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.
Providing sufficient natural light for occupied spaces and appropriate visual awareness of the outside for occupants.
This clause requires habitable spaces to have adequate windows for natural light and visual awareness of the outside environment to safeguard against illness, and loss of amenity due to isolation.
It requires natural light of no less than 30 lux at floor level for 75% of the standard year, and for transparent openings in certain buildings.
Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.
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 G7.
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.
Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods (AS and VMs) were called compliance documents. Some still have the “compliance document” title but the AS or VMs they contain are valid and unaffected by the name change.
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 G7.
All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.
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.
All products, systems and construction methods that have achieved CodeMark status will be listed here with their most up to date certificate.
This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people:
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