The 2010 Building Code of Australia (BCA), which takes effect from 1 May 2010, contains enhanced energy efficiency measures.
Edition 2-2010 Master Builders Executive Council President – Ross Barrett Treasurer – Simon Butt Commercial Builders Council Chair – Sam Delorenzo Civil Contractors Council Chair – Peter Middleton Residential Builders Council Chair – Andrew Kerec Professional Consultants Council Chair – Hans Sommer Suppliers and Subcontractors Council Chair – Peter Fairburn Master Builders Management team Executive Director – John Miller Deputy Executive Director – Jerry Howard Director Industrial Relations – Mike Baldwin Senior Management Accountant – Louise MacCallum Director Skills Development & Research – Grant Daly Senior Manager - Marketing & Membership Services – David Leitch Master Builders Group Training General Manager – Wendy Tengstrom
The BCA 2010 will require all new houses to be built to a six-star energy efficiency rating equivalence. Apartments will have to have an average rating of six-stars or equivalent .A building’s energy equivalence rating is determined by the design of its envelope or ‘shell’ i.e. roof, walls, windows and floors. Other changes in the new code include domestic lighting efficiency requirements and increased energy efficiency and environmental sustainability requirements for commercial buildings.
Transitional measures In order to avoid redesign and re-approval delays, the Minister for Planning has agreed to a limited transitional period for energy efficiency measures in BCA 2010.These transitional measures will be introduced by regulation, which is expected to be made before 1 May 2010. It’s important to note that while there will be transitional arrangements for energy efficiency measures all other parts of BCA 2010 will apply from May 1.
Class 1, 2 and 10 buildings (e.g. houses, apartments, sheds, garages,) An eight-month transitional period will apply for development applications (DAs) lodged before July 1 2010 but only when building approval can be granted before 1 January 2011. For
When will the scheme commence?
1
If the development is exempt (i.e. doesn’t require development approval) the building approval application needs to be made to the certifier before 1 July 2010.
Class 2 (e.g. apartment buildings) that need DA amendment Some DAs lodged before 1 July 2010 may require changes to comply with the BCA. If an amendment application has not already been lodged with ACTPLA, then building approval can be granted based on BCA 2009 energy efficiency requirements but only if the building approval can be granted before 1 May 2011.
Class 3 to 9 buildings (e.g. motels, commercial buildings, schools, public buildings, hospitals) For DAs lodged with ACTPLA before 1 July 2010, if building approval can be granted before 1 January 2011 then the building approval can be granted based on BCA 2009 energy efficiency requirements.
Projects exempt from building approval Some projects don’t require building approval (but to be exempt they must still comply with the BCA). These projects can comply with BCA 2009 energy efficiency requirements if construction started before 1 May 2010 or the exempt project was shown on a plan for a larger project that is subject to the transition period.
Disclosure of Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Commencing in the second half of 2010, up-dated energy efficiency information will need to be disclosed to prospective buyers or tenants when office space covering 2,000 square metres or more is sold, leased or sub leased. In all cases, a building Energy Efficiency Certificate will need to be disclosed .
Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au
these developments 2009 BCA energy efficiency requirements will apply.
Commonwealth legislation is now being developed to give effect to the scheme in the second half of 2010, with a final commencement date dependant on the passage of the legislation through Parliament.
Are there any penalties? Compliance and enforcement details will be specified in the legislation. Possible enforcement provisions could include: • a maximum penalty of $100,000 for each offence of nondisclosure and publishing the name of organisations who have not complied on a publicly accessible website. For further information visit www. environment.gov.au/buildings.
SAFETY ALERT IMPORTATION OF TREMOLITE ASBESTOS NATURAL STONE TILES ORS Workcover and NSW Workcover have issued safety alerts following the recent importation from China of natural stone tiles that were found to contain Tremolite asbestos, which is a prohibited hazardous substance. Tremolite asbestos (a carcinogenic substance) is a mineral consisting of elongated, needle-like fibres, which can lodge in the lungs and cause asbestosrelated diseases including mesothelioma. The tiles have been distributed through suppliers across NSW, Victoria and Queensland and have a distinctive ‘snow white’ colour and a rough-cut faceted look.
Tremolite under 100 X magnification under polarizing microscopy (note the fine, needle-like crystaline structures).
