Our origin
We can trace our roots back to 1950s to the Building Research Bureau, an industry-owned information service that established a library for the building and construction industry. In the late 1960s, the industry and government decided to set up the Building Research Association of New Zealand or BRANZ for short.
At the same time, Parliament passed the Building Research Levy in 1969. BRANZ would officially be under way once the Levy Act was enforced, planned for 1970, leading the way for better buildings for New Zealand.
Read more about our 50th anniversary in Build magazine.
1970-1979 Strong platform for building research
Newly formed BRANZ works in partnership with government to lead research into improved building techniques and materials. It includes an advisory service and a research facility purpose-built to conduct testing that was not previously available.
Key milestones
- 1973: Purpose-built fire research and testing laboratory developed at Judgeford site.
- 1974: First BRANZ Appraisal is issued for a building strap tensioner.
- 1977: First research report published on insulation requirements in the New Zealand Building Code.
1980-1989 Sharpening profile and services
High inflation in the early 80s means a demand to build more efficiently, and BRANZ's research becomes more important than ever.
The government-led review of building controls is a chance to share BRANZ's expertise and inform real change. BRANZ has its eye on the technological landscape, computerising its library and allowing industry direct access to a wealth of research and information.
Key milestones
- 1980: First Annual Loss Factor (ALF) tool is published.
- 1986: The library's catalogue is computerised, giving access to external audiences.
- 1988: Structural engineering lab opens.
1990-1999 Stronger customer focus
The 90s see BRANZ focusing on meeting the needs of the industry and increased interest from homeowners. A new website, freephone helpline and accredited advisors scheme are launched. Access to information through print and electronic media provides a quality advice service for an increasingly high-tech and sophisticated industry.
Key milestones
- 1990: First edition of Build magazine is published.
- 1994: First House Condition Survey is completed.
- 1997: Good Practice Guide series is launched.
2000-2009 Navigating change
Weathertightness research begins in response to industry concerns. Research shifts to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials and practices. With a rapid increase in web traffic and e-commerce, improving the website and knowledge sharing becomes a stronger focus.
Key milestones
- 2000: Results from a 10-year BRANZ study of corrosion rates of steel, galvanised steel and aluminium at 181 sites around New Zealand form the basis of a corrosion map.
- 2003: Weathertightness and cavity test building is constructed on Judgeford site.
- 2005: Household Energy End-use Project (HEEP) data collection is completed, providing data on energy use for an entire sector.
2010-2019 Sharing knowledge
BRANZ proactively anticipates industry needs and a changing business landscape. It shifts to industry need-based research with the introduction of programmes rather than individual research projects and the development of a mobile app for building inspections. BRANZ continues to work with industry to drive better outcomes.
Key milestones
- 2010-13: Following the Canterbury earthquakes, BRANZ helps with building assessments, ensuring buildings are safe for occupants.
- 2016: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge launches.
- 2019: Artisan app is launched.
2020–2024 Preparing for net-zero carbon
BRANZ has published research around climate change for over 20 years, but when in late 2019 the Government legislated a commitment for the country to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, BRANZ greatly expanded its low-carbon work programme.
Key milestones
- 2020: BRANZ launches the national research programme Transitioning to a zero-carbon built environment.
- 2020: The suite of BRANZ tools to help in the design of low-carbon buildings grows to five: two life cycle assessment tools (LCAQuick and LCAPlay) and three carbon footprinting tools (CO2NSTRUCT, CO2RE and CO2MPARE).
- 2023: The significant upgrading of Building Code clause H1 Energy efficiency is supported by an extensive range of BRANZ tools, webinars and publications.
