Here we share many stories of how our research is acting on climate change, in addition to the unlocking momentum to solve many other challenges in the building system.
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Understanding the impacts of climate change on marae
Many marae are built near waterways or coastal areas, placing them in a vulnerable position to the impacts of climate change. A new research project aims to map risks,
understand challenges and co-create solutions with whānau and hapū.Read the story -
Sealing the deal with Selleys
Minimising the time to bring new products to market is critical for manufacturers like Selleys.
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Progressing energy performance certificates for homes
The introduction of home energy performance certificates (EPCs) has the potential to improve housing conditions, reduce home energy costs and cut carbon emissions. New BRANZ research provides valuable insight into the style of EPC that could best fit
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Responding and building resilience to an increasingly volatile climate
BRANZ responded to severe flooding events by widely promoting our Restoring a home after flood damage guide. In addition, WSP-led research project assessed the effects of increased windspeeds on our light timber-framed houses.
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Strengthening relationships between home builders and clients
Amid the housing shortage, building a new house needs to be an appealing option for homeowners. By identifying tensions during the new-build process, BRANZ is helping the industry build fit-for-purpose homes with less stress for builders and clients.
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Tackling net-zero carbon targets with strategies for housing
For Aotearoa New Zealand to reach its 2050 zero-carbon target, we need to make drastic and systemic changes to the way we build and live in our homes. This year, BRANZ developed and tested strategies for potential carbon reduction in housing.
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Influencing energy efficiency regulations to reduce carbon emissions
BRANZ provided research and expertise to help inform changes to the New Zealand Building Code minimum thermal performance requirements (H1). These new H1
requirements shift in the way buildings are designed and constructed.Read the story -
Improving home energy efficiency with a new digital calculator
Designers can now see the effects of changing their construction methods and materials with the first interactive edition of the BRANZ House insulation guide. The free digital guide can demonstrate the thermal performance of house designs.
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Joining the dots on housing conditions, health and wellbeing
The evidence linking poor-quality housing with poor health and wellbeing outcomes just got stronger. BRANZ data helped create a better understanding of how poor-quality housing impacts people and who is most at risk.
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Reimagining rental housing for a changing population
The quarter-acre dream has long been part of Kiwi culture. But for many, private homeownership is no longer an affordable option. BRANZ is developing viable models for medium-term housing alternatives to better meet society’s
needs.Read the story -
Promoting fire-safe design to help save lives
As timber becomes an increasingly popular sustainable building material, BRANZ has contributed to a new guide to help manage fire risk to people and property. The
guide is promoting the latest developments of international fire safety design.Read the story -
Building the capacity to future-proof structures
For the first time, BRANZ can test the resilience of 3-storey buildings thanks to our new structures laboratory. The new facilities can apply larger forces, such as those from earthquakes or wind.
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Transforming the building inspection process with Artisan
A free-to-use digital inspection app is transforming quality assurance processes across the industry. Powered by BRANZ, Artisan streamlines, standardises and
provides a record of building inspections – increasing efficiency and
reducing risk.Read the story -
Innovating with 3D-printed building materials
3D printing an entire building is not as far-fetched as it might have once seemed. PhD graduate and BRANZ scholarship recipient Armano Papageorge of Victoria University of Wellington has developed a solution to streamline the 3D printing process.
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Accelerating industry action on waste management
All construction projects should include waste minimisation plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save on waste levy costs. BRANZ is collaborating with key industry players to transform waste management behaviour.
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Making our buildings recyclable
The new buildings of today that are given no consideration to their end-of-life deconstruction and recovery add to the mounting problem of waste destined for landfill.
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Upskilling industry professionals to meet the climate change challenge
Industry professionals are increasingly committed to acting on climate change, but many feel they don’t have the skills or knowledge to do so.
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Collaborating to keep people safe in earthquakes
About 60% of multi-storey commercial buildings in New Zealand use precast concrete hollow-core flooring, which performed poorly in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. A major industry-wide collaboration, backed by BRANZ, has led to a Building Code update.
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Supporting the industry’s transition to the new H1 requirements
To smooth the industry’s transition to the new thermal performance requirements for housing (H1) – and healthier homes for people and planet – BRANZ has created a toolbox of resources for industry professionals.
Download a copy
Updated: 4 July 2024