National Construction Code (NCC) 2022

NCC 2022 was adopted by states and territories on 1 May 2023.

Victoria has now formally introduced  transitional arrangements in the Building Regulations 2018 for the following provisions:

– 1 May 2024 – New livable housing requirements.
– 1 May 2024 – Updated energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements.

The transitional arrangements will allow practitioners to continue using the relevant provisions of NCC 2019 until the end of the relevant transition period.

Other amendments to the Building Regulations 2018 include adopting the latest versions of standards for fire sprinklers and removing duplication of bushfire protection requirements between the Regulations and NCC 2022. For more detail, please visit legislative and regulatory amendments.

The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out the requirements for the design and construction of buildings in Australia, including plumbing and drainage work. It sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of certain buildings.

• Volume One: relates to Class 2 to 9 buildings.
• Volume Two: relates to Class 1 and 10 buildings.
• Volume Three: relates to plumbing and drainage work associated with all classes of buildings (see Plumbing Codes and Standards for more information).

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released NCC 2022 on 1 October 2022 to allow industry time to adjust to the new requirements and structure prior to it becoming mandatory. PDFs of all volumes are available for download. Printed copies will also become available for purchase from the ABCB’s commercial providers .

Energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements

The ABCB has updated the NCC to strengthen minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of new homes. The new energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements will commence in Victoria on 1 May 2024.

The changes will make homes cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in and more resilient to extreme weather.

Victoria will also remove barriers to installation of efficient electric hot water systems, helping households to capture further benefits from investing in solar panels, and supporting those who choose all-electric new homes.

Learn more about 7 star energy efficiency building standards by heading to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) energy website.

Learn more by accessing updated energy efficiency Practice Notes.

Livable housing design requirements

NCC 2022 includes new requirements for livable housing design.

These new provisions will improve the suitability of new Australian homes for people with mobility constraints.

The Livable Housing Standard is a significant advance in providing more housing options for people with physical disabilities and older Australians and will apply to new houses and apartments.

Head to the ABCB website to learn more about these changes.

ABCB NCC 2022 education resources

Access the Code in full through the ABCB website, as well as useful handbooks and guidance materials.

ABCB are also providing a series of articles that give an overview of some of the key changes and new requirements that may impact your work.