Industry news: Performance-based design briefs (PBDB)

As of 1 July 2021, the Australian Building Code Board (ABCB) requires a performance-based design brief (PBDB) prior to any performance solution report. A PBDB is a document that is developed in collaboration with key stakeholders as part of a proposed performance-based design and approval process.

The PBDB aims to record fundamental activities and outcomes of the performance-based design process, as agreed during key stakeholder negotiations. When the PBDB is finalised, all critical activities and outcomes will have been identified. As a result, the design process can be commenced with a high degree of confidence that, provided the PBDB requirements are achieved, the proposed design is likely to be approved.

The ABCB's introduction of this process increases our scope to produce an additional report and obtain sign-offs from the builder, architect, and client.