- A range of technical changes from the NCC were adopted in May 2023.
- The remaining changed took effect today.
- Minister Vassarotti said the ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to have fully implemented the NCC.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has fully adopted the new National Construction Code (NCC), with Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti today announcing the Territory is the first to have introduced these new energy efficiency and accessibility standards.
“These new building standards set the benchmark for developers and builders to deliver sustainable and high-quality homes for people living in the territory,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“The rules in the 2022 National Construction Code are a fantastic tool for the ACT Government to make developers deliver better buildings in Canberra.
“These new reforms are part of a bunch of changes we’re spearheading to make living in our city even better for everyone.”
Minister Vassarotti added that the Territory has already commenced a registration programme for engineers and introduced the first developer licensing scheme in the country to increase confidence in buildings being built in the ACT.
“Improving energy efficiency in our homes is critical to making sure that homes are safe, affordable and comfortable year-round,” said Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury.
“The climate is changing and our building standards must improve to meet new challenges and increased probability of extreme weather events.”
Coming into effect today
Among the provisions that came into effect today:
- New residential energy efficiency standards which will improve the ability of homes to keep warm inside by ensuring a 7-star equivalent energy rating;
- New and improved water condensation management rules to prevent homes from getting too wet inside during cold Canberra winters;
- New rules to ensure that commercial buildings are ready for the future, making sure they are easy to fit with renewable technologies like solar panels or electric car chargers; and
- New liveable housing design standards which will make new homes easy for everyone in the community to use, a fantastic win for Canberrans with disabilities.
“The ACT adopted a range of significant technical changes to the National Construction Code in May 2023 and now with the remaining changes taking affect today, I am proud to say the ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to fully implement the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code,” added Minister Vassarotti.
