Energy Efficiency (H1) changes for insulation
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has updated the Energy Efficiency (H1) requirements for new homes and buildings up to 300 m2. Changes to the Building Code H1 around insulation will help boost the energy efficiency of homes by reducing the energy needed to heat new homes resulting in both dramatic energy bill reductions and positive health aspects for New Zealanders. The positive environmental impact of these insulation changes will help support the country’s efforts in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 too. For builders and installers, this means changes to the way insulation is specified and installed.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR ALL HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGS (UNDER 300M2)
There are changes to roof, wall and underfloor insulation requirements within the new edition of H1/AS1 and H1/VM1 for housing and small buildings. The new R-values aim to reduce the energy needed for heating residential homes by approximately 40% over previous requirements.
The new minimum thermal resistance values as noted in the schedule method, is summarised in the table.
