The past two years has brought many challenges to every business and 2022 will present a new and fresh set of challenges. This includes the introduction of a new National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA).

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a draft of the planned changes to the 2022 Version of the National Construction Code. 

The following is a link to Volume Two of the BCA and the Housing Provisions:

On 9th May 2022, these regulations will be available from the below link:

https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/

The BCA 2022 release is a two-part process:

  • 9 May 2022 – Preview edition of the BCA released, excluding energy efficiency & condensation.
  • 1 September 2022 – BCA 2022 adopted nationally.

The delay in the adoption of the code is due to changes around energy efficiency and condensation management which are yet to be finalised.

Some of the more significant changes that were in the draft versions of the NCC series (BCA Vol 1 & 2 and PCA) are:

  • Adoption of the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard (This will result in a total change to all current clause numbers in the BCA Vol 2)
  • Provisions relating to accessible housing which would introduce the ABCB Standard for liveable Housing Design
  • Amendments concerning allowable lead levels for certain plumbing products that contact drinking water
  • Egress for early childhood centres and primary schools
  • Quantification of Performance Requirements, including Part A8
  • Bushfire protection for non-residential buildings
  • Stage 1 weatherproofing and waterproofing for commercial buildings
  • A stringency increases in the thermal performance of homes from the current level, equivalent to 6-stars NatHERS, to the equivalent of 7 stars
  • The introduction of whole-of-home annual energy use requirements (noting differences between Class 1 and 2 buildings)
  • New Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for Class 2 buildings 
  • New provisions to allow easy retrofit of on-site renewables and electric vehicle charging equipment for Class 2 to 9 buildings
  • Enhanced condensation management provisions, including additional ventilation and wall vapour permeability requirements.

Once this has been released, we will provide our clients with an informative overview of the main changes and catch any significant design issues that will require attention for compliance with the new code and standard. 

Please feel free to contact Andrew Steele if you have any questions.