Have your say on making our buildings more energy efficient

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) runs a programme to ensure the Building Code and its documents are up to date and keep pace with modern construction methods.

Once a year, MBIE consults on the Building Code and selected acceptable solution and verification method documents, which provide an opportunity for the public and the building and construction sector to have their say on the proposed changes. The next consultation for the Building Code update opens on Tuesday, 6 April 2021. This year, the consultation will be on proposed changes related to the Building for Climate Change and higher density housing programmes. Our proposed changes aim to make homes and buildings warmer, drier and healthier, with less impact on our environment, while also bringing New Zealand more in line with international standards.

Energy efficiency

We’re proposing the biggest changes for complying with the Building Code’s energy efficiency clause (H1) in more than a decade. Our aim is to make sure homes and buildings are better suited to the climate where they’re being built. To do this, we’re proposing new climate zones to better reflect the specific weather different parts of New Zealand experience. For example, we’re proposing that Queenstown no longer be in the same climate zone as Nelson, as clearly the weather these areas experience is very different.

The changes to climate zones will result in changes to insulation requirements. The amount of insulation that’s needed in homes and buildings across the country will now vary based on where the building is located. This will allow New Zealanders to heat and cool their homes more easily and efficiently, making them more comfortable and healthier to live in.

Other changes

We’re also proposing to introduce a new verification method to ensure heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings are designed and installed to reduce the load on the national grid, make it easier to comply with the Building Code. This will also give building owners confidence their HVAC system is using energy efficiently.

We’re also proposing changes to ensure apartment buildings have enough natural light. Currently, clause G7 of the Building Code focusses on natural light in single level buildings. The clause will be updated to reflect that buildings with more stories, such as apartment buildings, will have different needs for natural light, and need different lighting solutions.

To find out more about the proposed changes or to submit feedback, please visit mbie.govt.nz/ have-your-say/ Consultation closes on Friday, 28 May 2021. Sign up to get the latest information and updates from us by visiting building.govt.nz

MBIE is the over-arching 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.