New apartment energy efficiency handbook released

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released the Apartment Energy Efficiency Handbook to provide guidance on the energy efficiency requirements for domestic apartment buildings. It has been released in conjunction with the Housing Energy Efficiency Handbook.

The two publications are designed to help users understand and comply with the latest requirements in energy efficiency under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). Together, they focus on:

• The available compliance options
• Providing links to other guidance and support materials
• Evaluating the needs of various types of practitioners.

The latest changes in the NCC 2022 are designed to reduce energy use in apartment buildings (including various equipment energy usage) and improve occupant health and amenity. The handbook includes guidance on new performance requirements and compliance pathways, an increase in thermal performance stringency, and provisions for electric vehicles and renewable energy equipment.

It is available to download from the ABCB website.