2022-07-18 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                       18 JULY 2022


ambitious targets for emissions reduction and is a constraint to local governments playing their
part in in achieving the targets in the Paris Agreement.
There are many aspects of building design, setbacks etc. covered by planning schemes, the
current prohibition by state planners to codifying requirements for new development as part of local
climate action appears arbitrary and potentially responding to ill-informed advocacy of some in the
development industry.
There is a current proposal to increase the minimum standards within the National Construction
Code, but regardless of whether this proposal is adopted or not there is a fundamental principle
that planning schemes should reflect the aspirations of the community.
Previous Council Consideration
Nil
Finance
Nil associated directly - seeking consideration of a potential LGAQ motion and advocacy for
legislative change.
Risks & Opportunities
The minimum standards of the National Construction Code are implemented and future homes
reflect the aspirations of the community.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil
Internal Consultation
Previous Planning Scheme submissions

MOTION C – Energy Efficiency Update in NCC – Cr Brian Stockwell
“That the LGAQ calls on the State and Federal government to approve the Australian Building
Codes Board’s recommended updated energy provisions for new homes, at the next Building
Ministers Forum.”
Background
The National Construction Code sets the rules for how new homes are built in Australia. There is
a draft proposal to lift minimum energy efficiency ratings for new homes, and to require solar and/or
efficient appliances.
The updated energy provisions proposed for the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code
follow a collaborative 3-year process led by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
Better performing homes mean lower energy bills, healthy, resilient and safe homes for Australians
and an easy and low-cost way to meet Australia’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by
2050.
Climateworks Centre and ASBEC have calculated lifting standards would result in up to 15 million
tonnes of emissions reductions by 2030.
The proposed increase is achievable, cost-effective and financially beneficial to residents.
Australia’s 10 million residential buildings are responsible for around 24% of overall electricity use
and 12% of total carbon emissions nationally. Increasing the energy performance of new homes is
a quick and easy way to achieve our net-zero targets.
It has been 12 years since the minimum standard was increased. In that time industry and
technologies have greatly improved to build homes that are healthier, more energy efficient and
resilient.

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