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.
"These new reforms are part of a bunch of changes we're spearheading to make living in our city even better for everyone.
"Already, we've started a registration program for engineers and introduced the first developer licensing scheme in the country to increase confidence in buildings being built in the ACT."
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 adopted a range of significant technical changes to the National Construction Code in May 2023 and now with the remaining changes taking affect today, I am proud to say the ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to fully implement the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code."
