No more delays: Supply chain ready for NCC

The Australian Institute of Architects has backed calls for to fully implement the National Construction Code 2022 for climate-ready buildings, arguing for an accelerated uptake in sustainable materials.

Institute National President Stuart Tanner said supply chain materials were available for use in construction and could assist to decarbonise the built environment, and meet Australia’s global commitments.

“The Institute supports the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) when it says their members are ready to make Australian buildings climate prepared,” he said.

“With the built environment contributing around 40 per cent of total emissions – 27 per cent from operations and 15 per cent from materials – it cannot be ignored.”

The Institute supports low-emissions building materials manufacturers that are keen to get moving and have products ready to build and install.

This follows the release of a communique from ASBEC associations that they are available to provide materials for energy-efficient homes and offices, notably increasing the minimum level of thermal performance for new homes.

ASBEC’s Low Carbon, High Performance report demonstrated that improving the performance of new and existing housing stock was among the few paths to reliably reach Australian commitments to reducing emissions by 2050.

“Unfortunately, Australia had fallen well behind when it came to addressing emissions in the built environment,” he said. “We have the ability to accelerate and once again lead, but not if we keep putting off the inevitable.”

He called for the implementation of the NCC2022 standards for low-carbon buildings with few or no exceptions.

“Our members are keen to work with these manufacturers. They want to use their significant expertise to design liveable climate-ready homes and buildings to respond to the future.

“Our members know that responsible low-carbon products are fundamental to this future.

“We call on all governments to support Australian building material manufacturers, to support climate-appropriate building materials and build the homes and other buildings Australia needs for the next 50 years.”

The Institute has been a vocal advocate for increased energy efficiency standards for the built environment to support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.