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hard news
ON 29 NOVEMBER MBIE released a Building Code update containing what it calls “the biggest energy efficiency changes to the acceptable solutions and verification methods in more than a decade.”
Although involving “significant changes for all parts of the sector – manufacturers, suppliers, builders and homeowners,” MBIE also admits that the changes only “go as far and as fast as is achievable
using current insulation products and construction design and practices” and that “supply issues” were an additional factor.
The changes to insulation requirements aim to reduce the amount of energy needed “to heat and cool new buildings by 23% and to heat new homes by up to 40%.”
Said changes include doubling the minimum amount of roof insulation required for new builds across the country and increasing the minimum insulation level for windows across the country, with targeted higher upgrades for colder climate zones.
Other changes in this year’s update include introducing “suitable daylight solutions” and weathertightness testing for high density housing and the introduction of a verification method for the energy efficiency of HVAC systems to make
it easier to show compliance with the Building Code.
There will be a one-year transition
Energy efficiency update – one small step rather than a giant leap?
period for the sector to understand and prepare for the changes before they become mandatory in 2022, while the new window insulation requirements in the warmest climate zones will see a two-step approach with an interim increase in the next year and an additional increase in the following year.
Reactions from the trade have been generally positive although some clearly see pegging wall insulation at R2.0 nationally as a missed opportunity.
The NZ Green Building Council (NZGBC) for example says that the changes “could go much further.”
And, alluding to the “supply issues” referred to above, the organisation also said: “A lack of real improvements in wall insulation highlights the importance of the upcoming Commerce Commission investigation into housing supplies.
“Doubling the insulation requirements for roofs is great. The new window requirements are pretty good.
“But the Government have hardly touched the insulation requirements for walls, citing supply issues.
“These supply issues highlight how important the upcoming Commerce Commission investigation into home building supplies is.
“If this investigation is going to be a success, it has to prioritise materials that will deliver warm, dry, low carbon homes.”
www.building.govt.nz
Team Blue gets new
kitchen planner
Unveiled last month, the all-new PlaceMakers 3D Design Planner allows customers to simply drag and drop products directly from photos into a 3D floorplan using Marxent’s patented Design from Photo feature.
Anyone can access the PlaceMakers 3D Design Planner from a browser- based app and it will also be used in PlaceMakers stores for in-person design appointments.
The PlaceMakers 3D Design Planner is easy to use and features 10,000+ product SKUs including a full range of cabinet fronts, finishes, hardware, benchtops, sinks and taps, wall paint, and flooring options and integrates with PlaceMakers’ existing enterprise quoting system.
Design starts with inspirational pre-sized 3D template rooms that can be modified or by drawing a floorplan with custom dimensions. Customers can design directly from photos, play with cabinet layouts and door styles, wall colours, flooring, and more.
Once finished with a design, the customer sends the design to a branch consultant who confirms the details, then enters the order directly into the PlaceMakers enterprise quoting and ordering system.
The ability to also configure bathrooms, laundries, and wardrobes will follow in the coming months.
www.placemakers.co.nz/online/Kitchen
8 NZHJ | DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022
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