The most significant update to the National Construction Code in more than a decade will increase the required thermal performance of homes from the current level 6-stars NatHERS to the equivalent of 7 stars, according to a draft update released for public comment.
The National Construction Code (NCC) is updated every three years based on industry research, public feedback and policy directions from government.
The federal and state building ministers directed the Australian Building Codes Board to develop enhanced residential energy efficiency provisions in order to meet commitments made under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As well as the stringency increase to 7-stars, the proposed changes introduce a “whole-of-home approach,” with an annual energy use budget for the regulated equipment in the home, such as air conditioning, heated water, lighting, swimming pool and spa pumps.
This approach enables trading between the efficiency of the equipment to achieve the annual energy use budget. On-site renewables may also be installed to offset the energy consumption of the equipment, but not the building fabric.
Responding to the proposed changes, Trivess Moore, a senior lecturer at RMIT University’s Sustainable Building Innovation Lab, said the likely increase from 6 to 7 stars was a critical step on the path towards “near zero carbon/energy housing.”
“An increase from 6 to 7 stars would result in an average reduction in energy for heating and cooling of 24 percent across Australia,” he said.
“The performance of new Australian housing is at least 40 percent worse than many other developed countries in similar climate zones. While the move to 7 star will close this gap, there is much more that we could be doing right now.”
“Research undertaken at RMIT University found that more than 80 percent of new housing in Australia is only built to the minimum 6 star standard, with less than 1.5 percent built to the optimal environmental and economic performance of 7.5 stars demonstrating the need to improve minimum regulatory requirements.
“Increasing the minimum star rating alone will not be enough. There is an issue across the industry with performance not matching design outcomes. Any changes to minimum performance requirements must be accompanied by greater accountability in the building industry to deliver improved outcomes.”
The Australian Building Codes Board is conducting consultation in two stages on the proposed changes. The first stage was held between 10 May and 11 July 2021 and the second is open until 17 October. This final stage of consultation seeks feedback on the energy efficiency and condensation technical provisions.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
