Changes to the National Construction Code Coming in 2023
The National Construction Code (NCC) has undergone some changes which are set to go into effect from 1 May 2023, introducing updated construction standards for Australian builds.
The NCC sets out requirements for the design and construction of all buildings in Australia, setting the minimum required standard for safety, health, accessibility, sustainability and amenity of certain buildings. It is updated every three years, with amendments largely based on public feedback, required regulatory practices and industry research.
Energy efficiency
One of the most notable changes include a crackdown on sustainability, raising the energy efficiency ratings for new houses and apartments from 6 to 7-star rating. This will deliver significant thermal improvements for residents. A new whole-of-home annual energy budget also needs to be met by new homes, which applies to the energy use of a home’s heating and cooling equipment, hot water systems, lighting and swimming pool pumps. Installing solar panels, while not mandatory, may help keep a home’s energy use under the budget.
Regarding commercial properties, there will be new energy efficient provisions including features which facilitate the installation of on-site renewables and electric vehicle charging (including in car parks) and provisions to facilitate the future installation of solar photovoltaics and battery storage.
Access and egress
The new code also strengthens accessibility standards, mandating step-free entry into dwellings, accessible doorways and a toilet located on every level. This is being put in place to ensure housing is designed to meet the needs of the greater community.
Improvements have also been made to condensation management for residential buildings. The addition of a mould index to existing verification methods, enhanced ventilation requirements for certain rooms and roof spaces and additional provisions for tightly sealed buildings are on the cards.
Fire safety
Stronger provisions are also coming into place to enforce fire safety, particularly for schools and early childhood centres. There have been adjustments to external wall combustibility, fire detection and fire-fighting services.
Plumbing and drainage
Plumbing and drainage will also see some introduced changes. There are new requirements for plumbing containing copper alloy intended for use in contact with drinking water as well as performance requirements for sanitary plumbing and drainage services. Measurable compliance criteria have also been added for water services velocity and pressure, heated water pressure relief and temperature limitation, fire-fighting water services, legionella control and water efficiency.
Structural safety
Regulations surrounding structural safety have been strengthened. Masonry construction and structural steel framing will align with typical construction in houses. Changing to footing and slab dimensions are also being introduced.
Health and amenity
There will be some key changes surrounding health and amenity, including surface water management, rising damp, external waterproofing, wet areas and overflow protection and roof and wall cladding.
These implemented changed are the largest single amendments to date and are expected to have a very large impact on the construction industry. Some have expressed understandable concern since the industry is under a significant amount of stress already. The NCC changes are likely to significantly increase construction costs as well as requiring changes to various building designs and materials currently in use.
States and territories are adopting the NCC amendments from 1 May 2023, allowing the industry a transition period until 1 October 2023 to implement the required changes. You can view the key changes here.
