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Building Sustainability index
new dwellings - Basix -
Alterations, Additions and Swimming Pools - Basix -
Large boarding houses - BERS Pro (Nathers) -
Energy simulation - BCA Section J - DTS
- BCA Section J -
Alternative Solution (JV3) - Thermal bridges
- Moisture control
- Passive House
- Contacts
Climate change informationInformation about Australia's past, current and future climate helps industries, governments and communities plan for and adapt to a variable and changing climate. |
The chalengeChanges to the climate system have occurred and are likely to continue. The international scientific community accepts that increases in greenhouse gases due to human activity have been the dominant cause of observed global warming since the mid-20th century. Continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system. Australia's changing climate represents a significant challenge to individuals, communities, governments, businesses, industry and the environment. Australia has already experienced increases in average temperatures over the past 60 years, with more frequent hot weather, fewer cold days, shifting rainfall patterns and rising sea levels. More of the same is expected in the future. |
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Our responseThe most comprehensive climate projections for Australia We worked with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to produce the most comprehensive set of climate change projections for Australia ever released. Map of the eight regions or 'clusters' for which climate change information has been assessed The projections are presented for eight distinct regions of Australia, each of which will be affected differently by climate change. The projections are based on data from up to 40 global climate models, developed by institutions around the world, that were driven by four greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions scenarios. Results have been prepared for 21 climate variables (both on the land and in the ocean) and for four 20-year time periods (centred on 2030, 2050, 2070 and 2090). |
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Energy efficiency and energy productivity |
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Being energy efficient means using less energy to achieve the same outcomes. Energy productivity (doing more using the same or less energy) includes energy efficiency, along with other ways to reduce energy costs. These can include changing energy purchasing contracts, switching fuels and using renewable energy and battery storage. Being energy efficient and improving energy productivity in our products, homes and commercial buildings can help to:
The Australian Government supports the establishment of standards, programs and innovative practices to improve energy efficiency and energy productivity in a number of areas. |
Our commitmentTo meet this challenge our commitment is to take a lead role in working with our industry partners to create sustainable communities for Australians.Our approach is based on a good design and balance of all key elements important in a house performance. |
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Australia will continue to play our part in an effective global response to climate change. Under a Paris Agreement applicable to all, Australia will implement an economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. |
Emmisions trends / Main PledgesOne bright spot is the growth of renewable energy in the power sector, which is quite rapid, driven initially by the large-scale renewable energy target for 2020, which the Federal government will not renew. The State of South Australia has a 100% renewable by 2030 target, and others have also ambitious 2030 goals, and as well there are world-leading innovations in the electricity sector to accommodate the rapid growth of variable renewable energy. The outlook is clouded though as many analysts believe further incentives and/or structural changes are needed in the electricity market for recent rates of renewable deployment to continue and grow. In contrast to the Australian Federal Government, every state and mainland territory government in the country has made either aspirational or legislated commitments toward zero-emissions. Victoria has legislated a net zero emissions by 2050 target, and the ACT has legislated a target to be net zero by 2045. |
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Key points |
The focus of changes being considered for the 2022 version of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) include: 1. increasing the stringency of the energy efficiency provisions for residential buildings; and 2. developing quantified Performance Requirements and compliance pathways enabling compliance using a whole-of-house approach. The ABCB will also seek to refine the provisions for commercial buildings updated in 2019 and seek to ensure all buildings can accommodate the future installation of on-site renewable energy equipment and electric vehicle charging. |
Why be sustainable?The most significant environmental challenges of our time are global climate change and fossil fuel dependency. Rising greenhouse gas emissions, excessive natural resource use, water, soil and air pollution all have significant environmental, social and economic consequences. At the same time there is a challenge to create sustainable communities. |
Condensation in Buildings
This project involves investigating the role of the NCC in mitigating the risk of condensation in residential buildings. It is being carried out in response to feedback from industry and building regulators. After introducing initial condensation provisions in NCC 2019, consideration will be given to further opportunities for addressing the risk of condensation. This work will be undertaken in conjunction with the energy efficiency changes for residential buildings planned for NCC 2022. Updated guidance material is also available to assist with minimising condensation in buildings. |