Building for the next generation
At Australian Building Company, we’re all for getting everyday Australian into their own home and ensuring that the homes we build will last for generations to come.
As Australia strives for net zero emissions by 2050, changes are underway that will affect how we build and live in our homes.
The National Construction Code (NCC) is getting updated to focus on energy efficiency, livability, resilience to climate change, and healthier living spaces. Sustainable homes not only benefit the environment but also lower energy costs. And enhanced accessibility ensures that homes are easier to get around in and adapt to future needs. These changes vary from state in Australia, taking the variances in climate into account.
So, if you are looking to build a new home or renovate an existing one, these changes will impact you.
Change is coming
Two key areas are affected from May 1, 2024.
7-Star Home Energy Rating and Whole of Home Performance Rating.
Changes to Livability Standards and Condensation were adopted in October, 2023.
The upgrade to a 7-Star energy rating for new homes means you will feel comfortable all year-round, with homes naturally staying cooler in summer and warmer in winter, all while saving on energy consumption. Achieving thermal comfort involves harnessing the sun's heating energy in winter while minimising heat gains in summer. In Queensland, 7-star homes will incorporate various elements and improvements to enhance energy efficiency, including insulation, ventilation, breeze paths, ceiling fans, shading solutions, and lighter colours for roofs and window frames. Additionally, outdoor rooms that comply with the Queensland Development Code will receive a 1-star energy rating credit.
At Australian Building Company, we prioritise climate-sensitive design and have an extensive catalogue of homes to capture all orientations, ensuring we deliver the most efficient and comfortable home for your lifestyle. Whether selecting the ideal layout for your block or optimising block orientation for your dream design, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
This new requirement focuses on the overall energy usage of your new home, taking into account key factors such as the energy consumption of heating, cooling, and key appliances. The goal is to ensure that your new home is not just more energy-efficient but also more cost-effective to operate. Additionally, it considers the balance between how much energy your home uses versus the energy your home generates.
The new National Construction Code introduces enhanced standards in liveability and accessibility, ensuring that your home will be safer, more comfortable, and easily accessible for everyone, now and in the future. These improvements include features such as step-free home access, wider internal doors and hallways, ground-level toilets with increased circulation space, step-free showers for mobility, and reinforced walls around selected key areas to facilitate easy installation of grab rails if required in the future. At Australian Building Company, our home designs have already been updated to be compliant with liveability standards, ensuring that your new home meets modern needs and remains future-proofed for years to come.
Management of condensation and a healthy living environment is crucial for both your family's well-being and the long-term structural durability of the home. With the release of higher ventilation standards in the National Construction Code 2022, homes will benefit from reduced internal moisture (humidity), condensation, and mould, and deliver enhanced indoor air quality.
New standards
At Australian Building Company we have been working hard to ensure all our homes meet the new NCC standards, while ensuring that we stay true to our new home principles.
How will this impact my build?
The
cost of building a NCC-compliant home will be unique to each person,
depending on factors such as the size of your build, the climate zone
you reside in, and the orientation of your block. Our team of New
Home Advisors are dedicated to collaborating with you to create a
home that meets NCC standards, reduces ongoing living expenses,
aligns with your budget and requirements, and provides a healthier
and more thermally comfortable living space for your family.
Questions?
For more information about the NCC 2022 changes and how this will impact your build, contact our friendly team today or visit the National Construction Code website below.