The ABCB has begun work on the Energy Efficiency Provisions to be considered for inclusion in NCC 2019. The new initiative is based on the ABCB’s response to Measure 31 of the Council of Australian Governments’ National Energy Productivity Plan.

This initiative will consider and, where appropriate, implement new provisions for commercial and residential buildings in NCC 2019, including quantified Performance Requirements; a suite of Verification Methods; improved Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions; and supporting education material.

For commercial buildings, this will also include consideration of an economically feasible stringency increase and other improvements to facilitate greater compliance while the stringency will remain the same for residential buildings. Compliance options will be increased with more clarity provided to facilitate greater compliance with current requirements and establish the foundation for reviewing the stringency of residential building provisions in the future.

An infographic titled ‘NCC 2019 Energy Efficiency Provisions at a glance’ has been developed to depict the scope of the initiative and can be accessed on the ABCB website.

The ABCB has also established separate working groups for the Commercial and Residential segments to provide input into the technical aspects of the project. These working groups include representatives from organisations such as the Australian Institute of Architects, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, the Property Council of Australia and the Housing Industry Association.

The initiative commenced with workshops for the residential and commercial working groups to disseminate the technical aspects of the proposed work.

The ABCB will be regularly engaging with stakeholders during the development of the new provisions. The general public will also have an opportunity to provide feedback on all proposed changes during the public comment period in early 2018.