2.1. Background on energy efficiency for housing and small buildings

2.1.1. There are currently three main ways to comply

There are three compliance pathways for H1 energy efficiency insulation provisions for housing and small building:

• The schedule method which prescribes tabulated minimum construction R-values for the roof, walls, windows, doors, skylights and floors of a building based on its location in the country.
• The calculation method which is based on simple equations and allows a designer to customise the insulation levels between different building elements to give the same relative heat loss as a building that complies with the schedule method.
• The modelling method which uses computer modelling to demonstrate that the proposed building does not require more heating and cooling energy than a reference building that complies with the schedule method. It provides the greatest flexibility to customise insulation levels.

2.1.2. Insulation requirements vary between six climate zones

New Zealand has diverse climates – from subtropic in Northland to sub-Antarctic in Invercargill. The insulation requirements specified in the acceptable solutions and verification methods for clause H1 Energy Efficiency vary between six climate zones across the country. Southern and alpine regions that experience colder winters have higher insulation requirements than northern regions with milder climates. 

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