Building Code reviews moving to a three-year cycle

Updating the Building Code system every three years, especially when changes may increase costs, gives the sector more certainty and helps with planning for investment.

Other parts of the world take a similar approach, including our closest trading partner Australia, which may provide opportunities for greater alignment.

Out-of-cycle changes will be made when needed, for example, to respond to safety issues.

More regular updates will be made to the Building Product Specifications, which aim to provide more choice of building products, rather than change requirements.

Building Code changes already under way

Work underway on Building Code system changes will continue as planned. This includes:

• improvements to the H1 Energy efficiency settings
• reviewing fire safety requirements
• improving access to overseas building products.

What Building Code reviews help with

Reviewing the Building Code system ensures:

• the Code is clear, consistent, and up-to-date with modern construction methods, building use, and technology
• people have opportunities to share feedback on Building Code system issues, such as practical compliance challenges or ideas for improvement.