New Building Regulations and Windows from Paarhammer

At the recent conference of the Australian Windows Association (AWA), new upcoming building regulations were announced.

Policy changes to enable greenhouse gas reductions are being discussed with changes for commercial buildings possible as early as 2019 as per the Australian Building Codes Board 2017. Residential building requirement changes may be introduced in 2022. Other key points are to recognise NABERS Energy and Green Star as compliance options, and ensuring that residential buildings perform well year round. These will soon be reflected in the National Construction Code, and State and Territory specific regulations.

Buildings are responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. With new regulations, houses will need to be better insulated with the aim to climate proof the home, increasing the overall energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.

In 2017, 85% of all windows and doors for new homes continue to be built with single glazing, which together with poor installation, have been found to be the weakest link in the building envelope. With changes coming to the building codes, single glazing will no longer be enough to satisfy building regulations. Therefore, double or triple glazing, and technologically advanced framing systems, will be essential.