The Australian Building Codes Board published NCC 2025 on 1 May 2026. States decide when it takes effect. NSW has announced a 12-month transition, with NCC 2025 commencing on 1 May 2027. Until then, NCC 2022 continues to apply.
Who it affects
The major changes in NCC 2025 are to Section J of Volume One, which covers commercial and other non-residential buildings: Class 3 and Class 5–9. Residential energy provisions are on a national pause, and NSW houses remain under BASIX.
NSW has also said the new energy efficiency standards won’t apply to the common areas of apartment buildings, as part of its NSW-specific variations.
The key changes
On-site solar PV
The biggest change is that solar PV becomes part of the Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway under J9D5. In broad terms, buildings need PV across the available roof area, or a minimum output related to conditioned floor area, depending on building class and climate zone. Trafficable roofs, plant areas, skylights and heavily shaded areas are excluded.
More PV for gas-connected buildings
Buildings that use gas need additional PV to offset the extra emissions compared with an all-electric equivalent. It’s a clear nudge towards all-electric design.
Battery-ready switchboards
Switchboards must have reserved space and circuit capacity for future battery storage, unless a battery is installed at construction.
Tighter fabric and glazing
Total system U-value targets for walls and glazing now vary by building class and climate zone. Roof, ceiling and wall R-values increase, and glazing solar heat gain limits are revised, particularly for east and west facades.
HVAC and lighting
Minimum efficiency (EER and COP) for air-conditioning plant goes up, ductwork leakage limits tighten, and lighting controls such as occupancy sensing, daylight dimming and time scheduling are required in more space types.
The proposed EV-charging changes for commercial buildings didn’t make it into NCC 2025. Check your council’s DCP, which may have its own EV requirements.
Which edition applies to your project?
In NSW, the edition of the NCC that applies is generally the one in force when the construction certificate or CDC application is lodged, not when the DA was approved. A project approved at DA in late 2026 but lodged for CC after 1 May 2027 could land under NCC 2025.
That’s the practical risk. A design that complies with NCC 2022 today can need extra PV, different glazing or a bigger switchboard by the time it reaches CC. Confirm the edition with your certifier early, and check whether transitional arrangements apply.
What to do now
- Map your programme against May 2027. If CC lodgement could fall after that date, design to NCC 2025 now.
- Protect roof space. Keep plant, services and walkways compact so there’s usable roof area for PV, and check overshadowing from neighbours.
- Price the gas decision. Compare the extra PV needed for gas against going all-electric.
- Get the electrical engineer involved early on switchboard space for batteries.
- Consider J1V3 modelling for glass-heavy designs. Under the tougher DTS tables, performance modelling can save more than it costs.
Fitouts
For tenancy fitouts the practical impact is mostly in lighting and air-conditioning: tighter plant efficiency and more prescriptive controls. The PV and switchboard provisions mainly bite on new buildings and major works. Each fitout still needs checking against the parts that apply to the new work.
Summary
- NSW commences NCC 2025 on 1 May 2027. NCC 2022 applies until then.
- Changes target commercial buildings (Class 3, 5–9).
- Key additions are solar PV, battery-ready switchboards, extra PV for gas, and tighter fabric, HVAC and lighting standards.
- The edition generally follows the CC or CDC lodgement date, so check your timeline now.
Check your commercial project against Section J
Assessments prepared from your drawings, anywhere in NSW. Turnaround is confirmed in your quote and starts once all required information is received.
General information only, current at the date above. Requirements change and every project is different, so confirm the rules that apply to your project with your certifier or council.