BRANZ has updated tools and resources to help building designers meet and exceed the recently updated acceptable solutions and verification methods for energy efficiency in the Building Code.
“Changes to the requirements under Building Code Clause H1 Energy Efficiency are an important step in this country’s journey to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” says BRANZ General Manager – Research, Dr Chris Litten.
He says BRANZ is aware that many construction industry professionals want to play their part in designing and building high performing, low carbon buildings. “We are committed to supporting the building and construction industry on this
journey. Our updated tools and resources will enable designers to meet, and exceed, the new requirements for energy efficiency.”
For building occupants, the changes mean homes that are warmer, drier, and healthier. It is expected that home heating costs will reduce by up to 40 per cent in some parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. And this means a reduction in the carbon footprint of residential housing in this country.
The new requirements, which were published by MBIE in 2021, will come into force between late 2022 and late 2023.
Dr Litten says regulation need not be the only driver for better performing buildings in this country. “Better performing buildings are in the interests of everyone who calls Aotearoa New Zealand home, both today and in the future. The sooner we can act, the better the future will look,” says Dr Litten.
He says designers and builders who implement these changes early will be well positioned for future changes to build requirements. “Getting on board early will make the journey ahead much easier.”
BRANZ’s updated suite of online tools includes an updated H1 Calculation Method Tool, a revised House Insulation Guide, and an updated H1 Schedule Method Tool. It also features H1 guidance and links to relevant BUILD magazine articles on H1.
In many cases BRANZ’s H1 tools and resources have been enhanced and improved. For example, the updated H1 Calculation Method Tool that aligns with H1/AS1 5th edition, amendment 1, now enables users to generate a results page that can then be used to show H1 compliance.
BRANZ is developing the H1 Hub, which is an online portal connected to H1 information on various partner organisation websites. It will use machine learning to tailor search results to the specific needs of each user. It will also help to inform
BRANZ and partner organisations where knowledge gaps exist, and guide the development of new resources to meet current and future industry needs.
BRANZ will be making an announcement about the H1 Hub go-live date in the coming weeks.
“BRANZ is also keen to hear from industry and BCAs about areas where more guidance or advice is needed. We want to do all we can to help ensure a smooth transition for all,” says Dr Litten.
The NZGBC has also developed an H1 calculator to help residential projects submit for H1 using the calculation method. This can be found here