3 minute read

There’s new energy efficiency requirements and compliance pathways for apartments in NCC 2022.
Here’s an overview of what you need to know.

The new energy efficiency provisions include requirements for:

  • individual apartments (sole-occupancy units (SOU) of Class 2 buildings)
  • apartment buildings (Class 2 buildings).

What are the new requirements aiming to achieve?

The new requirements aim to:

  • reduce energy consumption and energy peak demand
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • improve occupant health and amenity
  • make the retrofit of renewable energy and electric vehicle charging equipment easy.

Key changes for individual apartments

  • An increase in stringency to the fabric thermal performance requirement (6 to 7 stars)
  • A new Performance Requirement that includes whole-of-home (WOH) energy usage
  • New and updated compliance options

Key changes for the common areas of apartment buildings

  • A new Performance Requirement to enable future installation of renewable energy and electric vehicle charging
  • New and expanded compliance options

What are the mandatory requirements?

There are 4 mandatory Performance Requirements.

The following table outlines which Performance Requirements apply to individual apartments and to apartment buildings.

What compliance options are available for individual apartments?

The 4 main options are shown in the following diagram together with the Volume One references.

Deemed-To-Satisfy (DTS) Solutions are shaded blue, Performance Solutions are shaded purple.

Other compliance options available are Performance Solutions. Refer to the ABCB website or the NCC for more information.

What compliance options are available for the common areas of apartment buildings?

The 5 main options are shown in the following diagram together with the Volume One references.

DTS Solutions are shaded blue, Performance Solutions are shaded purple.

Other compliance options available are Performance Solutions. Refer to the ABCB website or the NCC for more information.

Where can I find more guidance?

Our resource library and news section are a good place to start if you’re looking for more support and guidance on energy efficiency.