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS The Occupational Health and Safety NSW 2000 requires that suppliers of substances must ensure that those substances are safe and without risks when properly used. The importation, sale or use of all forms of asbestos, including Tremolite asbestos, is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
RISK CONTROLS • Importers of natural stone tiles from China should ask for documentation that verifies the content of the tiles and ensure they do not import any tiles known to contain Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock. • Importers or retailers who suspect they may have natural stone tiles that contain Tremolite asbestos or other forms of asbestos-bearing rock are to immediately inform WorkCover, and materials are to be tested by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)-accredited testing facility. • Where natural stone tiles are identified to contain Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock, they are to be sealed using appropriate plastic or leak-proof containers and disposed of as asbestos waste at an approved asbestos disposal facility. • Where natural stone tiles containing Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock have been installed, the affected area is to be isolated until the material is removed by a licenced asbestos removalist and the area cleared by an occupational hygienist.
‘Snow white’ Tremolite asbestos-containing natural stone tiles. They come in a bright white colour and the surface has plates of crystals. Grooves can be felt on the surface of the plates.
FURTHER INFORMATION Importing asbestos into Australia – www.customs.gov.au Approved asbestos disposal facilities – www.environment.nsw.gov.au Working safely with asbestos – www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.workcover.act.gov.au The Office of Regulatory Services – WorkCover on 6205 0200
Proposed
plumbing accreditation scheme
ActewAGL is seeking comment and advice from plumbers, professional associations and the community on a proposed plumbing accreditation scheme under the Contestable Work Accreditation Code (2000).
will be established consisting of independent members drawn from industry, utility and regulatory authorities.
Section 83 of the Utilities Act requires trained and accredited plumbers to install water services, from the ACTEW water main to the meter isolation valve, and utility water meters. ActewAGL Distribution operates the water and wastewater assets of ACTEW Corporation. ActewAGL wishes to provide training which will ensure participating plumbers can deliver a consistent standard of work. Once the scheme is operating, only registered and trained plumbers will be permitted to undertake these installations.
Accreditation will be granted to those successfully undertaking a short practical and assessed course, run by the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) trades staff. A standards manual will be provided describing the approved methods of installing pipes, meter pits and meters on domestic, commercial and multi-unit sites. At the end of the course plumbers will receive a certificate of attainment. Successful applicants will be invited to enter into an agreement to consistently deliver the required standard of workmanship.
Interested persons can request further information and submit comment by post, email or by phoning a member of the project team. If there is sufficient interest, public information sessions will be held to discuss the scheme.
There will be a 12-month period of grace for plumbers to gain accreditation under the proposed scheme. When the grace period expires, ActewAGL-accredited plumbers will be the only licensed plumbers permitted to lay water services and install ACTEW water meters.
Why update the current scheme? Currently, ACT licensed plumbers are automatically accredited to lay water services and install water meters. There is no formal quality assurance scheme or disciplinary process and inspection and repair of defective work is time consuming. Does this scheme extend the scope of work for plumbers? No. The new scheme continues to cover water services from main to meter. ActewAGL will continue to be responsible for tapping into the water main.
What is the scheme? The new scheme will require plumbers, licensed in the ACT, to register and apply for training. Once completed, plumbers will be invited to enter into an agreement with ActewAGL to deliver a specified standard of work. Failure to honour that agreement could lead to disciplinary action, including mandatory refresher training. Repeated failure may lead to disqualification. The disciplinary process is designed to protect the interests of the consumer, the reputation of accredited plumbers and ACTEW Corporation. A disciplinary panel
What will be involved?
Costs and timing ActewAGL will pay for developing and administering the scheme. Plumbers will be required to obtain the accreditation through CIT at their own cost. ActewAGL plan to run the first intake in October 2010.
Contact details To make a submission or enquiry contact a member of the ActewAGL project team: Lisa Quinn
6242 2108
Robert McKee 6242 1455 Bayne Geikie
6242 1191
Requests or submissions can be emailed to plumbers.accred@actewagl.com.au or mailed to: Attention: Plumbers Accreditation scheme ActewAGL GPO Box 366 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Submissions close at 5.00pm on Friday 21 May 2010.
