Transition period ends for 2021 updates to the Building Code

In November 2021 the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) published updated acceptable solutions and verification methods for building code clauses B1, E2, G7 and H1. A transition period of one year was provided when both the previous and new versions of the documents could be used.

This transition period ended on 2 November 2022 and the old documents can now no longer be used. A staged transition of the new insulation requirements for housing has also been provided in the Fifth Edition Amendment 1 versions of H1/AS1 and H1/VM1. MBIE publishes regular updates to Building Code documents to support Aotearoa New Zealand to deliver safe, healthy and durable buildings. These updates to the building code are published with transition periods which allow the continued use of the existing documents while the sector becomes familiar with the new versions. This provides time to ensure that the changes are implemented smoothly.

You can check the date that a document became effective in the document status section of the relevant acceptable solution or verification method. This section sets out the dates that the most recent version became effective on, and the date that a previous version can be used until. The previous version can be used up to and including the transition end date. After the transition period has ended only the current version can be used as a deemed to comply solution.

The transition period for the 2021 building code updates ended on 2 November 2022. This means that building consent applications submitted on or after 3 November 2022 that use one of the updated acceptable solutions or verification methods as a means of compliance should now use the most recent versions of the documents.

Find acceptable solutions, verification methods, updates and technical guidance by Building Code clause at www.building. govt.nz/building-code-compliance/.

Staged implementation for H1 requirements for housing

Following a public consultation in June 2022, MBIE extended the transition time to comply with new insulation requirements for housing. A staged implementation process for the increased requirements has been provided in the Fifth Edition Amendment 1 versions of H1/AS1 and H1/VM1. There will be an increase to the wall, floor and roof insulation performance requirements for new building work in housing on 1 May 2023.

Requirements for window and door insulation in housing also see an increase on 1 May 2023 and will be required to meet the final increased performance levels in all parts of the country by 2 November 2023. The staged requirements are set out in tables within the document, and are shown in the table below.

Climate zones 3 and 4 = R0.37 Climate zones 3 and 4 = R0.46

Climate zones 5 and 6 = R0.37

Climate zones 5 and 6 = R0.50

Roofs

Floors

Region A1 = R2.9

Region B2 = R3.3

All climate zones = R1.3

Climate zones 1 to 6 = R6.6

Slab-on-ground floors (Climate zones 1 to 4) = R1.5

Slab-on-ground floors (Climate zone 5) = R1.6

Slab-on-ground floors (Climate zone 6) = R1.7

Other floors (Climate zones 1 to 3) = R2.5

Other floors (Climate zone 4) = R2.8

Other floors (Climate zones 5 and 6) = R3.0

Walls

Skylights

Region A1 = R1.9

Region B2 = R2.0

Climate zones 1 to 6 = R0.37

Climate zones 1 to 6 = R2.0

Climate zones 1 and 2 = R0.46

Climate zones 3 and 4 = R0.54

Climate zones 5 and 6 = R0.62

1 Region A comprises all of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui excluding the Taupō District, Ruapehu District and the part of the Rangitikei District north of 39°/50’S (–39.83), and all offshore islands north of 37°/15’S (–37.25).

2 Region B comprises the Taupō District, Ruapehu District, the part of the Rangitikei District north of 39°/50’S (–39.83), the South Island/Te Waipounamu, Steward Island/Rakiura), the Chatham Islands, and all offshore islands south of 37°/15’S (–37.25).

Note: R-values are taken from A1/AS1 and are required when using the Schedule method.

Changes to the building Code affect what you do. Make sure that you stay up to date with these changes when they come into effect by subscribing for updates on our website www.building.govt.nz.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment . MBIE is the central regulator of New Zealand’s building system. Our Building System Performance (BSP) branch provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs. Find out more at www.building.govt.nz