Changes to the BCA 2011 now in effect
19-03-2011 - Insites Volume 3, Issue 2 2011
NOW FORMS PART OF THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE (NCC) SERIES. The Building Code of Australia 2011 (BCA 2011) is now in operation.
The BCA 2011 came into effect on 1 May 20n The BCA forms two volumes of the NCC being:
- Volume 1 BCA 2011 Class 2 – 9 buildings
- Volume 2 BCA 2011 Class 1 and 10 buildings.
Changes were made to energy efficiency provisions, including 6 Star for Class 1 buildings and some 10a buildings, Class 2 and Class 4 parts of a building.
Some minor changes were also made to Section J of Volume 1.
Other BCA 2011 changes included:
- A new Class 10c, which pertains to private bushfire shelters
- Access requirements to align with the Access Code
- Changes to BCA referenced documents to improve and update Australian Standards
- Structural changes for glazing to improve safety standards
- Changes to measurements to stairways and ramps
- Inclusion of artificial lighting requirements to residential buildings and houses.
All building permits issued from 1 May 2011 should have building designs that take into account the changes to the BCA.
More detail on major changes to the BCA 2011:
New access standards
Since 1 May 2011, certain new and existing buildings must comply with the Disability (Access to Premises Buildings) Standards 2010, referred to as the Premises Standards under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The Access Code is incorporated of Volume 1 BCA 2011.
How it works
The Premises Standard:
- Sets out administrative arrangements to be replicated in each Jurisdiction; and
- Includes the Access Code, which is incorporated into Volume 1 of the BCA 20n The BCA 2011 defines the classes of building to which access is required and provides 'Deemed-to-Satisfy' (DTS) provisions to meet the performance requirements.
The new changes will help provide certainty to property developers, building owners and practitioners that if access is provided to the standard specified it will not be unlawful under the DDA.
The Building Act 7993 and Building Regulations 2006 have also been amended to incorporate the administrative provisions of the Premises Standard and exceptions and concessions for certain matters.
All building permit applications that pertain to the Access Code after 1 May 2011 should have building designs that take into account the new provisions.
If not, they may be 'unlawful' under the Premises Standard and the DDA.
6 Star Standard
Since 1 May 2011, all new homes, home renovations, alterations and additions must comply with a 6 Star Standard. This sees Victoria align with national energy efficiency measures.
The 6 Star Standard applies to the thermal performance of a home, renovation or addition, plus the installation of a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.
Some simple building work, not requiring a building permit, will not be affected by the new regulations.
However, all new homes and building projects, involving home extensions and major renovations, will need to comply with 6 Star.
Key elements of 6 Star include:
- For Class 1 and 10 there are two main methods of energy assessment: A Home Energy Rating Software (HERS) package can be used by a trained energy assessor for the heating and cooling loads; or the DTS construction provisions in the BCA 20n The remainder of the building must comply with Part 3.12.
- For Class 2 and 4 there are no elemental DTS requirements for heating and cooling loads. The HERS must be used by an energy assessor. The remainder of the building must comply with Part J.
- A 6 Star energy efficiency rating applies to your home's building envelope – its roof, walls, floor, windows and services.
- 6 Star requirements include efficiency standards for lighting but not plug-in appliances.
- Continued requirement to install either a solar water heater or rainwater tank in Class 1 buildings.
Anyone working with in the building industry will need to know what changes have come into effect. The Building Commission conducted information sessions about these changes, which commenced in February and included a state wide stakeholder road show in April. The Australian Building Codes Board also conducted seminars in all capital cities focusing on changes to the BCA, including the new disability access provisions.
Building Commission Practice Note 55 relating the energy efficiency provisions of the BCA 2011 is available at www.buildingcommission.com.au
A Practice Note relating to the new access provisions is also available at www.buildingcommission.com.au
Insites Volume 3, Issue 2 2011, pg4