- Posted on 10 Sep 2025
- 4 mins read
Australia's construction landscape is evolving rapidly.
Recent high-profile cases of serious building defects, including structural issues at a well-known Sydney tower that led to resident evacuations and fire safety and structural problems uncovered at an Inner West apartment complex, have highlighted the critical importance of proper compliance with building regulations.
The Foundation of Safe Construction
The National Construction Code serves as the backbone of our construction industry. It sets minimum standards for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in new buildings and renovations. It continues to shape how we build our homes, offices and public spaces. For developers, builders, certifiers and construction professionals, understanding these regulations isn't just about compliance—it's about creating better outcomes for communities and the environment.
Sustainable Building: More Than a Trend
Today's building regulations increasingly emphasise environmental performance. The National Construction Code's energy efficiency provisions require buildings to meet specific thermal performance standards. These requirements affect everything from window placement to insulation choices.
A truly sustainable building demonstrates how comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks can unlock creative, environmental solutions that benefit both occupants and communities. For example, Sydney’s Quay Quarter Tower—an iconic retrofit of the former AMP Centre—actively ensures sustainability through preserving 68% of the existing structure, achieving global recognition for its circular economy design.
For developers and certifiers, this shift toward sustainability opens opportunities not just in environmental performance but in market value—buildings that exceed minimal energy standards often attract higher rents and sale prices. However, delivering these gains hinges on a deep understanding of how sustainability strategies intersect and comply with broader building code requirements.
Impact on Certifiers, Developers and Builders
The financial implications of building code compliance—or non-compliance—are substantial. Delays caused by regulatory issues can cost developers thousands of dollars per day. A Certifier’s lack of understanding can result in substandard compliance. Retrospective compliance work often costs significantly more than getting it right the first time.
Smart developers and certifiers recognise that building code expertise isn't just about avoiding problems—it's about unlocking opportunities. Modern building codes are increasingly sophisticated. They address fire safety, accessibility, structural integrity and environmental performance through interconnected requirements. A change in one area often affects compliance in another. Certifiers, developers and builders all need to be aware of these requirements.
Learning From Experts and Peers
The most effective way to master building regulations is through well-structured learning combined with peer interaction. Experienced professionals bring real-world insights that textbooks can't provide. They have navigated regulatory challenges and can share practical strategies for compliance.
Peer learning environments offer particular value. When professionals from different backgrounds—certifiers, developers, builders, consultants and government officials—discuss regulatory challenges, the resulting insights benefit everyone. These discussions often reveal practical solutions that individual study might miss.
Networking: Building Professionals Working Together
Professional development in building regulations offers networking opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. The relationships formed during intensive courses often become valuable professional connections. These networks prove particularly valuable when facing constant regulatory challenges.
Building codes evolve continuously. New technologies, changing environmental requirements, and lessons learned from construction failures drive regular updates. Certifiers, developers and builders need systematic approaches to staying current.
Take the Next Step
The complexity of modern building regulations demands professional-level understanding. The Institute for Public Policy and Governance at UTS offers a range of Building Regulation Courses that provide exactly this type of comprehensive education.
Their Building Regulation Course offers an in-depth analysis of the building codes for residential development (Class 1 and 10 buildings). Our Advanced Building Regulation Course expands this learning to large scale residential, commercial and industrial developments (Class 2 to 9 buildings).
Your projects deserve the confidence that comes from thorough building code understanding. Your career deserves the advancement that regulatory expertise enables. Most importantly, Australia's built environment deserves professionals who understand how to create and certify better buildings through intelligent regulation compliance.
By Stephen Krimmer
27 August 2025
The question isn't whether you can afford professional building regulation education—it's whether you can afford to proceed without it.
This article was developed by the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, which provides evidence-based advisory services, research and professional development in social planning and community development.
About Stephen Krimmer
Accredited Certifier | Senior Building Surveyor | Educator
Stephen Krimmer is an Accredited Certifier and Senior Building Surveyor with over 20 years of experience in local government and the building industry. He has held senior positions across academia, local government, and the private sector, with a specific focus on building code compliance, construction certificate assessments, inspections, and education.
Stephen is deeply committed to advancing building regulation practices and has developed and delivered a variety of engaging training courses to assist both local government organisations and accredited certifiers across New South Wales. His expertise includes planning, sustainability, and development assessment, with a passion for strategic and sustainable planning outcomes.
Throughout his career, Stephen has been dedicated to bridging the gap between theory and practice in building regulation. He regularly presents at state-wide conferences and has contributed to the development of professional development programs, such as the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Certification Short Course, which is a prerequisite for applying for registration as a Registered Certifier in New South Wales.
Stephen's work reflects a commitment to excellence in building regulation and a dedication to fostering the next generation of professionals in the field.
Read more about following courses
Author
Stephen Krimmer
Available Courses
The Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney offers a number of courses led by Stephen Krimmer.
This course focuses on interpreting and applying regulatory requirements for dwellings and outbuildings under the Building Code of Australia and NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
Do you assess complex multi-storey residential, commercial and industrial buildings? Learn the most up-to-date theory and practice for interpreting requirements around complex buildings in the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Know your code. This course will guide you through the Building Code of Australia, focusing on its hierarchy, general rules and legislation.
If you are becoming a certifier, or working towards renewing your accreditation, this certification course is for you. This course has been approved by NSW Fair Trading as a prerequisite to apply for registration as a Registered Certifier.
This one-day course is designed to provide participants with training in reading and interpreting the various types of plans used in building and local government.
Learn how to assess and inspect new and existing swimming pools, issue swimming pool compliance certificates, and develop a swimming pool inspection program.