FAQ NCC 2022 7-Star Homes
Energy Rating Requirements

What can I do to minimise the extra costs?

• If you keep the same designs and simply change components, then meeting the standard could be expensive. (The building industry is quoting $15,000 (and up to $40,000), although in most cases it will be less.
• On the other hand, if you reassess your whole approach and optimise for 7-star design, you can achieve a 7-star rating at minimal cost.
• There are a number of options that allow you to spend a bit of money in one area and eliminate a cost in another area. In some cases this can result in an overall cost saving.
• To take advantage of this, you need to work with someone with a good understanding of the relevant provisions affecting insulation, windows, ventilation and the interaction between them.  See Architect and Builder Services.

A bigger issue is the rise in building costs and material shortages.

• This has been true, but fortunately seems to be easing off now. If you are not yet using a rise and fall contract you should talk to your industry association and review your strategy to manage price increases.
• When you reassess for a NatHERS 7-star home strategy is an ideal time to also reassess for current relative building costs and product availability.
• This is an opportunity to get ahead of your less responsive competitors.

Is it true that a 7-star house using a steel frame uses more energy than a timber frame.

• If the insulation is between the studs, then yes this is true as steel is highly thermally conductive and creates a significant thermal bridge effect. Even though there are mitigations in place, they do not necessarily full address this issue.
• There are approaches where this is not the case and if you want to deliver a true 7-star home with a steel frame we can help you. For some construction methods this can be done at minimal cost penalty.
• If you are using timber frame construction, the fact that it performs better than most steel frame homes is a potential selling point. See Architect and Builder Services.

​What approach should I use; Deemed to Satisfy or NatHers analysis?

• For an initial approach I recommend using the deemed to satisfy provisions as it will give you a better understanding of the factors that impact the design.
• Calculators have been prepared by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) which simplify the two most confusing aspects (windows and domestic services). 
• If you can’t economically achieve your design within the deemed to satisfy provisions, then I recommend having a NatHERS analysis to see where you can trade off improved performance in one area for a cheaper solution elsewhere. The problem with this is that if you are using an external consultant, they gain the knowledge of how to tweak a design, not you, unless you have a knowledge sharing arrangement.
• If you work with Low Energy Home, the core of our approach is to help you develop a strategy to enable you to quickly, easily and economically meet the latest requirements with homes that suit your target market.
• Find out how we can help by contacting us.

​What strategy should I use to minimise cost increases?

• Your approach needs to rethink the whole process of how you achieve the performance requirements.
• The traditional advice to consider orientation still applies, however the form of the building is also critical.
• The most effective approach is for you and your team to brainstorm with an experienced facilitator with building industry knowledge.
• The approach needs to clearly articulate your target market and their key desires so that you can develop an appropriate strategy to meet those desires economically.
• If you focus on your target market, it is likely there will be marketing opportunities associated with your approach, particularly compared to builders who just add higher cost components to meet the requirements.
• See Architect and Builder Services.

​Should I get training?

• The short answer is yes.
• The Australian Building Codes Board has some free training and relevant information. However, this training is about what the changes are, not on how to economically comply with them (although their calculators do help you optimise).
• Your industry association will also be running some training.
• If you don’t have enough time for training, you need to partner with someone who is familiar with the new requirements.
• Contact us to find out how we can help you smoothly navigate these changes.

when is ncc 2022 being implemented?

Most provisions will be adopted on 1 May 2023.
However, the introduction dates for the energy efficiency and livable housing provisions are a mess due to most states delaying the introduction dates.
It is expected that the new provisions will be able to be used earlier.
​However, although those dates may seem a long way away, unless you start planning your strategy, the cost of meeting the changes will be high. Contact us to ensure a smooth transition.

What do the ABCB mean by domestic services?

• It sounds like you need to get a cleaning service, but actually the ABCB are talking about the energy use for heating, cooling, hot water, lighting and if you have a pool or spa, the pumps and heaters for swimming pools and spas.
• Don't panic, the board has a nifty little Calculator-WholeOfHome-Class1 that you can download to help you assess compliance. (Note this version is the Beta and when the requirements come in, you will need to update it.)
• If you don't have a pool or spa, it is pretty easy in most climate zones to comply. For instance, if you live in Adelaide, don't have a pool or spa, have a wall split for heating and cooling, the cheapest way of achieving compliance is generally with a heat pump hot water heater. Alternatively, if you wanted to go solar anyway, installing solar PV and the cheapest water heater would meet the requirements.
• Basically, this approach is recovering the societal cost of providing energy and greenhouse gas emissions, so that heavy energy users have to install solar to offset their energy use, but light users experience minimal costs. Sounds fair to me.
• For more about meeting the NCC 2022 requirements for residential buildings go to Architect and Builder Services.

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