NCC 2022 public comment draft (stage 2) consultation now open

Published 2nd September 2021

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is now seeking comment on proposed amendments to energy efficiency and condensation technical provisions, for possible inclusion in National Construction Code (NCC) 2022.

To help reduce the burden on stakeholders, feedback on NCC 2022 is being sought via 2 separate consultation stages. Stage 1 was held between 10 May and 11 July 2021, and is now closed.

Some of the more significant amendments proposed in this second and final stage of the PCD include:

• a stringency increase in the thermal performance of homes from the current level, equivalent to 6-stars NatHERS, to the equivalent of 7 stars
• introducing whole-of-home annual energy use requirements (noting differences between Class 1 and 2 buildings)
• a new set of Deemed-to-Satisfy elemental provisions for Class 2 buildings
• new provisions designed to allow easy retrofit of on-site renewables and electric vehicle charging equipment for Class 2 to 9 buildings, and
• enhanced condensation management provisions, including additional ventilation and wall vapour permeability requirements.

Resources

The ABCB has produced a range of resources to support stakeholders in providing informed comment on the proposed amendments. The range includes a condensed summary of changes document, an infographic, case studies, calculators and reports. The resources are available via the Related Documents section on the consultation Overview page.

An explainer video series is also being developed and will be released in the coming weeks, also available via the Overview page and the ABCB’s Youtube channel. 

Providing comment

Responses to this final stage of PCD are invited until 11:59 PM AEDT Sunday 17 October 2021.

In line with the ABCB’s process for undertaking public consultation, comment will only be accepted through the ABCB’s online Consultation Hub.

Economic analysis

A Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) is being prepared to accompany the proposed amendments included in stage 2 of NCC 2022 PCD.

The CRIS will provide an economic analysis of proposed increases in the stringency of energy efficiency requirements for residential buildings via the NCC. This includes a full cost-benefit analysis.

The CRIS will be available to interested parties via an online consultation survey on the ABCB’s Consultation Hub, for 7 weeks from late September. A number of specific questions are included in the CRIS to guide areas for feedback.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2021, Australian Building Codes Board (https://mailchi.mp/abcb.gov.au/ncc-2022-public-comment-draft-stage-2-consultation-now-open?e=0aae47671a)