National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Changes / E1.5 Effective Height
Significant changes to the NCC are to be released next year.
In advance of the new year and the new NCC2019 release – there are ABCB seminars planned to provide advice on the changes to the NCC next year.
Hutchies' team quality champions, pre-construction teams, design managers and so on may benefit from attending.
Please consult with your team leaders to agree attendance etc – link below to seminars.
All subcontractors must also be across the changes to ensure works are priced / programmed accordingly.
Published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
The ABCB recently gave consideration to the content of the 2019 edition of the NCC.
Some of the key changes from the 2016 edition are described below:
The ABCB recently gave consideration to the content of the 2019 edition of the NCC.
Quantification
The most significant change to the NCC since the performance-based code was introduced in 1996, is an estimated 40% of the Code’s Performance Requirements will be quantified either directly or by a NCC Verification Method (VM). This work stems from the Board’s increased and competent use of performance initiative aimed at assisting the reduction of non-compliance caused by poor application of Performance Solutions.
It is intended that the remaining Performance Requirements will be quantified in the same manner for NCC 2022.
Readability
The NCC has undergone significant structural change to improve access, awareness and understanding. This included introducing consistent governing requirements across all three Volumes and changes to the format and structure of NCC online. NCC Volume Three has been redrafted consistent with a new information architecture that aims to improve access and readability of the document in a digital environment, as well as in preparation for a consistent volume structure in 2022.
Fire safety
A new non-mandatory Fire Safety VM will be introduced with a delayed adoption date from 1 May 2020. The new VM, which is a voluntary tool under a Performance Solution pathway, provides for a documented process in the design of fire safety Performance Solutions, and is based on the International Fire Engineering Guidelines (IFEG).
Fire sprinklers in Class 2 & 3 buildings
A requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in apartment buildings and other residential buildings 4 storeys and above and up to 25 metres in effective height will be included in the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions. This means, anyone using a DTS pathway for compliance for these types of buildings will need to install a fire sprinkler system. As part of these requirements, two new types of fire sprinkler systems have been included, as well as concessions for other fire safety features on account of the additional protection afforded by the fire sprinkler systems.
Bonded Laminate Concession
The ability to use a bonded laminated material, with specified characteristics and controlled fire hazard properties, where a non-combustible material would otherwise be required will remain for NCC 2019. A similar concession has been included for certain sarking-type materials, and some other minor components have been exempted from the requirement to be non-combustible.
Energy efficiency
The commercial building energy efficiency provisions have undergone their first major overhaul since 2010, consistent with the COAG National Energy Productivity Plan. A package of measures for Volume One focuses on reducing energy consumption by a potential 35%, representing a step-change for commercial buildings. Additionally, new VMs will be introduced to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Performance Requirement by way of NABERS and Green Star.
New heating and cooling load limits for the NatHERS compliance pathway will be introduced for Volume Two.
Energy efficiency provisions for Volume One and Volume Two will have a transition period of 12 months until 1 May 2020 during which either the new NCC 2019 provisions or those from NCC 2016 may be used.
Volume Two Acceptable Construction Practice
Improvements have been made to the provisions of numerous Acceptable Construction Practices (ACPs), and new ACPs are being introduced for earth retaining structures, masonry, and attachment of decks and balconies.
Condensation management
Provisions to reduce the likelihood of risks associated with condensation within buildings will be introduced to help deal with potential health risks and amenity issues.
Roof-top spaces
New provisions clarifying the application of requirements to occupiable outdoor areas, such as occupiable roof-top spaces, will be introduced in Volume One.
Accessible adult change facilities
Volume One will include new requirements for accessible adult change facilities to be provided in large shopping centres, sporting venues, museums, theatres and airport terminals.
Plumbing
For NCC Volume Three, in addition to the quantification and readability changes described above, heated water temperature control, cross-connection control and rainwater harvesting and use requirements will be included. Additionally, some sections of Volume Three that were only enacted in a minority of States or Territories, such as on-site wastewater systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), and stormwater, will be relocated to the relevant State or Territory appendix.
Want to know more?
Register to attend the ABCB’s 2019 NCC Seminars in your capital city. Seminars will be held through February and March 2019 to inform practitioners about important changes to NCC Volumes One and Two, the BCA. You can register to secure a place today.
Webcasts of the Seminar, including a video on amendments to NCC Volume Three (PCA), will be released in May 2019.
Further information
NCC 2019 will be available for public preview in February 2019 and will be adopted from 1 May 2019. Stay up to date with its release through your NCC registration.
