How do the Building Code and Compliance Documents work together?
The New Zealand Building Code and Compliance Documents follow a five-level structure that is aligned with an international approach to performance-based building regulations.
| |
Level |
Description |
| Building Code (Mandatory) |
1. Objective |
The social objective the building must achieve. |
| Building Code (Mandatory) |
2. Functional requirement |
What the building must do to satisfy the social objective. |
| Building Code (Mandatory) |
3.Performance criteria |
Qualitative or quantitative criteria which the building must meet in order to comply. |
| Compliance Documents (Non-mandatory) |
4. Verification Method |
Prescriptive test or calculating method that provides one means of compliance. |
| Compliance Documents (Non-mandatory) |
5. Acceptable Solution |
Prescriptive step-by-step solution that provides one means of compliance. |
Below is an example of how the Building Code and Compliance Documents work together.
| 1. Objective |
G8.1 |
The objective of this provision is to safeguard people from injury due to lack of adequate lighting. |
| 2. Functional requirement |
G8.2 |
Spaces within buildings used by people shall be provided with adequate artificial lighting which, when activated in the absence of sufficient natural light, will enable safe movement. |
| 3. Performance |
G8.3 |
Illuminance at floor level shall be no less than 20 lux. |
| 4. Verification Method G8/VM1 |
1.0
1.0.1
|
Illuminance
An acceptable Verification Method for the measurement of illuminance is contained in NZS 6730 Section 11. (Continues with paragraphs 1.0.2 to 1.0.5)
|
| 5. Acceptable Solution G8/AS1 |
1.0
1.0.1
|
Illuminance
To provide a minimum illuminance of 20 lux, the total wattage required per m2 of floor area is shown in Table 1. (Continues with paragraphs 1.0.2 to 1.0.3)
|
Note how the Building Code sets the objectives, functional requirement and performance requirement for Clause G8 Artificial light, while the Verification Method and Acceptable Solution provide practical information on one way to meet the requirements of the Building Code.
Compliance can also be achieved using an alternative solution.