Are our insulation requirements sufficient?

The MBIE is asking for feedback on whether New Zealanders think the Building Code should be updated to require more insulation in new homes and buildings.

MBIE’s proposals also suggest adopting new climate zones to better reflect the New Zealand environment. The request for feedback is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)’s annual consultation on the Building Code. Building Performance and Engineering manager, Dave Robson says, “In previous consultation processes we received strong feedback that changes should be made to the Building Code to ensure New Zealand’s homes and buildings are warmer, drier, healthier and more energy efficient. “We’ve listened, and we want to make changes to the Building Code that work for New Zealanders,” he says. “We are considering options for New Zealanders to bring our insulationrequirements in line with other parts of the world. “Before we make any changes, we want to hear what people think of the proposals – if New Zealanders think insulation requirements should change, and if so, how fast the changes should be made, how far the changes should go, and how we might progressively phase in any changes. “We’re also looking into additional climate zones in the Building Code to better reflect the New Zealand environment, so insulation requirements would vary based on where a building is located – for example, Queenstown will no longer be in the same climate zone as Nelson, as clearly the weather these areas experience is very different. “We’re also proposing changes that support the increasing demand for higher density housing. This includes new requirements that will ensure people living in apartments and high-rise buildings have enough natural light,” Dave says. Other proposed changes include 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, and minor changes to weathertightness testing methods for cladding on mid-rise buildings, and geotechnical requirements. “In addition to the Building Code consultation, we’re also consulting on a new approach to how we ensure the set of standards that are referenced in the Building Code system remain up-to-date and fit-for-purpose. “These are important changes, so I encourage everyone interested to take the time to read through the proposals and let us know what you think,” Dave says. Consultation runs from 6 April to 28 May 2021. To find out more about the proposed changes or to submit feedback, visit: www.mbie.govt. nz/have-your-say/building-code-update-2021.

Introducing an automated excavator solution so easy, fast and accurate.

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Introducing the complete system to eliminate falls from height

Nets have been a familiar sight on building sites since 2012. But ultimately, they hinder productivity and aren’t the safety net they’re cracked up to be. This was a common frustration with the builders who developed Workdek, the new stable work mate for builders.

Workdek is a combined, solid working and safety platform that reduces stresses on builders’ bodies whilst eliminating falls. These stable, modular platforms increase efficiencies and safety at any height, and builders can have their heavy-duty tools right beside them. Feedback from the first builders lucky enough to build with Workdek is they’re working twice as fast, which means they can build more and make more money in the process. Workdek is an absolute game changer for builders. Level-up your building performance

The people behind Workdek owned a building company, and like other builders, have experienced the frustrations of working with nets and inferior fall protection systems. “Nets rarely stopped items falling through to lower levels and hurting our team, causing all kinds of health and safety issues as well as building delays,” says David from Workdek. The Workdek team originally developed giant inflatable safety matts for the base of building sites. But they were still the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and they did nothing for builder productivity. “We wanted our teams to work at any height with the same speed they would when standing on firm ground. And we needed to eliminate costly falls and improve safety for our teams,” says David. It took new thinking to change the game

After searching high and low for alternatives, the team at Workdek discovered safety platforms in the UK. They had been used with great success for over a decade. This system prevents falls and allows builders to work safely at any height, as if they were on solid ground. Mission accomplished. The Workdek team then made improvements to this platform system and is launching Workdek to the building industry with great success. Workdek’s modular platforms are made from injection moulded panels which snap together creating a stable work platform at any building height. The decks are supported by a complete system that’s as easy to put together as playing with Lego.

Cost versus value

Whilst Workdek costs more than nets to install, this fee pales into comparison with the increased performance and profitability from working like you’re always on ground level. The improvement to stresses on the body are immeasurable too. It takes very little time for builders to realise what an amazing performance upgrade Workdek provides. Now builders can build more, working on a stable work platform at any height. Working twice as fast as they would with competing “solutions” Workdek ensures builders make more money whilst staying safe.

Workdek is on the same page as Worksafe NZ

Worksafe NZ endorses Workdek’s view on the hierarchy of fall protection, which is that eliminating the fall is better than capturing the fall. Nets are outdated, unsafe, and counterproductive. And Worksafe NZ has issued safety alerts over the use of nets. Workdek is the solution. To learn more and get started with Workdek, visit: www.workdek.com.