Around one quarter of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the built environment. This summary report argues that Australia will not achieve its legislated emissions reduction targets unless the built environment decarbonises its building operations.

The 'Better Apartments Design Standards' (BADS) were introduced into the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPPs) in 2017 in response to increasing numbers of Victorians choosing to live in apartments. This inquiry report indicates that the standards may have contributed to improved design across Victoria.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is the industry’s self-funded, independent regulator. This review examines the roles and responsibilities of the QBCC, and the Queensland Building and Construction Board, along with their respective policies, procedures and practices that affect the third-largest contributor to Queensland’s...

A new study by La Trobe University and the Summer Foundation investigates the most important design features to make homes more accessible. It provides evidence to support national implementation of accessibility standards in the National Construction Code (NCC).

This report addresses the serious and growing problem of building defects in the trillion dollar multi-unit housing sector. The findings are intended to inform changes to planning and development policy and regulation, leading to improved building quality and safety, lower costs and stress for owners...

The purpose of the report is to produce clear data on the problem of serious building defects in Class 2 residential apartment buildings in NSW. The report finds that 39% of strata buildings have experienced serious defects in the common property.

The purpose of the report is to determine how 'digital ready' the construction industry is to meet the opportunities of the digital future.

Mandatory accessible housing standards are to be incorporated into the National Construction Code (NCC). These will lead to major improvements in the quality of life for Australians living with disability and facilitate older Australians being able to age in place. It will make Australia a...

This study seeks the expert opinions of access consultants and architects on how expensive and complicated it would be for builders to incorporate specific accessible features into all new homes.

The findings of this study support the idea that well-designed housing that works for people with mobility impairments does not compromise the design of housing for the general population – rather it enhances the built environment.

This strategy focuses on opportunities for building regulation in the next 10 to 15 years, to provide people with safe, healthy, durable, accessible buildings that support social, economic and environmental wellbeing now and in the future.

This report advises on the economic credentials of a possible regulation to include minimum accessibility standards in the National Building Code, and responds to a Regulatory Impact Statement consultation document released by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) at the request of the Australian Building...

Industrial buildings, such as warehouses and cold-store facilities, play a key logistical role in the smooth running of national and regional economies. It’s vital that these assets are future-proofed for the impacts of a changing climate and a low carbon economy.

Finding suitable accommodation is important to all Australians and is a prerequisite for a happy, stable and dignified life. This Regulatory Impact Statement examines the likely costs and benefits associated with five different options being considered for the mandatory inclusion of accessible housing features in...

The purpose of this study was to complete a literature review of the economic assessment of the costs, benefits and methods for the construction of houses that are designed and built to standards that exceed the minimum requirements as defined by the Building Code. The...

This report shows how investing in better design for Australian housing can deliver a double benefit. If implemented now, it can protect jobs and keep money flowing to sustain the economy. In the long term, it can lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, thus...

Two case studies in Italy and two case studies in Spain are analyzed, and the effects of the project management issues are evaluated under three different points of view: Time, cost, and level of sustainability of the building. A poorly planned process for the achievement...

This paper positions the now-redundant Australian Renew Newcastle scheme for temporary building occupation as an example of ‘meanwhile use’: the UK term for the sanctioned short-term use of vacant urban properties awaiting redevelopment.

Tiny houses offer some potential to improve housing choice for those who can afford the upfront cost, may offer low impact urban densification option and can foster more sustainable behaviours. This potential will however, not be achieved unless local and state governments regulate tiny houses...

The Co-chairs of the Taskforce have released this report detailing progress on their recommendations since the update report was released last October, as well as 37 further recommendations for continuing building system reform.

Authorities claim the risk of corruption associated with the processing of building permits in Norway is more obvious than before. This study investigates the size of the opportunity space for questionable practice in the processing of building permits.

This article discusses house energy regulations and argues that the rate of houses built to a minimum standard is a negligible proportion to an optimal performance standard. The standards should be reviewed regularly to ensure optimal economic and environmental outcomes.

This report confirms that a number of structural design and construction issues, including non-compliance with national codes and standards were responsible for the observed damage at Opal Tower in Sydney.

This guide provides information about good practice for the design of buildings that are safe and easy to use for everyone.

Buildings contribute around a quarter of Australia's carbon emissions, but this is set to increase unless urgent changes are made to the National Construction Code. Hear spokespeople from ASBEC, GBCA and the Property Council of Australia explain what needs to happen.