There has been extensive publicity this week in relation to the Queensland Government’s approach to implementing major NCC 2022 changes to energy efficiency and livable housing requirements.
In a notice from HIA, it clarifies that Queensland intends to adopt NCC 2022 as follows:
- Broad scale NCC 2022 changes – commenced 1 May 2023.
- 7-star and whole-of-home energy efficiency changes – 1 October 2023.
- Livable housing changes – 1 October 2023.
The government has also announced some exemptions and modifications, pending final endorsement, including:
- Energy efficiency – Adoption of a modified form of the Queensland Development Code (QDC) 4.1 Sustainability that will provide a 1-star credit (i.e. meet 6-stars in lieu of 7-stars) across all Queensland climate zones where a home or apartment has a connected outdoor living area that meets the specific criteria.
- Livable housing – Adoption of a new Queensland Development Code (QDC) 4.5 that provides for an additional 18-month exemption (from 1 October 2023 to 1 March 2025) from the livable housing provisions for houses on lots with a frontage of 12.5m or less; or with a floor area of 55 m2 or less and which are wholly or predominantly manufactured off-site.
- Exemptions from certain aspects of the livable housing provisions for renovations based on the scope of works being undertaken and additional compliance options for grading to floor wastes in bathrooms and laundries.
The government has also produced a Guideline for applying section 37 of the Building Act 1975 to assist builders, designers and building certifiers in applying the Queensland transitional provisions for house plans that are currently being designed ahead of the NCC 2022 provisions taking effect.
Timing of adoption remains a significant challenge
While the exemptions for narrow and small blocks are welcome, HIA says it is deeply concerned on the timing for adoption of NCC 2022, due to commence from 1 October this year.
“In particular the finalisation and accreditation of the energy efficiency rating tools is yet to occur. These rating tools are critical in preparation for the assessment of new and amended building plans against the new 7-star and whole-of-home requirements.”
“HIA continues to advocate to the Government on these matters, seeking a clear implementation plan, promotion and additional phase-in time given the scale and complexity of reforms.
“HIA will continue to seek an extended phase-in period, but it is unlikely that the Government will move away from the scheduled 1 October 2023 commencement date.”
HIA notes it is critical that industry is across the detail of the changes and how to apply them as the scale and complexity of NCC 2022 major reforms cannot be overstated.