National Construction Code (NCC) 2022

Increased insulation requirements for 7 star homes

The National Construction Code of Australia 2022 (NCC 2022) is introducing a number of changes that will make Australian homes more energy efficient. These changes include improvements to the thermal performance of the building envelope and the introduction of a new whole-of-home energy use budget. Insulation is an important part of meeting these new requirements, and will help to reduce energy use and improve the thermal performance of your home.

NATIONWIDE HOUSE ENERGY RATING SCHEME (NATHERS)

The Nationwide House Energy Rating (NatHER) is a Star Rating from 0 to 10 that measures how energy efficient a house is, based on its design. The rating applies to the building envelope: the roof, walls, floor and windows. A well-insulated and well-designed house provides year-round comfort, cutting cooling and heating bills, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS INCLUDING:

IMPROVED LEVEL OF THERMAL PERFORMANCE

FROM 6 STARS NATHERS EQUIVALENT TO 7 STARS

NEW WHOLE-OF HOME ENERGY USE BUDGET

THE OBJECTIVE IS TO REDUCE THE ENERGY USE OF A NEW HOUSE OR APARTMENT

In a significant move towards energy efficiency in Australian homes, Energy Ministers agreed to expand the NatHERS tools to support the NCC updates. NatHERS, which currently provides a rating out of 10 stars based on a home's design and construction materials, will now see the minimum star rating for new homes increase from 6 to 7 stars. This is a big step towards reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, the updates to the NCC will introduce a new Whole of Home rating that includes the energy performance of appliances such as hot water systems, heating and cooling, solar energy generated onsite and battery storage. This changes will undoubtedly lead to a greener future for Australia.

REDUCING THE ENERGY USED FOR FIXED ENERGY EQUIPMENT:

WHEN DO THE CHANGES TO THE NCC COME INTO EFFECT?

THE TIMELINE FOR THE NCC CHANGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

NEW INSULATION REQUIREMENTS

NCC 2022 has introduced new insulation requirements for all new buildings and renovations. These requirements vary depending on the type of building and its location, but generally include more stringent insulation requirements for walls, floors, roofs, and ceilings. Insulating your home in line with these new requirements will help reduce energy use and improve the thermal performance of your home.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR INSULATION PER STATE?

INCREASED R-VALUES IN ROOFS, WALLS AND FLOORS

Increased use of thermal insulation in mid-floors and internal walls to provide zoning in order to cool or heat only those areas being occupied in order to save energy - this will help towards achieving 7 stars NatHERS Compliance.

National Construction Code (NCC) 2022

WHAT TYPE OF INSULATION TO ASK FOR

Our glasswool solutions has been certified by third-party certification bodies to ensure it delivers performance while meeting strict safety and energy efficiency standards. The Earthwool range is both BRANZ appraised and Codemark Certified and has achieved Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A certification - a robust, trusted and widely recognised ecolabel.

While designers and building owners can easily gain GreenStar credits by using products with this certification, it also gives homeowners peace of mind that their homes are constructed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind from beginning to end.

All unfaced products in the Earthwool range are deemed non-combustible and are covered by the Certifire certificate to demonstrate the highest level of fire safety.

National Construction Code (NCC) 2022