Classifying Australian building practitioners' behaviour in beyond-compliance in residential energy efficiency

Purpose Achieving beyond-compliance in residential energy efficiency remains a persistent challenge in Australia, with only few building practitioners consistently doing so, undermining Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) progress. Despite varying beyond-compliance behaviour states in the compliance process, no study has classified them by integrating both intention and actual beyond-compliance outcomes. The study aims to classify Australian building practitioners' beyond-compliance behaviours, identifying differentiations in the underlying motivations and abilities that influence beyond-compliance decisions. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on survey responses from 73 residential building practitioners in Victoria (Australia), all of whom were actively involved in the design stage of projects. Frequency analysis was used to generate classification. Findings Australian building practitioners' beyond-compliance behaviours are classified into three states: State 1: not intended to achieve beyond-compliance (47%). State 2: intended but not always successful in achieving beyond-compliance (16%). State 3: intended and successful in achieving beyond-compliance (37%). In examining behaviour state's association with building practitioners' occupational characteristics, most builders and construction supervisors, as well as experienced building practitioners belong to State 3. Originality/value This study is the first to classify building practitioners' beyond-compliance behaviours considering both intention and actual outcomes. It highlights the diverse challenges and motivations influencing practitioners' actions. It provides a foundation for targeted interventions, empowering more practitioners to go beyond-compliance and supporting SDG progress.