Social science research
Social science research at BRANZ seeks to understand the relationship between people and our built environment - both how we use it and how we feel about it. We draw upon the theory and methods of sociology and social anthropology to examine these relationships.
We take a systems approach to our research, studying interactions and impacts across the building system with a focus on the human element.
We aim to create dialogue between building users, the building and construction industry and the government. Our goal is to help these groups confront contemporary challenges within the built environment and to pursue innovations in the practice of social science.
We provide expertise in:
- urban sociology
- science, technology and society
- social and behaviour change
- consumer studies
- industrial sociology.
Knowledge generated from our research has contributed to resources and tools for both consumers and the industry. We have also provided valuable evidence for government decision making.
Examples include:
- providing insights on consumer experiences of exceeding the minimum
- putting the issue of mental health in construction workers on the agenda, leading to setting up Mates in Construction within New Zealand.
Economics analysis and forecasting
Our Economics team carries out business performance research, product market analysis and workload forecasts for businesses in the building and construction sector. We also provide advice on the effects of government policy changes.
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Economics analysis and forecasting
Our Economics team carries out business performance research, product market analysis and workload forecasts for businesses in the building and construction sector. We also provide advice on the effects of government policy changes.
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New Zealand whole-building whole-of-life framework
The NZ whole-building whole-of-life framework provides tools, data and information to support decision-making for sustainable building design. It assists calculation of the climate change and other environmental impacts of our buildings.
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Building Energy End-Use Study (BEES)
The Building Energy End-use Study (BEES) was a 6-year project monitoring and analysing the energy and water consumption of non-residential buildings around New Zealand. This research started in 2007 and was the first of its kind to be done in NZ.
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Examples of work
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ER65 Construction industry suicides: numbers, characteristics and rates
This research, funded by the Building Research Levy and supported by MATES New Zealand, aimed to clarify the prevalence of suicide in the construction industry and calculate industry specific suicide rates.
Download [PDF, 2.1MB] -
SR483 Measuring our sustainability progress
The third report of an ongoing longitudinal study on key sustainability-related aspects of new detached housing. It measures results from 2020 compared to earlier 2012 and 2016 findings.
Download [PDF, 2.1MB] -
SR426 Measuring our sustainability progress (first update)
This report examines New Zealand’s new-build residential (stock) sustainability aspects as part of an ongoing BRANZ longitudinal study.
Download [PDF, 5.7MB] -
SR419 Survey of attitudes to exceeding minimum standards for refurbishments
This report outlines a survey of consumers’ attitudes and experiences of undertaking refurbishments and retrofits and their choices to go beyond the requirements of the Building Code or not.
Download [PDF, 1.1MB] -
SR406 Adopting new ways in the building and construction industry
Explores human factors behind industry willingness or otherwise to adopt new practices. It is a study of behaviour, attitudes and beliefs, as well as a study of systems that prevent or enable change.
Download [PDF, 3.4MB] -
SR402 The choice to exceed: Consumer perspectives on building beyond Code
This report examines consumer decision making about the choice to exceed minimum building standards as outlined in the New Zealand Building Code.
Download [PDF, 547KB] -
SR356 Recommendations for first-time new-build clients
This report presents the findings from our work looking into what the industry needs to be recommending to new-building housing clients, particularly those building for the first time.
Download [PDF, 1.3MB] -
SR342 Measuring our sustainability progress
Benchmarking New Zealand’s new detached residential housing stock. Where NZ stands in terms of new-build residential sustainability is unknown. This report provides a Year Zero benchmark to which future results can be compared.
Download [PDF, 2MB] -
SR317 Potential measures of productivity and performance
Traditional technical measures of productivity, while valuable for some tasks, are of little meaning or use to individual firms. This presents potential measures of productivity and performance at the firm, grouped firm and regional level.
Download [PDF, 653KB]
Updated: 15 February 2024