Relevance of the Building Code of Australia

Section J of the BCA, which forms part of the National Construction Code (NCC), was updated in May 2019. Its objective is to reduce greenhouse emissions through efficient use of energy. It requires buildings to which it applies to include features to facilitate the efficient use of energy appropriate to the function and use of the building, the internal environment, its geographic location and other stipulated criteria.

Section J applies to most classes of buildings.

Verification must be established by either compliance with the ‘deemed to satisfy’ provisions with methods including NABERS and Green Star.

The requirements of Section J are significant mandatory requirements of the BCA and have become increasingly stringent in recent years in accordance with further enhancements to Section J foreshadowed in 2022 for residential buildings and 2025 for commercial buildings.