The group reviewed the 2016 Impact Analysis Guidelines and the 2023 revisions to it to inform new recommendations for the Advisory Council on Harmonised Construction Codes (ACHCC). The proposed changes focus on making affordability a formal objective in the National Model Codes and introducing two principles to ensure code development remains cost-neutral. The group suggests prioritizing code topics based on early cost analysis and holding committees accountable for maintaining affordability principles throughout the process. Additional recommendations include considering the cost impacts of previous code tiers, considering industry capacity and the newly added administrative burden (additional inspections, permit fees, etc) that comes with code changes, and requiring full impact analyses on referenced documents. Finally, the group agreed it wants to advocate for research on cost-saving and cost-neutral measures, helping ensure codes remain practical and affordable for the industry.

For further information, please contact Frank Lohmann