BCA 2010 Revised Energy Efficiency Provisions On 22 January 2010 Senator Kim Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research and Senator Penny Wong, Acting Environment Minister announced that new provisions for greenhouse pollution reduction would be included in the national Building Code of Australia (BCA) for 2010. These new provisions have been developed at the request of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). They further enhance and expand the existing energy efficiency provisions in the BCA.
Summary of the key changes for 2010 Both Volumes • Revised Objective, Functional Statements and some Performance Requirements to recognise that the goal is greenhouse gas emission reduction rather than energy efficiency alone and in doing so, give further credit for renewable energy sources. • Solution for a dwelling based on a house energy rating has been relocated to the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. • A general increase in stringency across all aspects. • A restructuring of tables and clauses as needed for the increased stringency, including more detailed provisions in some cases. • In increasing roof insulation performance; recognition is given for light coloured roofs. • New provisions for artificial lighting within dwellings and associated Class 10a buildings with the allowance for the dwelling able to be increased if control systems are installed. • Other specific lighting provisions such as separate switching for high and low efficiency lamps. • Insulation on duct and pipe services must be to AS/ NZS 4859.1 and, as a result of an industry submission, are now specified in terms of material R-Value.
Volume One • A new Part 0 has been added as a pathway to the Deemed-to-Satisfy options including a house energy rating scheme approach for apartments (Class 2 sole-occupancy units and Class 4 parts). There is no Deemed-to-Satisfy solution for Class 2 sole-occupancy units and Class 4 parts. • Inclusion of a table for adjusting ceiling insulation if penetrations exceed 0.5%. • Insulating performance of internal envelope walls and envelope floors now a function of climate zone, whether a floor has an in-slab conditioning system, suspended or on ground, enclosed or mechanically ventilated. • Glazing method 1 in J2.3 has been removed because it was primarily for Class 2 sole occupancy units and Class 4 parts which now must use house energy rating software Class 3 and 9c aged care buildings are to use the glazing method in J2.4. • Glazing allowances in J2.4 are now base on three separate sets of indices, i.e. one set for Class 3 and Class 9c aged care buildings, another for display glazing in a shop or showroom and another for all other applications. • The air-conditioning of a Class 3 soleoccupancy unit must cease if an external door to a balcony, patio or courtyard is left open. • The over-supply permitted of outside air has been reduced from 150% to 120%. • As well as the current provisions for heating a space using a water heating system, there are now requirements for a heating system other than a water based one, eg electricity is not permitted and oil is limited to locations without reticulated gas. • Fixed space heating appliances installed outdoors must have automatic controls.
• At the request of some industry stakeholders, the definitions of fan power and pump power have been revised. • Some illumination power density allowances have been increased while others reduced. • The adjustment formulae for the lighting of small rooms has been amended and relocated to directly under the illumination power density table. • Large single function spaces such as auditorium and sports stadiums have been exempted from the switching area limit provisions. • New provisions have been added for the heating and pumping plant of swimming pools and spa pools and also pool & spa covers in some circumstances. • New provisions have been added for the metering of energy usage. • Additional information has been added to the Guide to Volume One.
Volume Two • A new Performance Requirement and Deemedto-Satisfy Provisions for supply water heaters favouring heaters using an energy source that is renewable or of low greenhouse gas intensity. • New Part 3.12 as a pathway to the Deemed-to-Satisfy options. • Recognition of the benefit of an outdoor living area in climate zones 1 & 2. • A new requirement for at least half the required insulation to be laid on the ceiling. • New explanatory information warning about the need to consider the weight of insulation on plasterboard, its fixings and framing members. • Revision of the table for adjusting ceiling insulation if penetrations exceed 0.5% (now based on the R-Value required rather than the climate zone). • Inclusion of “worst case” advisory information on roof lights performance, with and without a ceiling diffuser. • Inclusion of a convection barrier in wall cavities. • Revision of the tables for floor performance so that floors and enclosures are now considered as a system and includes different values for different constructions and ground-to-floor heights. • The provision for an attached Class 10a building (garage) in climate zone 5 now has an option for reducing the glazing allowance of the Class 1 building.
