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.
We’re seeking feedback on changing the Building Code H1 Energy Efficiency requirements for insulation in homes and other buildings.
Submissions are open and will close 5:00pm on Friday 28 February 2025.
Insulation requirements in housing and other buildings - mbie.govt.nz
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.
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 H1.
All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.
This Standard is cited in the Fourth Edition Amendment 4 of Acceptable Solution H1/AS1 and Verification Method H1/VM1 which can still be used for building consent applications submitted before 3 November 2022. Note that the Fifth Editions Amendment 1 of Acceptable Solution H1/AS1 and Verification Method H1/VM1 no longer cite this standard.
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.
These documents are provided for assistance. They are not intended as a means of establishing compliance with the Building Act or Building Code, and they do not have the same status accorded to Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods under the Act.
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 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.
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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