The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025, which includes improvements for building standards focused on durability, safety, and Australia’s transition to net zero.
The updated code introduces the most substantial technical shift for commercial buildings in over a decade. While states and territories can adopt the code progressively from May 1, the industry is already bracing for significant changes to how large-scale projects are designed and delivered.
The most significant technical changes in NCC 2025 apply to new commercial buildings. The new code includes a mandatory requirement for on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for Class 3 and Class 5 to 9 buildings. This shift, paired with tighter requirements for building fabric and services, is designed to drastically reduce emissions and energy consumption in new developments.
NCC 2025 also tightens regulations for car parks, introducing mandatory sprinkler protection for open-deck car parks, unless they are standalone structures, and reducing previously available fire-resistance concessions.
Addressing long-standing industry concerns regarding leaky buildings, the new code strengthens water management provisions, particularly for apartments and complex structures. These updates to Section F (Health and amenity) aim to ensure more durable builds and reduce the ambiguity that has plagued the sector for the past 10 years.
In addition, condensation mitigation has been refined. In colder Australian climates, mandatory wall cavities are now required, alongside more detailed specifications for roof ventilation and vapour permeance to prevent mould and structural rot.
In a nod to evolving social expectations, NCC 2025 introduces a voluntary pathway for all-gender facilities in commercial buildings. This allows developers to provide up to 50 per cent of required facilities as all-gender toilets, offering greater flexibility for modern tenacies.
ABCB has also clarified ‘Performance Solutions’ for structural reliability, ensuring that bespoke engineering designs meet rigorous safety benchmarks.
With clearer assessment pathways and alignment with the latest Australian Standards, NCC 2025 aims to provide a more consistent rulebook for the nation’s builders and developers.