This report presents the findings of the Building Code Energy Performance Trajectory project for commercial and residential archetypes relevant to Northern Australia. The methodology and results presented in this report draw heavily from the previously completed work for The Australian Built Environment Council (ASBEC), ClimateWorks Australia and the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC LCL) presented in Built to Perform and SP0016 Building Code Energy Performance Trajectory Project Final Technical Report.

This report builds on Built to Perform and the SP0016 Final Technical Report by summarising results from additional analysis undertaken by Energy Action and Team Catalyst relevant to Northern Australia. New buildings in the Northern Australia region present unique opportunities and challenges, due to factors including a warmer and more humid climate, different construction materials and climate-responsive design practices. These factors have been considered in assessing key opportunities for this region.

The analysis shows that by 2030 (based on results relevant to the 2028 Code), even conservative improvements in Code energy efficiency requirements for Northern Australia could cost-effectively deliver the following contributions towards net zero energy buildings.

At a high level, ASBEC and ClimateWorks recommend:

1. COAG Energy Council and Building Ministers Forum commit to a forward plan for the Building Code
2. COAG Energy Council and Building Ministers Forum deliver a step change in the 2022 Code, with a focus on residential energy requirements and an incremental increase in nonresidential requirements
3. State and Territory Governments continue to enable climate-responsive building design and construction practices
4. COAG Energy Council and Building Ministers Forum explore the potential to expand the  scope of the Code and progress complementary measures