The NCC is a performance-based code containing all Performance Requirements for the construction of buildings. To comply with the NCC, a solution must achieve compliance with the Governing Requirements and the Performance Requirements.

The Governing Requirements contain requirements about how the Performance Requirements must be met. A building, plumbing or drainage solution will comply with the NCC if it satisfies thePerformance Requirements, which are the mandatory requirements of the NCC.

This handbook reflects the latest updates and modifications introduced in NCC 2022.

When compared to NCC 2019 there are 2 main changes to the NCC sound transmission andinsulation requirements. These are:

(1) Changes to the clause numbering due to the introduction of a consistent volume structure(CVS) across all 3 volumes of the NCC.
(2) The Performance Requirements for sound transmission and insulation are now quantified in NCC Volume One and Two. This means the Performance Requirements now primarily include numerical targets that clarify the level of performance required, rather than qualitative (non-numerical) statements.

This handbook is not intended to replace or supersede the NCC but rather provide additional information to aid the user in the application of the sound insulation requirements of the NCC 2022.

The objectives of this handbook are to:

outline the minimum NCC requirements
provide guidance on compliance options that can be used to meet the NCC requirements
provide guidance on the installation of acoustic elements
help achieve acceptable acoustic outcomes for buildings.

It is expected that this handbook provides links between the NCC sound transmission and insulation requirements and the needs of various types of practitioners.

The NCC requires a level of sound insulation that represents the minimum acceptable building standard. This was determined through wide consultation with the community and industry. An owner or designer can always go beyond the minimum requirements in the NCC if they choose in which case, the information provided in this handbook may need to be supplemented to suit the specific project.