Energy efficiency is a core focus of our work program and forms part of the Australian, state and territory governments’ strategies to improve energy productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
NCC 2022 Energy Efficiency
This project was initiated by the former Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council’s National Energy Productivity Plan and Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings.
The emphasis of the NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions is on residential buildings. This includes an increase in the level of thermal comfort and a whole-of-house energy use budget.
The provisions will also include measures that will reduce the cost of installing on-site renewables and electric vehicle charging at a later date.
Extensive expert and stakeholder consultation have informed the provisions included in NCC 2022, which are likely to be available for preview by August 2022. A transition period will apply to the provisions, in order to assist industry in preparing for the changes.
Initial work is underway to scope potential changes for commercial building energy efficiency in NCC 2025.
Condensation in buildings
It is important that with the introduction of energy efficiency requirements, the NCC mitigates the risk of condensation in residential buildings. After introducing initial condensation provisions in NCC 2019, measures to further address condensation are likely to be included in NCC 2022.
This work has been undertaken in conjunction with the energy efficiency changes in NCC 2022.
It is anticipated that further refinements and measures will be developed for NCC 2025.
Updated guidance material is also available to assist with minimising condensation in buildings.
NCC Energy Efficiency resources
The ABCB has also produced an extensive range of resources to help practitioners understand and implement the energy efficiency requirements of the Code.