Building Code Of Australia

What is the Building Code of Australia?

The Building Code of Australia is a set of technical provisions and mandatories that ensure safety and sustainability in both new and existing building designs and constructions across Australia. It's produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). These safety provisions encompass areas such as structural stability, fire resistance, access and egress, services and equipment, and certain aspects of health and amenity. 

Do all buildings need to comply with the BCA? 

In states such as NSW, all new buildings must comply with the BCA. The BCA is a component of the National Construction Code (NCC) and consists of two volumes. 

The first volume relates to all Class 2 to 9 buildings (multi-residential, commercial, industrial, and public assembly buildings) and their associated structures. 

The second volume contains the technical design and construction mandatories for particular residential (single dwellings, townhouses and small shared accommodation buildings) as well as non-habitable buildings and structures. Read more about these codes here. 

What does section J of the NCC cover? 

Section J within the National Construction Code (NCC2022) pertains to the energy efficiency requirements for buildings. Its principal aim is to establish a baseline standard for constructing buildings, emphasising the reduction in energy consumption and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

An example of this is evident through building insulation standards. To comply with energy efficiency standards, builders may need to install adequate insulation to minimise heat transfer, ensuring that the building retains warmth in colder months and remains cooler in warmer months.