Energy Efficiency (H1) requirements
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has updated the Energy Efficiency (H1) requirements for insulating new homes and commercial buildings in the New Zealand Building code.
The purpose is to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat new buildings and help make them warmer, drier & healthier, with less impact on the environment. The targeted reduction for residential buildings is approximately 40% and for non-residential buildings the targeted reduction of the energy use is 23%.
New Climate Zones
With a focus on energy efficiency, these changes are explained first by introducing New Climate Zones.
This will allow the insulation requirements to better reflect the different temperatures experienced in each zone. MBIE has expanded the number of climate zones used in the insulation requirements to further divide into six.
THREE DIFFERENT METHODS OF H1 COMPLIANCE
The Building Code provides 3 methods for compliance:
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The Schedule Method – meet the minimum R-values for building envelope components – roof, windows, external walls and floor.
- The Calculation Method – Meet the whole building Heat Loss parameter by calculating overall heat loss from all building envelope elements and allows trading off between elements so you can use higher R-values for some elements than the table shown and lower R-values for others.
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The Modelling Method – a calculation of the energy demand for the whole building using whole building calculation software.
New R-values of building elements
Thermal resistance is rated by R-value. The higher the R-Value the better thermal resistance the product will provide, which means greater household energy savings and cost savings.
Energy Efficiency for all housing and small buildings (under 300m2)
There are changes to roof, window, wall and underfloor insulation requirements within the new edition of H1/AS1 and H1/VM1 for housing and small buildings. The new R-values aim to reduce the energy needed for heating residential homes by approximately 40% over previous requirements.
The new minimum thermal resistance values as noted in the schedule method, is summarised in the table.
Energy Efficiency for Large buildings (over 300m2) excluding industrial
There are changes to roof, window, wall and underfloor insulation requirements and also the creation of new documents for large buildings - H1/AS2 and H1/VM2.The changes will reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling of large buildings by 23% on average compared to previous requirements.
The new minimum thermal resistance values as noted in H1/AS2 and H1/VM2 are summarised in the table.
Significant improvements for large non-residential buildings
The changes will result in a significant improvement on the energy efficiency of large buildings. Dependent on climate zone, the changes will improve the energy efficiency of various types of buildings as shown in table.
At a high level the changes will result in an average 23% reduction in energy use by large buildings.
When are the changes happening?
The implementation of AS2/VM2 and VM3 — changes to roof, window, wall and underfloor insulation for large buildings over 300m2 became mandatory on 3rd November 2022.
MBIE have issued a further extension for AS1/VM1 (for houses and residential buildings under 300 m2) until 1st May 2023.
The previous Acceptable Solution H1/AS1 Fourth Edition Amendment 4, can be used to show compliance until 1st May 2023 and can be used for building consent applications submitted before 30th April 2023.
Start building now at new energy efficiency standards
For those who are currently building a new house it is possible to meet the new higher insulation requirements now, prior to the new rules coming into effect. It makes sense to future proof your build knowing what changes are coming.
Knauf Insulation Solutions
Our state-of the art manufacturing facility for Asia Pacific has the capacity to confidently supply the New Zealand market through our key distributors and partners following the new requirements.
We have a wide range of high performing non-combustible glasswool insulation solutions for roof, wall and floor applications to help achieve compliance with the new requirements. All of our products sold in New Zealand are manufactured using DriTherm® Technology which provides moisture resistance for up to 50 years making them suitable for use in applications for commercial buildings.
Introducing our H1 New range
Our technical experts have developed innovative solutions to support NZBC clause H1 energy efficiency
TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE CHANGES AND TO BE AMONGST THE FIRST TO HEAR ABOUT NEW PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS WE'LL BE LAUNCHING TO HELP YOU MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BELOW
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