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New Regulation for Energy Efficient Builds

MBIE has updated the Energy Efficiency (H1) requirements for insulating new homes and commercial buildings.

 

The purpose is to reduce energy needed to heat new buildings by up to 40% and help make them warmer, drier and healthier, with less impact on the environment.

With a focus on energy efficiency, these changes are explained first by introducing New Climate Zones – with six zones in total. This will allow the insulation requirements to better reflect the different temperatures experienced in each zone. 

What has changed? 

Energy Efficiency for all Housing and Small Buildings (under 300m2)

There has been changes to roof, window, wall and underfloor insulation.

New Solution for Ceiling Insulation 

To meet the new standards, insulation in the ceiling area will need to reach a thermal performance of R6.6. With current solutions available, this would mean installing a double layer ceiling system, which is likely to be time consuming, costly and complex. However, Trade Leader spoke to Steve Smith, Knauf’s Specification & Regulatory Affairs Manager, who manufacture the EcoInsulation® brand to find out about their manufacturing and new solutions which will soon be available in New Zealand through merchants, such as CARTERS. Steve said “EcoInsulation® have developed an advanced single layer solution to meet new H1 compliance standards. An easy single layer ceiling insulation solution – EcoInsulation® glasswool R7.0 Ceiling batt – saving time, money and it’s very easy to install”

Energy Efficiency for Large Buildings (over 300m2) excluding industrial

There has also been changes to roof, window, wall and underfloor insulation requirements and issuing the new H1/AS2 and H1/VM2 for large buildings. This aims to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling of 23% on average across new large buildings over previous minimum status quo requirements.
 

When do the changes come into effect? 

The new requirements were due to be mandatory from 3 November 2022, but following a public consultation MBIE have made the decision to extend the time to comply with new wall, floor, and roof insulation requirements in new homes by a further six months to 1 May 2023. However, window and door insulation requirements will continue to see a staged implementation process.

Building now to the new standards 

For those who are currently building a new property or commercial building 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.

Smith has advised that “A range of the EcoInsulation® glasswool insulation products and solutions can be mixedand-matched to allow homeowners and builders to increase their energy efficiency levels.

For more information on the H1 regulations, read our latest Trade Leader articles

www.carters.co.nz/H1-roadshow

Solutions for H1 Compliance - Trade Leader October - November 2022

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