Our behavioural, economic and sector insights capabilities
Our research explores the relationship between people and the built environment – how buildings are used and experienced. We draw on behavioural science, economics and statistics to help industry and government make better decisions.
We take a systems approach, looking at how the parts of the building system interact. We focus on the human element and create dialogue between building users, industry and government.
Specialist areas
People, place and consumer insights
How people experience buildings and neighbourhoods and what drives housing and product choices.
Technology, society and behaviour change
How change happens and what enables uptake of new practices and technologies in the building sector.
Economic, pipeline and sector forecasting
Market analysis, performance research and forecasts that support sector and government planning.
Market intelligence and demand modelling
Market share, sizing and demand forecasts for building materials and products.
Whole-of-life and cost–benefit analysis
Understanding costs and benefits of different building systems and products over time.
Performance and satisfaction benchmarking
Measurement tools and New House Owners’ Satisfaction Survey-based insights to improve quality and customer experience.
Together, these capabilities translate into practical insights and tools the sector can use.
Impact of our behavioural, economic and sector insights
Our behavioural, economic and sector insights strengthen decision making and system performance by revealing what matters to people, what drives change and how evidence can be applied in practice. This includes:
- bringing the end-user perspective into decisions – grounding improvements in lived experience, not assumptions
- supporting evidence-based decision making – through robust research, analysis and forecasting for industry and government
- explaining why change does or doesn’t happen – identifying barriers and enablers to lift performance across the building system
- informing practical resources and tools – for consumers and the building and construction sector such as Build Insights.
We apply this capability across targeted research programmes and partnerships.
Significant past and present work
Our significant past and present work spans targeted research projects and ongoing programmes that translate insight into practical impact for industry, government and end users.
Regular sector insights reports
We share sector insights through a series of data products and regular reports.
Invitation to collaborate
BRANZ collaborates on research with domestic and international stakeholders throughout the building system. Collaborators include industry players, practitioners, building owners, government agencies, universities, public research organisations and international research organisations.
Find out how to partner with us to advance fire research in New Zealand and globally.
Learn more