New homes and buildings will be more energy efficient and better for the environment
29 November 2021
MBIE have published updated acceptable solutions and verification methods as part of the 2021 Building Code update.
H1 Energy efficiency
Provides for the efficient use of energy and sets physical conditions for energy performance.
This clause requires enclosed spaces where temperature or humidity are modified to provide adequate thermal resistance and to limit uncontrollable airflow in certain buildings. It also sets out physical conditions likely to affect energy performance, and requirements for hot water systems, artificial lighting and HVAC systems.
Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.
Building Code Regulations
The Building Code is published in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992.
The Building Code clauses include Objectives, functional requirements and performance criteria. These are mandatory provisions that all new building work must comply with.
The acceptable solutions and verification methods provided on this page are deemed to comply with Building Code clause H1.
Clause H1 — Energy efficiency provisions
Building Product Specifications
Verification Method H1/VM3 refers to the Building Product Specifications for building product standards and specifications in relation to their manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, physical properties, performance, installation, and/or maintenance.
The Building Product Specifications cannot be used in isolation to demonstrate compliance with any requirement of the Building Code. To comply with H1/VM3, building products conforming to the Building Product Specifications must be used with the scope, limitations, and other applicable requirements set out in the verification method.
Building Product Specifications
Updates
Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods
Current version
MBIE has historical versions of the code clause documents which can be located under 'Previous Versions' and 'Version History'. Alternatively if you cannot find the document you are looking for, you can send an email with the year and code clause you are after to info@building.govt.nz.
Previous versions
Standards
Standards are frequently referred to in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods. They provide practical information and guidelines for building solutions.
Over 120 building standards used for Building Code compliance are now available for free download.
See the free standards relating to Code Clause H1.
All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.
NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency - Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings
This Standard is cited in the Fifth Edition Amendment 1 of Acceptable Solution H1/AS1. It provides guidance for the correct installation of insulation products by installers and consumers to achieve the intended thermal performance in buildings without compromising the durability and safety of insulation or building elements and the health and safety of installers and building occupants.
New Zealand Standard NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency - Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings
Related building products
All building products and building methods that have current CodeMark certification will be listed with their most up to date certificate in the Product Certificate Register on Te Pae.
Related Determinations
Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding in relation to each case. Circumstances in one case may differ to others.