Today the ACT Government has adopted the new National Construction Code in full, including provisions which prioritise energy efficiency and accessibility in housing.

Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti said the ACT is the first jurisdiction 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.”

The National Construction Code 2022 provisions that come into effect today include: 

• New residential energy efficiency standards which will make new houses better at keeping warmth inside by making them have 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 make sure 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 
• New liveable housing design standards which will make new homes are easy for everyone in the community to use, a fantastic win for Canberrans with disabilities  

The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to fully implement the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code.

Meanwhile, Powerhaus, a leader in building energy efficiency, issued a response to the ACT’s announcement, highlighting some of the issues of the change.

While Powerhaus applauds the move towards higher energy efficiency in new homes, the extension
of this 7-star requirement to existing homes undergoing renovations or extensions is a cause for
concern. This change introduces significant complexities and potential financial burdens for
homeowners, especially for those with properties not initially designed with energy efficiency in
mind.

The primary challenge lies in retrofitting existing homes to meet these stringent standards. For
instance, a poorly oriented house might require extensive and expensive modifications to achieve
the 7-star rating – or may not meet it at all. This approach encourages knock-down rebuilds and
discourages sensible adaptations of Canberra’s existing housing stock.

Powerhaus advocates for a more practical approach to enhancing energy performance in existing
homes. A straightforward compliance pathway, such as a checklist for improving insulation, window
performance, and airtightness, could offer clarity and reduce costs. This approach would encourage
homeowners to make sustainable upgrades without the need for extensive renovations or
consulting.

Furthermore, Powerhaus highlights a significant oversight in the new legislation – the absence of
airtightness standards. Increasing airtightness is a cost-effective method to improve a home’s
energy efficiency, yet it remains unaddressed in the current standards. Powerhaus Director Andrew
Pickard emphasizes, “Incorporating airtightness into the building code would significantly enhance
energy efficiency across the board. Its exclusion is a missed opportunity for accessible and
widespread energy improvements.”