Work programme
Last updated: 9 February 2023
The Building for Climate Change work programme shows the projected timeframes for reducing emissions and increasing climate resilience of our building and construction sectors.
Work programme - Building for Climate Change
Download a print version of the work programme in A3 size.
The work programme is carried out across 5 areas:
- Information
- Consultation
- Legislation
- New requirement
- Design
Accelerating the shift to low carbon building
2022
Discussion groups with sector representatives to design policy options (Consultation).
Sector and consumer behaviour relating to building and climate change explored (Information).
2023
Low emissions building examples showcased (Information).
2024
Workforce and skills initiatives to upskill about carbon assessments underway (Information).
2050
All buildings built after 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon and operational emissions are near zero.
All buildings built before 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon at the point of upgrade.
Buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings
2022
Technical methodology developed for operational emissions (Information).
2023
Transition period concludes in May 2023 for increase to wall, floor and roof insulation in new homes (New requirement).
2024
Building Code compliance pathways for operational efficiency requirements consulted on (Consultation).
2025
Reporting requirements for operational emissions in new buildings begin (New requirement).
2026 - 2029
Phased lowering of caps for operational efficiency in new buildings (New requirement).
2030
Emissions reduction policy measures for operational emissions in existing buildings developed and consulted on (Consultation).
Final emissions caps for operational emissions in all new buildings (New requirement).
2040
Review and update of caps for operational emissions (New requirement).
Operational Emissions reduction measures: phased introductions for existing buildings (New requirement).
2050
All buildings built after 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon and operational emissions are near zero.
All buildings built before 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon at the point of upgrade.
Buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Reducing the whole of life embodied carbon of buildings
2022
Technical methodology developed for embodied carbon (Information).
2024
Building Code compliance pathways for embodied carbon requirements consulted on (Consultation).
2025
Reporting requirements for embodied carbon emissions in new buildings begin (New requirement).
2026 - 2029
Phased lowering of caps for embodied carbon emissions in new buildings (New requirement).
2030
Emissions reduction policy measures for embodied carbon emissions in existing buildings developed and consulted on (Consultation).
Final emissions caps for embodied carbon in all new buildings (New requirement).
2040
Review and update of caps for embodied carbon emissions (New requirement).
Embodied Carbon Emissions reduction measures: phased introductions for existing buildings (New requirement).
2050
All buildings built after 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon and operational emissions are near zero.
All buildings built before 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon at the point of upgrade.
Buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Establishing the foundations for emissions reduction
2022
Carbon Neutral Government Programme reporting requirements begin (New requirement).
Engagement with Māori to identify new opportunities (Consultation).
2023
Emissions reporting and caps for new buildings consulted on (Consultation).
Emissions reporting database and tools designed (Design).
2024
Building Code updated to set foundation for emissions reporting and capping new building emissions (Legislation).
Amendment Bill passed for Energy Performance Ratings and Waste Minimisation (Legislation).
Regulations for Energy Performance Ratings and Waste minimisation consulted on (Consultation).
2025
Databases and tools in place (Design):
- building materials database
- carbon calculation tools
- resources
- data repository.
Mandatory energy performance ratings for commercials, public, and large residential buildings (New requirement).
Carbon Neutral Government Programme reporting requirements fully in place (New requirement).
Energy performance and waste minimisation regulations made (Legislation).
2050
All buildings built after 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon and operational emissions are near zero.
All buildings built before 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon at the point of upgrade.
Buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Increasing buildings' resilience to climate risk
2023
Adaptation resources published to help people adapt their homes to the changing climate (Information).
2025
Updated climate projections data available (Information).
2026 - 2029
New risk assessment methodologies for climate hazards in different building types (Information).
Building Code and standards updated to reflect new climate hazard data (New requirement).
2050
All buildings built after 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon and operational emissions are near zero.
All buildings built before 2030 have the lowest possible whole of life embodied carbon at the point of upgrade.
Buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change.