The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 came into effect on 1 May 2023. Some states and territories have opted to delay adoption of the updated energy efficiency requirements or set an extended transition period.
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has a useful table referencing adoption dates across states and territories.
NatHERS software guidance
To help streamline requests during the extended transition to NCC 2022, there will be a blanket, coordinated approach permitting the use of 2019 software versions for NatHERS assessments.
Both the CSIRO and software providers have confirmed they can provide and operate NatHERS 2019 and 2022 software versions simultaneously.
Further information on this arrangement is available in this NatHERS statement.
You can visit the NatHERS software updates page for the latest information on accredited software tools, as well as how to comply with the different software versions.
Retiring NCC 2019 software
NatHERS NCC 2019 software has been ‘retired’ in all jurisdictions that have mandated the new NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements.
If an assessor feels their project meets jurisdictional transition arrangements to be modelled against NCC 2019 requirements the following protocols should be followed:
- Get a copy of the relevant jurisdictional statement in writing (confirming 2019 software can be used).
- Attach the written statement to the design documents.
- Reference this written statement in the additional notes of the certificate.
The table below provides a list of NCC 2022 transition dates, links to building authorities and information on the NatHERS NCC 2022 software transition process.
Contact your relevant jurisdiction for more information on the use of 2019 software.
| Jurisdiction | Adoption of NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements | State/Territory contacts | NatHERS NCC 2019 software transition process |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 1 October 2023 |
Read about increasing BASIX standards to 7-stars. Contact the New South Wales Government for more information. |
Standard case-by-case approval process for NCC 2019 software |
| ACT | 15 January 2024 |
Read about the Implementation of NCC 2022 in the ACT. Contact the Australian Capital Territory Government for more information. |
Standard case-by-case approval process for NCC 2019 software |
| VIC | 1 May 2024 |
Learn about NCC 2022 updates in Victoria in this industry alert. Contact the Victorian Building Authority for more information. |
Standard case-by-case approval process for NCC 2019 software |
| QLD | 1 May 2024 |
Read the latest on NCC 2022 implementation in QLD and NatHERS software use (Newsletter 22 May). Contact the Queensland Government for more information. |
Standard case-by-case approval process for NCC 2019 software |
| SA |
1 October 2024 Voluntary adoption from 1 October 2023 – 30 September 2024 |
See this statement from the Government of South Australia regarding the use of older software. Read more on Building Code | PlanSA Contact the Government of South Australia for more information. |
Retired versions of NCC 2019 software will be accessible with automated/blanket approval until 1 October 2024. |
| WA |
Voluntary adoption from 1 October 2023 – 30 April 2025. NCC 2022 Volumes One and Two, including the residential energy efficiency and condensation management provisions, will become mandatory in WA on 1 May 2025. |
Applicants may choose to apply either NCC 2019 or 2022. See more information in this newsletter article and on the WA Government’s website. See Building and Energy contacts for specific enquiries and information. |
Retired versions of NCC 2019 software will be accessible with automated/blanket approval until 30 April 2025. |
| NT | Voluntary adoption from 1 October 2023 |
Read about NT energy efficiency requirements for residential buildings Contact the Building Advisory Service unit for more information. |
Standard case-by-case approval process for NCC 2019 software. |
| TAS | NCC 2022 housing energy efficiency requirements not adopted |
Read about Energy efficiency for new homes (cbos.tas.gov.au) in Tasmania. See this statement regarding NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements. Contact the Tasmanian Government for more information. |
Retired versions of NCC 2019 software will be accessible with automated/blanket approval until the adoption of NCC 2025. |