The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has announced that the consultation period for proposed changes for the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 is now open.

The NCC 2019 Public Comment Draft has a number of proposed changes that have resulted from major project work done by the ABCB and the Proposal for Change (PFC) process. These include new quantified performance metrics and verification methods; improved fire safety measures; removing the ability to use bonded laminated material where a non-combustible material is required; increased levels of energy efficiency for commercial buildings; revised Acceptable Construction Practices (ACPs) in NCC Volume Two; new Acceptable Plumbing Practices (APPs) in NCC Volume Three and; improved readability, including standardised Governing Requirements across the NCC.

The changes aim to deliver a contemporary code without compromising minimum standards for buildings and plumbing systems. Full details are provided in the NCC 2019 Public Comment Draft and some of the proposed changes also have supporting materials further explaining them.

The ABCB is seeking feedback on the proposed changes until close of business on 13 April 2018.

Further information is available on the ABCB website.