BCA Update – NCC 2022 Has Commenced

The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 commenced May 1st, 2023, which will supersede the current NCC 2019. The NCC 2022 will apply to all Construction Certificate and Complying Development Certificates Applications lodged after this date. There are also some further transition periods around Energy Efficiency, Condensation Management and Livable Housing Standards being introduced.

With the commencement of NCC 2022, updated Australian Standards also come into effect on the same date.

The below is a key summary of changes for Class 1 & 10 Buildings (Volume 2), however it is not an exhaustive list.

NCC Volume 2

For Class 1 & 10 Buildings

Volume 2 has been restructured, re-numbered and split into two documents:

• ‘NCC Volume 2’ 2022 – containing the Governing and Performance requirements
• ‘ABCB Housing Provisions’ – containing the Deemed-to-Satisfy (D-t-S) requirements

These are available free of charge at https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/

Wet Area Waterproofing

Part H4D2 of the NCC Volume 2 2022

Firstly, compliance to the new Housing Provisions Part 10.2.1 – 10.2.6 includes the overarching requirements for which areas in Wet Areas must be waterproof versus water-resistant. This includes a key update from the NCC 2019 that shower walls must now be waterproof, rather than previously water-resistant.

Secondary, compliance with technical aspects such as falls, step downs, materials, penetrations, drainage and all other matters can be satisfied with one of two options.

• Compliance with AS3740-2021 Waterproofing of domestic wet areas AND Housing Provisions Part 10.2.12, OR
• Compliance with the ABCB Housing Provisions Part 10.2.7 – 10.2.32

Industry will need to select one of the two above options for each project. Some key variances between the two options are summarised below. As industry adopts these new changes, we foresee further discussion around the variances and practical implementation of these requirements.

Condensation Management

Part H4D9 of NCC 2022 & Part 10.8 of Housing Provisions

Note: Transition period applies. This is not applicable until 1st October 2023. Part 3.8.7 of NCC 2019 Volume 2 applies until then

Additional requirements to manage condensation include:

• Mechanical exhausts serving bathrooms or sanitary compartments (also called water closets) that are not provided with adequate natural ventilation via window or external door are required to:

• • Be interlocked with the room’s light switch, and
  • Include a run-on timer so the exhaust operates for 10 minutes after the switch is off

• Bathrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and sanitary compartments that are not provided with natural ventilation via window or external door are required to provided with “make-up air” via openings to an adjacent room of 14 000mm2 – this is equivalent to a 20mm gap under a 700mm wide door
• Pliable building membranes amendments – Refer to NCC 10.8.1.
• Venting clothes dryers are required to discharge directly to outdoor air, via shaft or ducting. Condensing clothes dryers are exempt from this requirement.
• Kitchen rangehoods now require to be ducted discharge directly or via shaft or duct to outdoor air.

Energy Efficiency

Part H6 of the NCC Volume 2 2022 & Part 13 of Housing Provisions

Note: Transition period applies. This is not applicable until 1st October 2023. Part 3.12 of NCC 2019 Volume 2 will apply until then

The minimum level of thermal performance of new homes is raised to the equivalent of 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

Livable Housing Standards

Part H8 of the NCC Volume 2 2022 & ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design

The Livable Housing Standards is one of the more substantial changes to mandatory requirements for Class 1a Dwellings, requiring these to “better meet the needs of the community, including older people and people with mobility limitations”. The requirements are similar to the ‘Silver’ level requirements of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, including below:

1. Step-free access path from either the pedestrian entry, or garage/carport/car park. Exemptions apply in cases under H8D2 of the NCC 2022
2. Minimum opening widths to doorways and corridors
3. Mandatory sanitary compartment (toilet) on the ground floor including minimum circulation spaces
4. At least one shower must be hobless or step free
5. Reinforced walls/noggings in bathrooms for future grab rails.

Note: The states have taken various approaches to adoption of Part H8:

• NSW – Part H8 does not apply
• QLD, VIC, NT, SA & ACT – Part H8 takes effect 1st October 2023
• TAS – Part H8 takes effect 1st October 2024

Safe Access

NCC Part 11.3

• Where a balustrade is fixed to a vertical face (“Face fixed”), the opening between the balustrade and the edge of the landing, balcony, stairway (or the like) must not exceed 40mm. Refer to NCC 11.3.4, (5).

Heating Appliances

NCC Part 12.4

• Further clarification has been provided around the testing and fitting of insert fireplaces and flues and an explanatory note has been added to clarify the application of testing standards and D-t-S Provisions

NCC 2022 Referenced Standards Changes

The following Australian Standards have been updated in NCC 2022. All references to these Australian Standards including Plans, Design Certificates, Component Certificates and Engineer Certificates should reference the appropriate Australian Standard, by year, as applicable to the NCC in force for the project.