Did you know Consult Australia represents members views on the Building Codes Committee? We checked in with our representative, Venn Engineering’s Grant Wood, to find out how the Code is changing in 2025.

We rely on the technical expertise of our members to inform our work on industry standards, specifications and certifications. One example is our representation on the Building Codes Committee (BCC) of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

Grant Wood, Director of Venn Engineering, provides invaluable advice and shares members’ perspectives on proposed updates to the National Construction Code (NCC). A chartered structural engineer and building product consultant, Grant has represented Consult Australia on the technical advisory BCC since 2022.

Final decisions on building codes and standards are made by the Australian Building Codes Board, informed by technical advice from the BCC. The BCC is composed of representatives from each state and territory government, as well as a broad range of industry bodies.

Changes to the Building Code

Proposed changes to commercial building energy efficiency, for instance, promise to provide cost-effective, fuel and technology neutral ways to move buildings towards net zero and support the continued uptake of electric vehicles. 

“This work will help to make new commercial buildings more resilient to the impact of climate change, cheaper to operate, and aligned with net zero targets,” Grant says.

Other proposed changes include measures to reduce the incidence of building defects resulting from the ingress of water. More stringent waterproofing and water shedding provisions would deliver a significant cost benefit, the ABCB has found, including $946 million through avoided rectification work.

“The design implications are significant, as architects and engineers will be responsible for making sure gravity is used to shed water rather than relying on waterproofing membranes as we have in the past. It’s a big change to the Code.”

The ABCB is also investigating new provisions to mitigate condensation, which can lead to excessive moisture and mould growth, causing adverse health impacts and building degradation. The ABCB’s impact analysis has found a net benefit of $400 million, with the biggest benefits in tropical and cooler climates. “We are seeing a general trend away from leaky buildings, but as we seal them we need to pay closer attention to issues like condensation,” Grant adds.

“Public feedback is now being reviewed and decisions will be made in coming months. We expect the final version of NCC2025 to come into force next year, although this may change like we experienced with NCC2022.”

Amplifying our efforts with Engineers Australia

Grant’s contribution on behalf of Consult Australia has been exceptional. He has effectively represented the interests of our members as the National Construction Code continues to evolve,” says Kristy Eulenstein, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations.

Consult Australia is leveraging the formal collaboration agreement with Engineers Australia to enhance the way it supports Grant’s work.

“We each have the opportunity to maximise our unique roles, Consult Australia as the voice of business and Engineers Australia as the voice of the profession,” Kristy adds.

Under the new approach, Consult Australia will receive feedback through Engineers Australia’s new Building Reform Community of Practice, established to explore reform agendas and draw on member expertise from all technical backgrounds and disciplines.

“I urge all Consult Australia members with an interest in contributing to BCC discussions to participate in this new Community of Practice. I have also ensured that members of Consult Australia who are not part of Engineers Australia can participate in this new Community of Practice. Feedback through this forum will support Grant in his representative role on the Building Codes Committee.”

Staying informed on the latest building codes is crucial for the profession, Grant adds. “Being at the forefront of regulatory changes ensures we can provide the best advice to clients.” 

“Strengthened collaboration between Consult Australia and Engineers Australia will enhance our collective ability to influence building code reforms and improve industry standards,” Kristy concludes.

Contact Kristy Eulenstein, Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations, to find out how you can participate in the Engineers Australia Building Reform Community of Practice and contribute to the work of the Building Codes Committee.