Two research reports published to help better understand major regulatory harms
To achieve this, the VBA undertakes a diverse range of work that includes engaging, educating and delivering evidence-based solutions for consumers, industry and government. One part of this involves the support or promotion of research with universities and other partners to find innovative solutions to challenges facing the construction industry.
In recent weeks, the VBA has published two important research reports that help us better understand major regulatory harms and how interventions can be shaped to improve public safety and amenity in the building and plumbing industries.
Firstly, the VBA partnered with Victorian University and the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority to undertake a scoping study to obtain data on indoor mould and moisture damage in residential buildings in Victoria.
The research project, Examining indoor mould and moisture damage in Victorian buildings, identified improvement opportunities for building design, certification, construction and inspection, as well as improved guidance for waterproofing.
Insights from this research are used to inform the VBA’s Proactive Inspections Program and its continuing focus on areas of non-compliance that could cause water ingress and moisture damage. A Practitioner Education Series webinar, presented by lead researcher Dr Tim Law, provided more than 1,300 people with valuable learnings to increase awareness of the causes and impacts of indoor mould in Victorian buildings.
Secondly, the VBA’s Research Grant Program supported Deakin University research to better understand the types and prevalence of defects in passive fire protection systems in Victorian apartment buildings.
The Research Grant Program seeks to provide an evidence base to inform regulatory decisions and influence improvements to the building regulatory system and the quality of the built environment in Victoria.
The research project, Investigating passive fire protection defects in residential multi-owned properties, identified several opportunities to reduce the causes of passive fire protection defects, including increased practitioner education, improved pathways to access relevant documents and proactive quality assurance during construction.
The VBA has produced a Practice Note about Service penetration installations in fire rated and smoke proof walls that offers guidance to practitioners about this issue.
This edition of VBA Mail also includes information about two new research projects that will be undertaken as part of the 2022-23 VBA Research Grant Program.
In all, the VBA’s Research activities reaffirm our commitment to being a knowledge-led organisation that strives to undertake and promote research and translate it into real-life solutions that facilitate industry innovation and help inform government policy, to safeguard Victoria’s future.