The impact of BRANZ research - whether industry funded or for commercial clients - is often far-reaching, for example, influencing how materials are used in the construction of domestic dwellings through to the planning and development of New Zealand's utilities infrastructure.

2010 BRANZ Research and information agenda

BRANZ's investment of the Building Research Levy is guided by the information needs of the industry. BRANZ works with numerous industry groups to establish these needs; they are both long- and short-term in nature, and the background supporting information is available below. Where there are significant information needs and no information is available, research is required.

Priority topics include materials performance, urban form, moisture in buildings, maintaining and improving existing buildings, productivity, informing sustainability choices and defining performance and practice.

View the four-page 2010 BRANZ Research and information agenda (550KB)

View the Detailed problem definitions - BRANZ Research and information agenda (1MB)

BRANZ research projects

Currently, approximately 50 separate projects are in progress, many involving analysis of trends over several year. This section highlights research projects being carried out by BRANZ. For projects that are funded by BRANZ and carried out by other research providers, see BRANZ Incorporated Society.

Find out more about:

• our latest research
• our current research commissions
• our past research commissions
• how we identify our research priorities.

Why is our research important?

BRANZ research provides a valuable contribution to the industry and community through projects that develop knowledge and tools to improve the performance and sustainability of today's and tomorrow's buildings - the foundation of our economy. These developments start from a better understanding of the performance of current buildings and user requirements.

BRANZ research also provides a knowledge platform for the ongoing development of building controls, such as New Zealand Standards and the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC).

Industry funded research

BRANZ receives about 40 per cent of its total income from the construction industry's Building Research Levy. As well as research projects, our industry funded research programme includes:

• Technology transfer
• Good Practice Guides
• Testing and consulting
• Build magazine
• Seminars and presentations
• Technical bulletins
• Codes and Standards 
• Study reports
• Product appraisals 
• Advisory services.

Commercial research

BRANZ can design and carry out a specific research programme (as opposed to simple testing or consulting) for a client, using the skill base from our industry and government funded research programmes, and linking with other consultants if necessary.

The research programme can also be designed to anticipate future regulatory changes, using BRANZ knowledge of government strategies and policies, and likely forthcoming changes to the New Zealand or Australian Building Codes and Standards.

More information

For further information about any aspect of BRANZ research (including participation in and contribution to projects), please contact research@branz.co.nz.