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Course Content

I. Introduction (10 mins)
II. Learning Objectives (5min)
VI. Summary & Key Takeaways (10 mins)
Final Quiz – Bio-Based Building Materials

★★★★★

The “Bio-Based Building Materials: Risks, Benefits & Compliance” course is a 1-hour CPD training designed for architects, engineers, builders, and sustainability consultants. It introduces key bio-based materials—timber, hempcrete, and mycelium—emphasizing their environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, and support for the circular economy. The course examines fire safety, durability, and performance compliance under the National Construction Code (NCC), highlighting both Deemed-to-Satisfy and Performance Solution pathways. Case studies from Australian projects demonstrate real-world applications and regulatory strategies, showcasing these materials’ viability in various building contexts. Overall, the course equips professionals to evaluate and integrate bio-based materials confidently in line with current compliance standards and sustainability goals.

  • CPD Points: 1 Formal CPD Point
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Certificate Upon Completion
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate
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This session is designed for

Architects
Engineers
Builders
Sustainability Consultants
Building Surveyors

By the end of the course, participants will understand the role of bio-based materials in sustainable construction and how they contribute to reduced carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency. They will be able to assess the fire safety, durability, and thermal performance of timber, hempcrete, and mycelium-based materials. Additionally, they will gain practical knowledge on navigating National Construction Code (NCC) compliance pathways, including certification, testing, and performance solutions.

  • Understanding bio-based materials – explore the properties, benefits, and applications of timber, hempcrete, and mycelium-based materials in sustainable construction.
  • Fire safety, durability & performance considerations – learn how bio-based materials comply with NCC fire resistance standards, moisture resistance, and thermal efficiency requirements.
  • Navigating ncc compliance & certification – understand the deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) vs. Performance solutions pathways, and the role of codemark & watermark certification in material approvals.
  • Real-world case studies & applications – gain insights from successful bio-based construction projects in australia, including high-rise timber buildings, hempcrete homes, and mycelium insulation panels.
  • Future trends & opportunities – stay ahead with emerging innovations, regulatory shifts, and sustainability incentives driving the adoption of bio-based materials in the australian construction industry.

This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.

Framework/Body

Relevant Sections

Focus Areas

National Construction Code (NCC 2022)

Section C – Fire Safety;
Part A5 – Evidence of Suitability;
Volume 2 – Whole-of-Home

Addresses fire compliance (FRL), DTS vs. Performance Solutions, and Whole-of-Home energy efficiency for hempcrete and mycelium

NatHERS Protocols

Whole-of-Home Heating/Cooling Load Compliance

Applies to hempcrete and mycelium for natural insulation values in energy modelling and compliance ratings

ABSA CPD Competency Area

Section 3.2 – Construction Materials; Section 3.5 – Energy Performance

Supports thermal performance evaluation and low-carbon material integration in residential rating assessments

Building Designers

BDAA CPD – Sustainable Materials & Innovation

Relevant to specifying and documenting compliant use of hempcrete, timber, and mycelium under NCC and bushfire performance conditions

NSCA 2021 (Architects)

PC10, PC16, PC24, PC33, PC45, PC57

Aligns with sustainable material selection, fire testing interpretation, circular economy practices, and lifecycle design

Engineers Australia (Stage 2)

Systems Integration;
Technical Proficiency;
Risk Management

Applies to compliance pathways, material suitability, and fire/thermal testing data for new systems integration

Licensed Builders (State CPD)

Construction Detailing;
Alternative Solutions

Covers site installation, durability of unconventional materials, and managing performance documentation

Building Surveyors

Evidence of Suitability;
NCC Vol 1 & 2 – Fire Performance;
BAL

Applies to assessment of documentation for non-standard materials, FRL ratings, and bushfire zoning decisions

Urban Planners & Landscape Architects

Low-Carbon Material Use in Site Planning; Circular Economy

Relevance in precinct-scale planning, green infrastructure strategy, and public realm material sustainability

What’s Included

This course covers the definition, types, and environmental benefits of key bio-based building materials such as timber, hempcrete, and mycelium. It explores their performance in critical areas like fire resistance, moisture durability, thermal and acoustic insulation, and pest resistance. The course also examines how these materials align with the National Construction Code (NCC), including both Deemed-to-Satisfy and Performance Solution compliance pathways. Real-world Australian case studies illustrate successful applications and offer practical insights into overcoming regulatory and insurance barriers.

  • A 1-hour video session covering NCC-aligned strategies and real-world case studies.
  • An interactive quiz to test and reinforce knowledge.
  • An audio summary version via NotebookLM for flexible, on-the-go learning.
  • A downloadable certificate of completion for CPD compliance reporting.
  • Centralised CPD tracking dashboard to support audits and personal recordkeeping.
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Why Take This CPD Session?

This CPD session provides essential knowledge on bio-based building materials, helping industry professionals understand their role in sustainable construction, key performance considerations, and compliance with Australian building regulations.

It equips participants with practical insights into fire safety, durability, and energy efficiency while addressing common challenges in regulatory approvals and insurance.

Through real-world case studies, attendees will gain the confidence to integrate bio-based materials into their projects while ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

Professional development is an investment in career growth and regulatory compliance. Take the next step today.

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