That’s a wrap for 2023! As we approach the holiday period, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) office is busy in preparation for the Public Comment Draft (PCD) to be released in the first half of 2024.
In the October 2023 Building Ministers Meeting, we were asked to ensure we increase our communication ahead of the next round of proposed changes to the National Construction Code. You can expect to see increased communication on the NCC across our channels. We will also prepare a communications survey so that you can easily give us feedback on how we can further improve the way we connect with you. I personally welcome any feedback you might have for us regarding communication.
To give interested parties more visibility on discussions happening by the Board, in 2022 we committed to publishing a Public Record after each Board Meeting. The Public Record from the meeting held in November 2023 was recently published.
With the new NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements coming into effect in more jurisdictions over the first half of next year, we are pleased to see the availability of more NatHERS tools to support industry.
- Builders, designers and assessors have access to all NatHERS tools and certificates to support compliance with thermal (star rating) requirements in the NCC through AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, and HERO.
- Compliance with the whole-of-home energy requirements is now supported by AccuRate Home, the ABCB’s Whole of Home Calculator and BERS Pro.
We are looking forward to seeing the remaining products fully assessed and available by early next year.
As we approach the summer break, I’ll be switching to a different hat – in this case a red and yellow lifeguard cap. During the summer break I will be spending a portion of my time as a volunteer patrolling a couple of beaches on the south coast of NSW. For me, that’s a great way to have some ‘mandatory’ time on the sand and in the water. I hope you can also take a moment to enjoy some downtime. Stay safe, rest up, and remember to swim between the flags!
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!
Regards
Gary