The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 has been adopted [as of May 1, 2023], marking an important milestone in Australia’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of our construction environment.
The NCC 2022, which replaces the NCC 2019, incorporates a range of changes and updates that will impact how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained in the years ahead. These changes have been informed by extensive industry consultation and feedback, and aim to address some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.
One of the most significant changes in the NCC 2022 is the introduction of new requirements for energy efficiency and sustainability. These requirements are aligned with the Australian Building Codes Board‘s (ABCB) goal of achieving net-zero emissions for new buildings by 2030 and will be progressively tightened in the years ahead to help Australia meet its climate change targets.
To support these new requirements, the NCC 2022 also includes a range of new provisions related to materials and construction practices. These provisions are designed to encourage the use of sustainable and low-emissions materials and to improve the overall efficiency and performance of buildings.
Another important area of focus in the NCC 2022 is accessibility. The new code includes a range of measures aimed at improving the accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities, including new requirements for accessible paths of travel, doorways, and toilets.
The NCC 2022 also introduces new provisions related to fire safety, building maintenance, and other important areas. These provisions aim to improve the overall safety and quality of buildings and to ensure that they are designed and constructed to withstand a range of hazards and risks.
Overall, the adoption of the NCC 2022 represents a significant step forward for the Australian building industry. By incorporating the latest industry best practices and regulatory requirements, the code will help to ensure that our buildings are safer, more accessible, and more sustainable than ever before. As such, it is an important milestone for the industry and one that should be celebrated and embraced by all stakeholders.
In light of these changes, ModnPods are currently working on a new catalogue of standardised plans that will adopt these measures and continue to evolve our offering to customers.