What are the NCC Standards and why are they a great step forward?
In August 2022, Building Ministers across Australia collectively agreed to improve the energy efficiency rules for new homes and have now established 7 stars as the new minimum standard as part of the National Construction Code (NCC Standards).
Despite the fact that these new NCC standards feel like common sense, the progressive decision has been a relatively long time in the making. Builders like ourselves along with many Architects and Designers have been passionately trying to lead the way in educating the broader community about the benefits of high performing and energy efficient homes for a while now. Yet, Australia has been dragging its feet in this department behind many other developed countries. It’s been 12 years since NCC standards were last improved and the NatHERS 6 star benchmark was introduced, with many older homes being found to perform as low as 2 stars or below. To be honest, that’s like living within a glorified tent. To put it into perspective, we would generally aim for about 8 stars for all our projects.
The financial burden of an inefficient home is having a significant impact on many within our community with constant rises in energy bills. Homes that are excessively hot in Summer and freezing cold in Winter take a lot of effort and energy to transform into a comfortable internal living environment, with many being simply unable to afford it. According to an article in The Australian, poorly constructed homes that leak are a big reason why more people die from exposure to cold in Australia than in Sweden! We know how to build better to prevent this.
So now that we are collectively (hopefully) heading in the right direction, what does the new NCC Standard 7 Star ratings really mean for your next build project?
As discussed by Rob McLeod in edition 61 of Sanctuary Magazine, the jump from 6 to 7 star energy rating in the new NCC Standards will effectively reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a home to a comfortable temperature by approximately 20-25% dependent on climate location . There are a range of various strategies that can be implemented to achieve this rating and improve the thermal efficiency of your home or project. As part of designing high performance homes, we always like to discuss the following considerations :
- Insulation
- Thermal Mass
- Glazing
- Shading
- Design
- Orientation
However, these factors are now complemented by a “whole-of-home energy budget” which will take into consideration the efficiency of appliances and solar as well as condensation management and EV charging capabilities. It isn’t just energy efficiency factors now being mandated but universal design and accessibility too. Ensuring that all homes factor in elements for all ability access and movement within the home, is a brilliant and much needed step forward to inclusive construction and future planning for everyone. It’s so much more than simply wheelchair accessibility and considers the adaptability of space to cater for all regardless of disability, life stage and household composition.
Some of these new NCC Standards include
- Stepless Entry
- Ground Floor Toilet
- Wider Doorways and Corridors
- Circulation Space, particularly within bathrooms
- Wall strength for grab rails
So what now for The NCC Standards
The NCC is a nationally agreed upon code, however it is up to the state and territories to enforce it, they even have the ability to amend the NCC Standards and delay the implementation. Through improving these standards, by 2030, Australia is expected to reduce its national greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 million tonnes leading to a saving of $12.6 billion by 2050 in the cost of grid upgrades and maintenance. Yet, so far only Victoria, ACT, New South Wales and Queensland have committed to adopting the new standards within the specified timeline. Is it ok for the other states and territories to delay implementing these rules and why have a National Standard if it can’t be national?
Whilst these standards are a great next step towards creating better built homes, there are still other factors to consider. Within Australia, we are still continuing to connect new homes to gas. As discussed in The Age within Victoria alone, 13 separate councils are pushing against State Regulations to stop new developments from having gas cook tops and heating installed in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. But that’s another entire blog article…
So in conclusion, these new standards are a step in the right direction that will force the hand of the Construction Industry to do and build better. Whilst it may not cover everything that is currently possible to achieve within the industry, it is a great step forward.