The building industry in Victoria is experiencing a significant shift with the implementation of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. A major change is the introduction of stricter energy efficiency standards, requiring new residential builds to achieve a 7-Star energy rating. For many developers, this requirement represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Modular construction offers one of the most effective and streamlined pathways to compliance, making it easier for builders and developers in Victoria to meet these new benchmarks.
What Does the NCC 2022 Mean for Builders?
The NCC 2022 raises the minimum energy efficiency requirement for homes from 6-Stars to 7-Stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). This new threshold is designed to:
Improve thermal comfort for occupants.
Reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Lower carbon emissions from the built environment.
While these goals are essential for sustainable development, the 7-Star standard can be challenging for traditional builds, which often rely on on-site conditions, multiple subcontractors, and variable materials. Meeting the new requirements requires precision in design, insulation, airtightness, and material selection.
Why Modular is the Smart Fit for NCC 2022 Compliance?
Modular construction, where buildings are designed and fabricated in a controlled factory setting before being assembled on-site, naturally lends itself to energy-efficient outcomes. Here’s why modular homes make achieving 7-Star ratings simpler:
Precision Engineering
Modular homes are manufactured with exact specifications in climate-controlled facilities. This level of precision ensures that insulation is installed consistently, gaps are eliminated, and thermal bridging is minimized.Superior Airtightness
Energy efficiency often comes down to airtightness, and modular homes excel in this area. The controlled factory process ensures tighter seals compared to traditional builds, reducing drafts and improving energy performance.High-Performance Materials
Modular builders often integrate high-quality, energy-efficient materials into walls, floors, and ceilings. Double glazing, advanced insulation systems, and energy-smart cladding options are more easily standardized in modular designs.Design Integration
Modular construction takes a holistic approach, integrating passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, and ventilation from the outset. These considerations are crucial for achieving the 7-Star benchmark.Consistency Across Projects
Unlike traditional construction, which can vary significantly based on site conditions or subcontractor skill, modular projects deliver consistent quality across all builds. This consistency makes it easier for developers to meet compliance on every project.
The Victorian Context: Why This Matters Now?
In Victoria, where weather conditions vary from hot summers to cool winters, achieving thermal comfort without over-reliance on heating and cooling systems is vital. The 7-Star standard is not just about compliance—it’s about delivering homes that perform better for occupants and the environment.
For developers, modular construction reduces the risks associated with compliance, offering a repeatable and reliable process for delivering NCC 2022-ready housing.
Case Study: Modular in Practice
A developer working on a medium-density project in metropolitan Victoria opted for modular units to meet the new 7-Star standards. By using modular construction:
Wall and roof panels were prefabricated with high-performance insulation.
Windows were double-glazed and factory-fitted for airtightness.
Passive design strategies, including shading and natural ventilation, were built into the design.
The result: every dwelling in the project exceeded the 7-Star NatHERS requirement, while also being delivered faster and with less waste compared to traditional construction.
Beyond Compliance: Added Benefits of Modular
While meeting NCC 2022 compliance is a top priority, modular homes offer additional advantages:
Speed to Market: Modular homes can be built 30–50% faster, allowing developers to respond quickly to market demand.
Reduced Waste: Controlled factory conditions mean more efficient use of materials and less on-site waste.
Cost Predictability: Factory production reduces cost overruns caused by weather delays or inconsistent labor.
Future-Proofing: Modular construction is adaptable, making it easier to integrate future upgrades such as solar systems or battery storage.
Positioning Modular as the Easiest Path
For Victorian builders and developers navigating NCC 2022, modular construction isn’t just an alternative—it’s a strategic advantage. By addressing energy efficiency requirements from design through delivery, modular projects simplify the path to 7-Star compliance.
In an environment where sustainability, speed, and cost efficiency matter, modular construction represents the smart choice for achieving—and exceeding—the standards set by NCC 2022.
Conclusion
Meeting the NCC 2022 7-Star Energy Rating requirements doesn’t have to be complicated. Modular construction offers a faster, smarter, and more cost-effective way to stay compliant while delivering homes that are both sustainable and future-ready.
At Ecoprestige, we specialize in designing and delivering modular solutions that seamlessly align with NCC standards and energy efficiency benchmarks. Whether you’re a developer, builder, or property investor in Victoria, our team ensures that compliance is built into every stage of your project.
Ready to make 7-Star compliance simple? Partner with Ecoprestige today and let’s build the future of housing together.