Information Release
Council wishes to advise residents that on 29 November 2021, The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released the biggest energy efficiency updates to the acceptable solutions and verification methods in more than a decade. You can read about the changes below.
New Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods
New Acceptable Solutions and Verifications for Building Code Clauses H1 and G7 came into effect on 29 November 2021. These changes affect all building consent applications submitted from this date.
Changes to the H1/AS1 include some of the minimum R-values being raised and changes to climate zones among others. Changes across the Verification Methods and Acceptable Solutions are similar in nature. The new documents can be viewed by visiting this link: https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/h-energy-efficiency/h1-energy-efficiency/
The new G7 Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods can be viewed by visiting this link: https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/g-services-and-facilities/g7-natural-light/
Changes to B1/AS1
Changes to the B1/AS1 also came into effect on 29 November 2021. Foundations complying with NZS3604:2011 can no longer be used on land susceptible to liquefaction. The amended document can be viewed here: https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/b-stability/b1-structure/
This means that foundations intended to be constructed on land susceptible to liquefaction will require engineer’s input.
The West Coast Regional Council has conducted an assessment on liquefaction on the West Coast and released a report on 1 November 2021. It identifies the liquefaction potential for land along the West Coast. The report can be viewed here: https://www.wcrc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2459ikxj617q9ser65rr/hierarchy/Documents/Publications/Natural%20Hazard%20Reports/West%20Coast/2021_BECA_WC%20Regional%20Liquefaction%20Assessment.pdf
In light of these changes, further information may be requested at the time of processing your building consent in relation to liquefaction susceptibility. It is recommended you discuss this with your designer or engineer at the time of designing your next building project.
