Design Matters National Launches 2026 True Zero Carbon Challenge at Open House Melbourne

Design Matters National has launched the 2026 True Zero Carbon Challenge (TZCC), Australia’s leading carbon-positive residential design competition.

The 2026 Challenge launched as part of Open House Melbourne at a special event titled Opening the Door to Melbourne’s Homes of the Future, held at RMIT, Carlton. Attendees explored award-winning designs from past TZCC entrants and joined a forward-focused conversation on creating the homes of the future.

Developed by Design Matters National and proudly supported by premium sponsor, Weathertex, the TZCC invites teams of building designers or architects and energy efficiency assessors to design a cost-effective home that not only produces more energy than it uses but also offsets the full embodied carbon of its materials by 2050.

This one-of-a-kind challenge combines industry-leading professional development with applied design, giving participants the opportunity to gain advanced skills, earn CPD points, and contribute to the future of sustainable housing.

“This is the most unique and comprehensive educational opportunity I’ve seen in our field,” said Jeremy Spencer, director of Positive Footprints, creator of the TZCC and one of its lead presenters.

“The TZCC gives entrants the theory, the tools and a platform to apply what they learn. It’s a hands-on, deeply practical way to develop the skills and progressive mindset we need to deliver genuinely low-carbon homes.”

Over a 10-month design period, teams will create a submission that applies all training in a real-world context.

“This challenge is not just about meeting compliance. It’s about leading innovation,” said Vicki Marshall, Senior Manager, Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at Design Matters National.

“Entrants will walk away with meaningful new capabilities and national recognition. The designs they create may help shape the next generation of Australian homes.”

Jason O’Hagan, Managing Director of Weathertex, said: “At Weathertex, we’re proud to be the major sponsor of the True Zero Carbon Challenge, an initiative that truly aligns with our values and vision for the built environment. Sustainability is not just a concept for us — it’s embedded in every part of our manufacturing process and product offering. Partnering with Design Matters National on this groundbreaking program is a natural extension of our commitment to driving real, measurable change in the industry. We believe in supporting specifiers, builders, and anyone in the industry who are passionate about creating a healthier, smarter and more sustainable future.”

The 2026 TZCC is open to both members and non-members of Design Matters National. Teams must include at least one building designer or architect, and one NatHERS-accredited energy assessor. Professionals qualified in both may enter individually.

Registrations open today and close 1 March 2026. Final entries are due by 30 June 2026, with a national awards celebration to be held in August 2026.

The Challenge is supported by a growing list of respected industry partners, including: AIRAH, Architects Declare Australia, ASBEC, BERS Pro, Energy Efficiency Council, EPiC Database, HERO, Sustainable Builders Alliance, and Transformed.

What is the True Zero Carbon Challenge?

The True Zero Carbon Challenge is Design Matters National’s flagship initiative in sustainable residential design. It is Australia’s most comprehensive challenge for creating carbon positive homes.

The challenge: Design a cost-effective, livable home that produces more energy than it uses while accounting for the carbon emissions from building materials. Teams must install enough solar panels to offset the home’s entire carbon footprint by 2050—Australia’s net zero commitment to date.

This challenge provides the skills you need for the future of residential design while showing the industry a clear path to true net zero housing.

The TZCC goes beyond net zero, to carbon positive homes that feed electricity back into the grid.

Join The Online Info Session

This challenge will not only furnish entrants with the necessary skills to thrive in the coming decades but will pave the way in showing the industry a roadmap to true Net Zero housing. At this juncture when the industry is arguing the benefits of moving to a 7 star Whole of House standard, this competition will be a pivotal beacon to show what is possible and to let the industry know that those who meet the Challenge are ready, willing, and able to meet the challenges of the low carbon future.

Who Should Attend? All members and industry professionals who want to know more about the innovative True Zero Carbon Challenge should come along to this live Q&A where all will be revealed.

Presented by TZCC founder, Jeremy Spencer along with past Challenge participants Ben Walsham and Kristen Hulse who will share their TZCC journey.

The True Zero Challenge Challenge 2026 is open to both Design Matters National members and non-members.

Join the challenge.

More information: True Zero Carbon Challenge