New Energy Efficiency Legislation contained in the NCC 2019 was formally adopted on 1st May, 2019.  However, as the changes for both domestic and commercial assessment were so significant, the ABCB gave a 12 month optional adoption period from 1st May 2019. During this period, assessments could be conducted under either the NCC 2016 or under the new NCC 2019 provisions.

As the changes generally required an increase in both Assessment time and in construction material costs, there has generally been a slow take-up of Energy Efficiency Assessments being conducted under the new NCC 2019 provisions.

However, the end of the 12 month optional adoption period is fast approaching, leaving us with four key questions:

1. When are the new NCC 2019 Energy Efficiency measures taking mandatory effect?
2. What about projects that are currently underway but won’t be approved before 30th April, 2020?
3. What are the changes to the Energy Efficiency Legislation for residential and commercial buildings?
4. Is my current Energy Assessor ready for the changes?

1.  When are the new NCC 2019 Energy Efficiency measures taking mandatory effect?

1st May, 2020

2. What about current projects that won’t be approved before 30th April, 2020?

Decisions around building development and applications are made by the local council or independent building certifiers / surveyors.

There are different State and Territory variations to the legislative framework around the NCC.  This means there are differences accross the States and Territories, including in governing how the adoption of new building assessment provisions are to be accommodated. In Queensland, where BERA conducts a majority of it’s work, the Building Act 1975 provides for changes to building assessment provisions. Where the planning for carrying out the work commenced before the building assessment provision is amended and the building certifier is satisfied that substantial progress was made on the design of the building before the amendment, and the design would need to be significantly changed to comply with the amended provision, the approval can be given under the superseded legislation.

At BERA, we are currently offering Assessment under both NCC 2016 and NCC 2019. However, as of March 1st, 2020, we will be completing all assessments under the NCC 2019 unless there are compelling reasons not to.

3.  What are the changes to the Energy Efficiency Legislation?

The changes will be discussed in detail in two forthcoming blog posts.  But as a quick preview, the main change for residential buildings relates to the introduction of heating and cooling load limits with NatHERS Assessments, and the main change with Commercial buildings relates to the way that external wall facades and glazing are calculated.

4. Is my current Energy Assessor ready for the changes?

If your project or projects relate to a domestic or residential build, then yes, they are probably ready and will be able to continue assessing your projects under NCC 2019 come 1st May, 2020.

If your project or projects relates to commercial buildings (Classes 3-9), you are advised to check with them that they are ready to assess under the new legislation. The changes are significant, and not all commercial Assessors, especially those conducting assessments under Section J Deemed to Satisfy Assessments, will be ready on May 1st, 2020.

Have a read of our forthcoming blog post to enable you to understand the scope of changes. Here at BERA we are ready for NCC 2019. Contact us for a quote or if you would like to discuss your project.