regulatory oversight of the construction of commercial...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
WaterMark Technical Specification WMTS-051:2020 Technical Specification for plumbing and drainage products, Bidet douche seats, incorporates amendments to the labelling and marking requirements for bidet douche seats.
The objective of this revision is to align the product specification with the PCA in relation to backflow prevention requirements for bidet douche seats.
A download...More
The defined term for 'Building complexity' has been developed in response to a decision of the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) that a definition be prepared regarding the design, construction and certification of complex buildings. This work has been undertaken by the Building Confidence Report (BCR) Implementation Team in addition to delivering the Building Confidence National Framework .
The definition has been developed as a risk-based classification system for the purpose of...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
WMTS-522:2020,incorporates amendments to allow an addition of similar products of alternate design to obtain certification.
The amendments have also aligned with requirements of existing standards in the WaterMark Scheme for applications such as flow rate, sealing test and thermal cycling test.
A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below....More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
The proposed amendments to WaterMark Technical Specification, WMTS-101:2020 Technical Specification for plumbing and drainage products, Appliances (low hazard rating), include amendments to Clause 8.2, Table A1 and minor editorials.
A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below.
NOTE: Clicking on the download link may exit the...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
This Technical Specification sets out requirements for water meters with integral shut off valve for installation into existing property service valves. The meters covered by this Technical Specification are intended to be used for the measurement of the actual volume of drinking water flowing through a property service pipe. The meters are for installation at a location within the plumbing system...More
For Public Comment
Complement for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
This WaterMark Complement is for use under the WaterMark Certification Scheme and is to be used in addition to the requirements of AS 4775 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment. This WaterMark Complement specifies the additional minimum requirements for eyewash and shower equipment permanently connected to the drinking water supply and for the emergency treatment of the eyes or body of a person who has been...More
Ways to provide your feedback
You can provide your feedback on the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) by either:
Completing the online consultation form and answering the questions outlined within, or by uploading a separate submission via Question 36 (within the 'Estimating the benefits' section); OR
Providing your submission, or personal story, via email at abcbris@abcb.gov.au . Please ensure that you accompany your submission, or personal storty, with the ...More
The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) authorised an assessment of the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia. The resulting Building Confidence Report (BCR) highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of the National Construction Code (NCC) and made 24 recommendations to address these issues.
The predominant goal of the BCR recommendations is to enhance public trust and confidence in the building industry,...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
In undertaking resolution of the previous public comments substantial changes were identified which required redrafting. The ABCB wishes to consult again on the proposed changes to WMTS-040 prior to final publication.
A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below.
NOTE: Clicking on the download link may exit the consultation and send...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
This proposed new Technical Specification, WMTS-528 Plate heat exchangers, sets out requirements for plate heat exchangers which are used in heated water supply systems. These heat exchangers may be used as stand-alone water heating systems or as components of water heating systems. Plate heat exchangers are designed in various configurations including the number of plates, plate design and size in...More
The Building Confidence Report (BCR), published in 2018, identified there were regulatory and compliance deficiencies in the regulatory oversight of the construction of commercial buildings (Class 2 – 9 buildings) in Australia.
Recommendation 7 of the BCR is: That each jurisdiction makes public its audit strategy for regulatory oversight of the construction of commercial buildings, with annual reporting on audit findings and outcomes.
This survey relates to auditing of...More
Recommendation 10 of the Building Confidence Report (BCR) by Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir recommended the establishment of a nationally consistent code of conduct for Building Surveyors.
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has agreed to the release of a draft Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors (draft model code of conduct). This draft model code of conduct is supported by a draft explanatory statement and draft compliance policy, which set out how the draft...More
In September 2019 the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) sought views from stakeholders on how Performance Solutions are currently prepared and if they are consistent with the intent and objectives of the National Construction Code (NCC). The feedback from this survey has been used to inform the development of draft NCC provisions and a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS).
The Consultation RIS is now available for public consultation. It examines a proposal that seeks to...More
In 2018, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) consulted with industry on changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 for the Section J energy efficiency requirements of commercial buildings. Through the public comment period the ABCB tested a number of communication tools and resources to help practitioners and businesses understand their obligations, how to comply with the requirements in practice, as well as the benefits of the changes.
With the transition...More
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website is an effective tool in enabling communication, facilitating engagement and consultation activities, and sharing industry information. It also acts as an access channel to the National Construction Code (NCC), the WaterMark and CodeMark Australia Certification Schemes, and related education and support materials.
Throughout 2020, the ABCB will be investigating improvements to the information architecture, user experience and interface...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
The proposed amendments to Technical Specification, WMTS-469 Waterless or limited flush urinals – With an integral sealing device, includes additional requirements for urinals that incorporate a function to dose the waste pipework system with water at periodic intervals without flushing the surface of the fixture.
A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
This proposed new Technical Specification, WMTS-529 Integral re-circulation loop kits for use in heated water systems, specifies the requirements for copper piping systems with an integral re-circulating loop, for use in heated water systems. The systems have a size range from DN 25 to DN 40, a maximum operating temperature of 70ºC and a maximum operating pressure of 1000 kPa.
The copper...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
The proposed amendments to Technical Specification, WMTS-037 Flow controllers – For controlling flows in cold or heated water systems, include amendments to Clause 9.1 scaling factor as determined within AS/NZS 4020 as applied to either ‘end-of-line’ or ‘in-line’ products
A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below.
NOTE: Clicking...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
This proposed new Technical Specification, WMTS-528 Plate heat exchangers, sets out requirements for plate heat exchangers which are used in heated water supply systems. These heat exchangers may be used as stand-alone water heating systems or as components of water heating systems. Plate heat exchangers are designed in various configurations including the number of plates, plate design and size in...More
For Public Comment
Technical Specification for the WaterMark Certification Scheme
In undertaking resolution of the previous public comments a number of technical errors where identified which required substantial redrafting. The ABCB wishes to consult again on the proposed changes to WMTS-040 incorporating materials which were omitted from the WMTS-040:2018 version.
A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below.
NOTE:...More
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been directed by the Building Ministers’ Forum to undertake an out-of-cycle amendment for the 2019 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The amendment is intended to introduce enhanced fire safety measures for early childhood centres in high-rise buildings and address recommendations identified in the Shergold Weir Building Confidence Report . It will be known as NCC 2019 Amendment 1.
The amendment will include:
...More
A Preliminary Analysis of Options has been prepared to assist stakeholders understanding the issues, risks and potential impacts of proposed changes to the fire safety requirements for Early Childhood Centres (ECCs) in the public comment draft of Amendment 1 to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019.
The fi re engineering reports Fire Safety of Early Childhood Centres in High Rise Buildings in Australia, report prepared by RED Fire Engineers and its technical review ...More
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is interested in improving understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC) and increasing the competent use of Performance Solutions.
A new compliance option for engineering the design of fire safety Performance Solutions, the Fire Safety Verification Method (FSVM), was introduced in NCC 2019. The FSVM may be used from 1 May 2020.
In the lead up, the ABCB will work with the sector to raise awareness and build understanding and...More
The National Construction Code is a performance-based code, meaning that any building design must ultimately meet the Performance Requirements as stated in the NCC.
Under the NCC, the Performance Requirements can be satisfied by a Performance Solution; a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution; or a combination of these.
Performance Solutions can be developed for any area of construction regulated by the NCC including fire, health and safety, amenity and energy efficiency using a variety of...More
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been directed by the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to investigate possible changes to the energy efficiency provisions, with an emphasis on residential buildings, in the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). This work is to be carried out in consideration of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council’s Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (the Trajectory).
To commence this process, the ABCB...More