WHAT DOES THE UPDATE TO THE BUILDING CLAUSE H1 MEAN FOR ME?

You have no doubt heard in the media about the latest update to Clause H1 in the building code and the increase in price to build a new home, but what does it actually include and mean to you, the residential building client?

Winter in New Zealand presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining warmth, dryness, and overall building health (especially this year!). It is crucial for all builders to ensure that new buildings are equipped to withstand the demands of the colder months, not only for the comfort and well-being of the families they are being built for but also to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact associated with heating.

To address these concerns, significant updates have been made to Clause H1 of the Building Code. These changes aim to enhance the energy efficiency of the built environment, making new buildings warmer, drier, and healthier. These updates represent the most substantial advancements in energy efficiency in more than a decade.

Clause H1 regulates the energy efficiency aspects of construction, including insulation of walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as the thermal performance of windows and doors. The new requirements introduce major increases in thermal performance standards across the building envelope. This is reflected in higher construction R-values for various building elements. 

These changes, specifically around insulation, will help boost the energy efficiency of homes by reducing the energy needed to heat new homes by up to 40%, resulting in both dramatic energy bill reductions and positive health aspects for Kiwis. The positive environmental impact of these insulation changes will help support the country’s efforts in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 too.

At Classic Builders, we are committed to adhering to the updated building code and ensuring compliance with these new energy efficiency standards. If you have questions about how the H1 changes could affect your build, or you would like further information, please contact your local team who are happy to help. 

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