Energy efficiency - NCC 2022 and beyond scoping study

Overview

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 has produced a scoping study for public consultation The study outlines a possible approach and scope for the project.

Please note that issues of compliance are outside the scope of this consultation. Administration of the NCC is the responsibility of the States and Territories.

Why your views matter

The primary purpose of this scoping study is to seek initial views on the proposed approach and scope of future changes to the NCC energy efficiency provisions, particularly in 2022.

What happens next

The results of the scoping study consultation will be used to inform the development of possible changes to the NCC. Further opportunity will be provided for comment throughout the development of the proposed changes to the NCC. This includes the public consultation process on the detailed changes proposed for NCC 2022, which is likely to occur in late 2020 or early 2021.

In developing the proposed changes to NCC 2022, the ABCB will also undertake a holistic review of the residential energy efficiency provisions. This will include consideration of related issues, such as condensation and heat and cold stress. The ABCB will also ensure the residential energy efficiency provisions take account of regional differences.

It should also be noted that any potential change to the NCC must be underpinned by a rigorously tested rationale, be effective and proportional to the issue and generate a net societal benefit.  This is a requirement of the ABCB’s Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), as well as the COAG Principles for Best Practice Regulation.

In this respect, this scoping study does not constitute a decision to change the NCC, but rather a commitment to undertake a thorough process to determine if changes to the NCC are warranted, and if so, to what extent.