Building Code
Category: Legislative
Document Type: Regulation
Role: Main
New Zealand Building Code Update Decisions on Energy Efficiency Standards, 29 November 2021
This document from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) outlines the decisions made following consultation on the Building Code update 2021. The primary purpose of the update is to improve energy efficiency standards for buildings and contribute to the 'Building for Climate Change programme'. The scope of the update covers various building types, including housing, small buildings, and large buildings. Key obligations introduced include updated standards for building elements such as roofs, windows, walls, and underfloor insulation. Specific energy performance goals are set: energy requirements for heating residential homes must reduce by 40% compared to previous standards, and energy requirements for heating and cooling large residential buildings must reduce by 23% compared to previous standards. The building and construction sector, as well as owners and occupants of affected buildings, are the primary sectors impacted. The decisions documented were made on 29 November 2021, as part of the 2021 Building Code update process, with implementation of changes planned for 2021 and ongoing work addressing future challenges and timeframes for the sector's response to climate change.
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Full text:
Outcome of consultation Building Code update 2021 Decisions for issuing, amending, and revoking acceptable solutions and verification methods 29 NOVEMBER 2021 BUILDING CODE UPDATE 2021 Foreword Foreword from the Manager Building Performance and Engineering I would like to thank every person and organisation who took the time to prepare a submission for the Building Code 2021 update. With the overwhelming response to this year’s consultation, the feedback we received provided us with a better understanding of how the proposals will affect the sector and contribute to meaningful change for all New Zealanders. Consultation is an important part of the development of Building Code updates. MBIE consults on proposed updates to the Building Code to provide an opportunity for the public and sector to make submissions on the proposed changes. This document provides a summary of decisions made by MBIE in consideration of the feedback we received. Maintaining and updating the Building Code is a continuous process and, as we look to implement changes for 2021, we will continue looking to address other challenges brought up in your submissions. Planning and development of future updates is already underway and we will continue to make changes that support higher density housing and the Building for Climate Change programme. We heard in a number of submissions that the sector is looking for more certainty on how the building regulatory system will respond to climate change. As such, in this document we’ve included additional information on the timeframe for the building and construction sector’s response to climate change. I’d like to thank you again for your participation in this year’s consultation and encourage you to continue to be part of future Building Code updates. Jenni Tipler Manager, Building Performance and Engineering MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT 29 NOVEMBER 2021 Page 2 BUILDING CODE UPDATE 2021 Contents Contents Foreword from the Manager Building Performance and Engineering .................................................................... 2 Contents .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Summary of the consultation .................................................................................................................................. 4 Building and construction sector climate change response timeframes ................................................................ 7 Building and construction sector climate change response timeframes ................................................................ 8 1. Energy efficiency for housing and small buildings ......................................................................................... 9 2. Energy efficiency for large buildings ............................................................................................................ 20 3. Energy efficiency for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings .. 28 4. Natural light for higher-density housing ...................................................................................................... 31 5. Weathertightness testing for higher-density housing .................................................................................. 35 6. Standards referenced in B1 Structure .......................................................................................................... 37 7. Editorial changes to Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 ........................................................................................ 39 8. Other comments received during the consultation ..................................................................................... 40 Thank you .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
Tags: Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Regulation, Update, Climate Change, Housing, Energy Conservation, Mitigation, Policy, Compliance
Sector: Buildings;Urban