What is NCC And Why Do We Need It?
What is NCC And Why Do We Need It?
Energy-intensive construction and environmental sustainability are two different domains but are closely connected. If we talk about the construction industry, it is one of the biggest consumers of natural resources and raw materials. The World Green Building Council found out that the construction industry generates an estimated 39% of the world’s carbon emissions.
Architects, engineers, and contractors need construction codes that could reduce the negative impact of construction and building activities. National Construction Codes (NCC) is a highly valuable set of codes that help the construction industry become greener and safer.
On the bright side, the construction sector is now focusing on sustainable solutions despite complex challenges and conflicting goals. In this brief post, we will help you understand what NCC is and why we need it.
What is the National Construction Code (NCC)?
NCC is a uniform set of technical provisions for the construction, design, and performance of plumbing systems and buildings throughout Australia. In collaboration with the Australian Government, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) publishes and maintains these codes. We can divide NCC into two segments: Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).
Based on the type of work, we can further divide NCC into the following three volumes:
Volume One: It deals with the technical requirements for the design and construction of commercial, residential, industrial, and public assembly buildings. If you find it hard to understand the examples of complex NCC provisions, consult the Guide to Volume One.
Volume Two: You need volume two for a residential project as it contains the technical requirements for the design and construction of small sheds, carports, and small scale structures like houses.
Volume Three: This part deals with the design, construction and installation of plumbing and drainage systems.
These volumes include, but are not limited to governing and performance requirements. Precisely speaking, the NCC is a performance-based code that states the minimum requirements for fire safety, access and egress, health and amenity, sustainability, and structure.
In Australia, all new construction projects or plumbing and drainage systems must comply with the NCC by meeting the performance requirements. If you’re a builder, it’s mandatory for you to satisfy the requirements mentioned in the NCC.
Why we need NCC
Why do we need NCC anyway? Building codes like NCC are the minimum requirements related to design, construction, renovation or maintenance of buildings and plumbing systems. They are developed and enforced to not only ensure the safety of building occupants but also promote the overall welfare of communities. As an architect, contractor, or property owner, you have to use NCC as a guide before starting any construction project. The following benefits will make it clearer why the construction industry needs NCC:
NCC helps us prevent and protect against natural calamities.
New codes are often developed based on learning from past failures.
When implemented right, NCC helps builders lower construction costs.
Complying with the NCC leads to energy savings.
Most importantly, NCC prioritizes sustainability and safety in every construction process from start to finish.