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Tag: National Construction Code
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Comments open on national registration framework
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a draft National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners for public comment. This follows up on the Building Confidence report, which signalled the need for the registration of building practitioners involved in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. Accordingly, the ABCB has released a discussion paper that puts forward […]
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A step towards professional registration in NSW
The NSW government has passed the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019, marking a major step towards compulsory registration for engineers. “The bill delivers on the New South Wales government’s promise to introduce a suite of new obligations on design and building practitioners to ensure that each step of construction is well documented and compliant,” said […]
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Expanding the NCC energy pathway
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is compiling input from members on a NABERS-proposed update to a verification method in the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC). NABERS is proposing a modification of JV1 NABERS Energy for Offices. The method currently uses Commitment Agreements to demonstrate energy efficiency requirements for office buildings. The […]
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WA government’s NCC delay criticised
In a move criticised by industry bodies, the Western Australia government has changed its building regulations and extended the provisional use of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2016 until May 2021. AIRAH (the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating) is one of the bodies that has questioned the strategy behind the decision. It […]
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Out-of-cycle amendment to NCC 2019
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a preview of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Amendment 1, expected to be adopted by all states and territories from July 1, 2020. The NCC sets the minimum acceptable standards for all new construction work in Australia. Since 2005, it has included provisions in Section J for energy […]
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NCC workshops coming soon
In March and April, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) will be presenting seminars on the National Construction Code (NCC) in capital cities around the country. The 2020 NCC seminars will focus on answering common technical enquiries concerning the application of the NCC Volumes One and Two, and information relating to the changes contained in […]
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Change on the way for NCC 2019
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is undertaking an out-of-cycle amendment for the 2019 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). It will be known as NCC 2019 Amendment 1 and is now open for public consultation. The amendment will include: Enhanced fire safety measures for early childhood centres in high-rise buildings. A defined term […]
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Survey on Performance Solutions
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Office has released an online survey regarding the inclusion of mandatory requirements in the National Construction code (NCC) for the development of Performance Solutions. Performance Solutions are one method that can be used to show compliance with the requirements of the NCC. They can be developed for areas such […]
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New minimum standards for large AC
New greenhouse and energy minimum standards (GEMS) have been drafted for air conditioners above 65kW. They are open for public comment. There are currently no minimum energy efficiency requirements under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act for air conditioners over 65kW capacity to be sold in Australia. There are, however, requirements in the National […]
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Energy efficiency calculators ready for testing
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released four energy efficiency calculators for beta testing. The calculators have been developed to help users with understanding and applying the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for the energy efficiency of façades, lighting, fans and pumps. The calculators include: Façade, Volume One Lighting, Volume One Fan Systems, Volume One […]
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Raising the efficiency bar for homes
Expect new Australian homes to become more sustainable after an agreement at last week’s Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to enhance energy efficiency provisions for residential buildings in the National Construction Code (NCC). The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has warmly welcomed the agreement. “The homes built today will still be operating in 2050 – […]
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ABCB to play key role in industry reform
The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) met last Thursday to discuss a range of issues facing the building and construction sector – many of which were flagged in the Shergold Weir Building Confidence report. All jurisdictions agreed to a national approach to implementing the recommendations. And the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) will play a key […]
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NSW opens talks on professional registration
Earlier this year, a bill passed in Victoria that should see professional registration of engineers become mandatory in that state. Queensland already has this requirement. Now it appears that New South Wales will go down the same path. The NSW government has released a discussion paper that responds to recommendations of Shergold and Weir’s Building […]
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ASBEC applauds focus on energy efficiency
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has welcomed the federal government’s recent announcement of its additional investment in energy efficiency. ASBEC is particularly impressed with the clear focus on improving the energy and emissions performance of buildings. ASBEC’s modelling has shown that with appropriate support, Australia’s building sector could deliver over a quarter of […]
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Trajectory on track, but focus is on fire
The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) met in Hobart on February 8 to discuss issues ranging from safety to energy efficiency. The BMF oversees policy and regulatory issues affecting Australia’s building and construction industries. It is made up of federal and state and territory government ministers who have responsibility for building and construction. It was thought […]
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NCC 2019 Preview release
The NCC (National Construction Code) 2019 Preview has been released. Versions of all three volumes and the guide to volume one are now available to download as PDFs. The NCC sets the minimum acceptable standards for all new construction work in Australia. Since 2005, it has included provisions in Section J for energy efficiency, including […]
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Industry demands energy efficient homes
More than 30 consumer, social sector, industry, environment and local government organisations have signed a joint statement urging COAG Energy Council to commit to action to raise the energy performance of all Australian homes at its December meeting. At the meeting, COAG EC will consider the recommendations of the Department of Environment & Energy’s Trajectory […]
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What to expect from NCC 2019
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has outlined some key changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019. The NCC sets the minimal requirements in the design, construction, performance and livability of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia. AIRAH’s Executive Manager – Government Relations and Technical Services, Phil Wilikinson, F.AIRAH, recommends the […]
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Tougher NCC critical for climate
There is an urgent need for stronger energy standards for residential housing and buildings under Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC). So says Australia’s insulation industry, claiming that tougher standards are critical to ensuring they are ready for and committed to a zero-carbon future. “We need certainty for the industry now, with a building code that […]