Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency requirements for new building work have been changing.
H1 Compliance Document updated (Amendment 2) - 10 October 2011
The H1 Compliance Document was reprinted on 10 October 2011 to remove transition provisions that no longer apply; correct text errors; and reprint the Building Code clause H1 to include changes made in 2008-09.
The requirements for H1 are unchanged in Amendment 2.
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Changes to hot water and HVAC Building Code provisions - 1 February 2009
New Building Code provisions for the energy efficiency of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) systems, and revised provisions for hotwater, came into force on 1 February 2009. There are currently no acceptable solutions or verification methods published for the new Building Code provisions; however guidance is available at the link below:
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Solar water heating - 1 December 2007
An Acceptable Solution for installing solar water heaters, G12/AS2, came into effect on 1 December 2007. It outlines the system and installation features needed to meet Building Code requirements.
Guidance was published in December 2009, which explains some limitations on the use of G12/AS2 and describes alternative approaches where solar systems are outside the scope of G12/AS2.
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Insulation for Housing - 31 October 2007
Improved thermal performance (insulation) in new houses and small (< 300 m2) non-residential buildings, including alterations is now required. The changes to the Building Code clause H1, the Verification Method and the Acceptable Solution came into effect progressively throughout New Zealand, between 30 October 2007 and 30 September 2008.
Houses built to the new H1 requirements will use around 30% less heating energy to achieve healthy indoor temperatures than houses built to the previous requirements. The required R-values for thermal insulation in the Acceptable Solution have increased.
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Lighting in non-residential buildings - 31 October 2007
The Acceptable Solution for the energy efficiency of artificial lighting, H1/AS1, now cites the New Zealand Standard NZS 4243.2 2007. From 31 October 2007, the new requirements apply to artificial lighting in commercial and communal non-residential buildings greater than 300 m2.
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