Changes being introduced in NCC 2019 are soon to be released. What’s changed?
Volumes 1, 2 & 3
Performance
Quantifying many of the NCC Performance Requirements to provide more performance-based compliance options is a key feature of NCC 2019. There will be more Performance Requirements quantified with the introduction of 20 new Verification Methods (VMs).
Readability
The ABCB has an ongoing readability project aimed to improve the NCC requirements to be more readily understood. Introducing consistent NCC Governing Requirements is the first step of this major piece of work with all three Volumes of the NCC having the same requirements from 2019. Significant changes have also been made to the structure of NCC Volume Three, the Plumbing Code of Australia.
NCC Volumes One and Two
Safety
New Verification Methods (VM) for construction in bushfire-prone areas.
Health and amenity
New condensation management provisions.
Accessibility
New VMs for access to and from a building and for ramps.
Sustainability
New heating and cooling load limits for residential buildings using the NatHERS New Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) compliance pathway.
NCC Volume One only
Fire sprinklers
DTS Provisions for fire sprinkler systems, for apartment buildings and other residential buildings (i.e. Class 2 and 3 buildings) 4 storeys and above and up to 25 metres in effective height (generally those buildings 4 to 8 storeys).
Occupiable outdoor areas
New DTS Provisions clarifying requirements for occupiable outdoor areas, such as roof-top bars and cinemas.
Fire safety VM
A new, non-mandatory VM for fire safety introduced (NCC Schedule 7). This VM can be used for developing a Performance Solution for up to 24 Performance Requirements. Its adoption will be delayed until 1 May 2020 to allow time for training and support.
Sustainability - Energy efficiency
The commercial building energy efficiency requirements (i.e. Section J) are significantly changed, including new VMs for NABERS and Green Star. This change is subject to a 1 year transition period from 1 May 2019, during which time, either the NCC 2016 or NCC 2019 requirements may be used.
Accessibility - Accessible adult change facilities (AACF)
AACFs are sanitary facilities with additional features to assist people with more profound or complex disabilities who are unable to independently use standard accessible facilities. New requirements mean these facilities are required in certain new or redeveloped public buildings such as shopping centres, museums, theatres, sporting venues and airports.
Picture courtesy of Australian Building Codes Board