• The glazing formulae and allowances have been modified to allow for the benefit of passive winter solar heating (this means an additional table for winter exposure factors). • Habitable rooms in climate zone 5 are now to be sealed irrespective of whether the space is conditioned. • Where an external door is to be sealed, a draft protection device is now required on the bottom of the door. • Air movement opening sizes have been moderated because reduced glazing allowances may result in designers choosing smaller windows. • There are new provisions for the energy source and the performance of supply water heaters including a new Performance Requirement, Verification Method and reference Standards. • There are now limitations on the use of electric resistance space heating. • There are new provisions for supply water heaters that specify the performance of the heaters and also severely limit the use of electric resistance heaters.
Green Living Training programs Green Buildings are increasingly becoming a normal part of the construction landscape. Not only are companies competing to have buildings with high ratings built for them, studies show that there are positive economic benefits to the owners and occupiers of these buildings and increased returns to investors. Environmental and sustainability requirements are increasingly becoming a part of government and private tenders. This includes the requirement for companies to have environmental policies and management plans in place and ensure compliance by their employees. Master Builders can provide you with the latest information, training and advice to help you meet these legislative and client requirements. Please contact Grant Daly on 02 6175 5954 to register your interest in the following training opportunities. Volume 1 & 2 BCA 2010 Changes - Green Living Domestic - Sustainable Construction Commercial - Certificate IV Building & Construction (Environmental Management) - Thermal Assessment Energy Rating (Software Training) -
1/2 day training 2 days training 2 days training 10 days training 4 days training.
Expression of interest registration forms can be found in the Green Living section at www.mba.org.au
Who will tell the
Electricians? BCA 2010 - Electrical Changes New electrical provisions will apply in the Building Code of Australia 2010 as noted below. Who will tell the electricians about these new changes? It will be up to you, the builders. It is also likely that you will need to provide a lighting layout for each Class 1 or alterations to the building, specifying the allowable lighting to satisfy the requirements of BCA 2010.
– Using Illumination power density, the allowance can be increased by dividing it by the adjustment factor in Table 3.12.5.3 of the BCA
New BCA clause 3.12.5.5 – Artificial Lighting
– Separate on-off switches for each room
– Lamp power density & Illumination power density: • 5 W/m2 in the Class 1 building • 4 W/m2 for a verandah or balcony • 3 W/m2 in a Class 10 building
– Separate temperature control & time switches for each zone or group of rooms
– Lamp power density is straight forward
New BCA clause 3.12.5.4 Electric Resistance Space Heating Serving more than one room to have:
– Power loads not greater than: • 110 W/m2 for living areas • 150 W/m2 for bathrooms
Proposed Change of Use Charge has caused panic in the industry A draft discussion paper commissioned by ACT Treasury on the Review of the Change of Use Charge System in the ACT appears to have caused unnecessary panic in the industry, which has resulted in a scramble by developers to get their DA applications lodged prior to the proposed implementation date. We must bear in mind that this is only a draft discussion paper, which is subject to further consultation and the MBA has been actively involved in extensive consultation with Treasury and representatives from the ACT government. These discussions have included the possible impact
that these proposed changes may have on the development sector. Master Builders’ comments have been taken on board and a revised discussion paper is currently in the process of being finalised. At this stage we reiterate that industry should not panic and we, at Master Builders, are ensuring that any proposed changes should not have a detrimental effect, whereby re-development could be stalled with severe consequences for jobs in the construction industry. We will keep you updated on further developments as they come to hand.
Setting, Assessment and Rating Framework On April 7 Master Builders participated in a Stakeholder Forum on the above Framework. In July 2009 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency (NSEE). The NSEE is designed to substantially increase minimum standards for energy efficiency in buildings. A discussion paper has been prepared by the National Buildings Framework Subgroup for the Senior Officials Group on Energy Efficiency, which is tasked by COAG to oversee the implementation of the NSEE. Written submissions have been called for. The Subgroup contains representatives from all jurisdictions. The paper aims to facilitate consideration by stakeholders of the issues being addressed by the Framework measure and to seek input on the detailed development of the Framework.
Energy efficiency has been decided by the Australian Government as the critical second plank in dealing with climate change, alongside the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
On–Site Insight Edition 1-2010
National Building Energy Standard
In relation to setting building energy efficiency standards, the Framework will: • set increasingly stringent minimum performance standards over time for new buildings and major renovations, with standards to be reviewed and increased periodically, for example, every 3 years (subject to regulatory impact analysis); • use the BCA as the implementation mechanism for new building work; Master Builders believes that the NSEE policy approach needs to be reviewed for residential buildings in light of the final Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for the new energy efficiency requirements for BCA 2010.
