The National Construction Code, which delivers better living standards for Australians, is to require new homes built after 1 October 2024 to increase energy efficiency as the climate changes.
Announced by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion the change means that for the first time, new buildings will reach a seven-star energy efficiency rating to ensure new livability and accessibility standards, an increase from the current six-star standard.
Mr Champion said the new National Construction Code provisions are to increase the State’s housing stock resulting in greener, more accessible homes for future generations.
“These new standards will benefit all South Australians – leading to cheaper energy bills and cost of living relief,” Mr Champion said.
“Credit must be given to the building and construction for the productive way they participated in the discussions and plotting the road map to implementation in the wake of last year’s Building Ministers’ Meeting,” he said.
“We need to give the industry time to adapt to the changes, which is why we are providing a transition period to get the balance right and will be working with the industry on a range of exemptions.”
Mr Champion said the changes to the National Construction Code are aimed at delivering better living standards for South Australians, with the Government acknowledging the need for greener homes.
He said greater consideration is to be given to accessible design allowing for South Australians with mobility limitations to transition through life stages in their own homes.
Chief Executive of the Master Builders Association of South Australia, Will Frogley, said the announcement of the National Construction Code implementation in October 2024 provides builders with certainty and a date to work towards.
“Our industry faces well-documented skills and materials shortages, so delaying the implementation until October 2024 is a sensible decision that alleviates pressure,” Mr Frogley said.
“Master Builders SA will continue working with the State Government to ensure these changes are introduced as smoothly and effectively as possible,” he said.
“It is essential housing is affordable, and all South Australians have an opportunity to own a home,” Mr Frogley said.
