Improved energy performance of buildings presents a win-win-win opportunity, reducing stress on the electricity network, offering bill savings, supporting a least-cost pathway to a zero carbon built environment, and improving health and resilience outcomes for households and businesses.

The National Construction Code is a ready-made policy instrument to influence the energy efficiency of new buildings and major renovations. Improved building energy efficiency presents a win-win-win solution, reducing stress on the electricity network and supporting a least-cost pathway to decarbonisation while also delivering cost savings and improved comfort to households and businesses.

This policy framework addresses the potential opportunities presented by increasing the energy efficiency requirements for mid-tier buildings.

This paper presents rare insight as to what practical interventions can be delivered today and in the longer-term to achieve a better bang for our buck from our infrastructure spend.

The objective of this paper is to outline how the operation of the built environment can best contribute to the supply of diverse housing that supports affordable living outcomes.