Australia: Building code adapted to better fit greenhouse building

PCA have been successful in advocating for greenhouses to be included as a Class 10a building structure in the next iteration of the National Construction Code (2025).

The NCC is a set of uniform building codes and standards that provide guidelines for the design, construction, and performance of buildings in Australia. It classifies buildings into various classes based on their use and occupancy. Class 10a typically refers to non-habitable buildings or structures, such as garages, carports, sheds, and the like.

"This announcement means that low and medium-tech expansion will potentially avoid unnecessary red and green tape associated with new developments," the organization says. "The Australian Building Codes Board have also promised to revisit the technical work associated with fire and egress issues that is impacting industry expansion in the high-tech area of our industry."

PCA are working with the Australian Building Codes Board to educate specifiers and the Government at all levels to ensure barriers to expansion are better understood and removed where possible. The organization is representing many of their members to assist with this and other complex land use planning issues. "We are committed to helping our growers and industry remove barriers to industry expansion. New developments are still being delayed Australia-wide due to the absence of a classification and specifiers not understanding how protected cropping systems work", they conclude, adding they're keen to hear from our members or anyone who has feedback on these issues Australia-wide to assist with our efforts.