Federal Safety Commissioner
Review of audit process Master Builders has made a submission to the review of the audit process for the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme). The review is internal and is being conducted by the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner. The aim of the internal review is to identify opportunities to make the audit process more efficient. The review is considering three broad questions: • Can the current audit criteria be made more relevant to the various sectors of the industry (residential, commercial and civil)? For example, are there any criteria that are not relevant to an industry sector? Can the wording of the criteria be amended to better align with the way that sector operates? • Are the audit criteria being applied inconsistently and if so, in what ways? • Are smaller contractors receiving enough guidance and support? If not, what additional guidance and support would be useful? In its submission, Master Builders identified a number of changes that could be made to the audit criteria. Master Builders’ submission also identifies a number of issues of importance that need to be addressed in order to improve the audit process including:
• Consistency of auditing, which Master Builders believes continues to be of major concern to the industry. Master Builders’ submission identifies a number of criteria which are open to interpretation by Federal Safety Officers (FSOs) and therefore to inconsistent approaches. • The evidence required by FSOs. In a number of cases evidence sought is leading to an increased paper burden for accredited companies without necessarily improving safety. • The need to provide greater guidance to accredited companies on what is required as part of the audit process. Master Builders’ submission also flags the need to review the Scheme requirements to ensure that they are consistent with the policy underpinning the harmonised OHS legislation. The Workplace Relations Ministers Council (and therefore all governments, including the Commonwealth government) have agreed that formal risk assessment is not an inherent requirement of the model OHS laws, but should only be required for certain high risk work or industries (these are still being determined). This decision recognises that in many cases known controls can be applied to address risks – requiring formal risk assessments in these circumstances is unnecessary red tape. 7
Coming events for 2010 Master Builders Industry Dinner 2010 & Sector Council Meetings
Date: Wednesday 26 May Time: Commerical, Residential & Professional Sector Council Meetings - 4:30pm Pre-Dinner drinks 6.30pm Where: Hyatt Hotel, Canberra Guest of Honour: Mr Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition The Master Builders Industry Dinner provides the opportunity for members to network with fellow industry members. We are pleased to announce the Honourable Mr Tony Abbott will be attending as our Guest of Honour, as well as making a formal presentation during the function.
Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards
Date: Friday 25 June Time: 6.30pm Where: National Convention Centre Places are filling up fast for the night of nights in the building and construction industry. This event showcases the exceptional work being done throughout all sectors of industry in Canberra and the surrounding region. For more information about registration or to receive an entry form, please contact us.
CCF Earth Awards
Date: Thursday 2 September Where: Old Parliament House This year the CCF Earth Awards will again be held in the luxurious Members Dining Room at Old Parliament House. The CCF Earth Awards showcase and celebrate exceptional works in civil construction, as well as being a premier networking opportunity for all sectors of the industry.
ACT Private Sector Building Activity $200
MILLION
$150
$100
$50
$0
Apr-09
May-09
Jun-09
Jul-09
Aug-09
Sep-09
Oct-09
Nov-09
Dec-09
Jan-10
Feb-10
Mar-10
The above graph and table below summarise private sector building activity for the various building sectors in the ACT over the past 12 months. // To Insert New Data Goto Object/Graph/Data The values for each month are depicted in millions of dollars.
• Copy and Paste Pivot Table Data into Data Additions and Alterations (Residential) Commercial Building Work Garages, Pools, Decks and Similar Structures Multi Unit New Homes
8
Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 3.15 4.12 6.86 35.59 27.49 42.55 1.48 1.34 2.09 0.94 0.00 4.57 58.64 20.50 42.59
Jul-09 4.83 57.82 2.40 41.44 43.08
Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 9.18 8.49 5.12 39.16 8.39 6.67 4.29 8.52 66.61 10.57 25.98 84.75 96.67 180.11 56.20 20.97 3.55 3.45 3.03 3.21 4.39 4.01 4.42 1.42 4.34 10.69 19.70 90.94 66.97 54.83 10.63 27.00 41.24 63.24 54.92 53.91 54.79 49.64 43.41 19.87