Building Code update 2022 - Transition period for the energy efficiency of housing

This consultation closed on Monday 13 June 2021.

Visit the Building website for more information on the outcome of the proposed updates, and other upcoming changes to the Building Code.

2022 Building code update(external link) – building.govt.nz

If you need a version of a consultation document in a more accessible format please email buildingfeedback@mbie.govt.nz. Please use the subject “Building code update consultation 2022” and tell us what document and format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Updates to the building code

Every year MBIE consults on changes to selected Building Code acceptable solutions and verification methods, providing an opportunity for the public and the building and construction sector to have their say on the proposed changes. MBIE continuously updates these Building Code documents to support New Zealand to deliver safe, healthy and durable buildings.

Transition period for the energy efficiency of housing

In 2021, MBIE consulted on changes to Acceptable Solution H1/AS1 and Verification Method H1/VM1 to increase the minimum requirements for insulation in new homes and buildings. These requirements are used to demonstrate compliance with clause H1 Energy Efficiency of the Building Code. Following analysis on the submissions received, changes to the documents were published on 29 November 2021 with a 1 year transition period. During the transition period, designers and builders can choose to use either the new documents or the previous versions to show compliance with the Building Code.

In response to concerns in the building and construction sector, MBIE is proposing to extend the transition period for the new insulation requirements for housing by 6 months. This means that the previous lower insulation requirements would be able to be used until 1 May 2023.

The proposed extension only applies to housing. There is no proposed change to the requirements for other buildings besides housing. It is also not proposed to extend the transition period for the insulation settings for windows in the warmest parts of the country which was previously published with a 2 year transition period.