News

World Sustainable Building Conference (SB08) - Melbourne 2008

Melbourne will host the World Sustainable Building Conference in September 2008. The impact of building and planning on sustainability and Climate Change will be on the agenda at the 2008 World Sustainable Building Conference (SB08), to be held in Melbourne, September 21-25, 2008.The conference is part of a series of international green building conferences.  Read more by downloading the flyer or viewing the  media release

Designing 5 Star Homes and Renovations workshops: An introduction to energy smart design

The 'Designing 5 Star Homes and Renovations' professional development workshops will build your skills in designing energy smart homes that comply with regulations and meet the changing expectations of customers. Read more by dowloading the flyer or visit www.mefl.com.au for further information.

Building industry switched on for digital television

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today launched a handbook to assist the building and associated industries plan for digital television switchover.

Future Green Leaders - Site Tours

On Thursday 31 July 2008, Future Green Leaders is hosting exclusive site tours so you can see first hand the sustainable initiatives in some of Australia's leading Green Star certified buildings. Groups are strictly limited to 15 people,  so book now to avoid disappointment.

North East Region Records Strong Building Permit Growth

Victoria's building industry is continuing to record high building permit activity levels, growing by more than $256.2 million in May 2008 compared to May 2007.  For more detailed information click here.

Proposed Amendments to the Building Act

On 26 June, the second reading of proposed amendments to the Building Act 1993 took place. The proposed amendments are expected to be finalised in the spring 2008 legislative program. Read the Fact Sheet or visit  www.legislation.vic.gov.au for a full copy of the proposed amendments.

Public comment drafts of BCA 2009

The public comment drafts of BCA 2009 (scheduled to come into operation on 1 May 2009) are now available on the ABCB website www.abcb.gov.au  and can be accessed via the "What's new" section on the home page.  Comments using the template provided must be submitted to the BCA2009@abcb.gov.au mailbox by 1 August 2008.

How the Building Practitioners Board helps consumers

Every building or renovating project, no matter how big or small, carries some sort of risk. However, all building projects over $5,000 must use a registered builder. In Victoria, only registered builders meet the required industry standards for qualifications, technical skills and experience.  Click here for Ten Top Tips.

Pulse survey shows builders cautiously optimistic about robust industry profitability

Victoria's Builders are positive but cautious about the economic environment and ongoing profitability of their industry, according to the latest Pulse Survey.  Click here to find out more.

Ten top tips to take care of neighbourly relations while building

Everybody needs good neighbours. This is particularly true if you are planning to build or renovate your home.  Click here for ten top tips to maintain neighbourly relations.

Presentations from energy efficiency workshops

The Building Commission conducted Energy efficiency workshops on Section J of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) - Volume 1, and Part 3.12 of the BCA - Volume 2 during April 2008. Presentations from the recent energy efficiency workshops can be found here.

Where to go if a building dispute arises with your builder

Building a house is a dream for most Victorians but the reality can be compromised if a dispute between you and your builder arises.  Click here to find out more.

Owner-Builder - providing a report on the building from a prescribed building practitioner

If an owner builder sells their building within a 6 year period they are required to provide a report on the building from a prescribed building practitioner that contains the matters set out in the templates. These templates can be used as a guide to preparing a report under section 137B.

Top ten tips to Make Your Home Green

There is a new online resource available that brings together sustainability information for Victorian households to increase comfort, save on energy bills and, importantly, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read how you can make your home green.

Work/life balance: draft report lays the foundations for change

The chairman of the Building Industry Consulate Council (BICC), Bob Merriman, recently released a draft report from research into the important issue of work/life balance in the construction sector.  To find out more click here. 

Brumby Government sets trend for green

Melbourne's historic Railway Goods Shed in Docklands will be brought back to life with a Victorian first in modern, sustainable design that is sensitive to heritage value.  Click here for more.

Practice Note - 2008-55  - Residential sustainability measures - Issued May 2008

This updates the previous Practice Note 2007-55 issued May 2007, Part A: General requirements and new dwellings. Click here to download the practice note. (1.12MB).

Ensure a Registered Building Practitioner is part of your plans

If you are planning on building or renovating in 2008 and beyond, safeguard your investment and ensure a Registered Building Practitioner is part of your plans.  Click here to find out how to safeguard your investment