Why test for thermal performance?
Testing the thermal performance of insulation and building materials helps deliver healthier, more energy-efficient buildings.
Improved energy efficiency
Identify heat loss pathways and thermal resistance in real conditions.
Greater specification confidence
Compare options and support product claims with independent data.
Reduced risk
Test and refine products and details before they are repeated or scaled.
Better comfort
Identify cold spots, overheating, weak details and thermal bridging.
Testing your products and systems
We test and analyse the performance of products and systems:
- Insulation and thermal materials such as glazing, polyester, rigid foam, timber and wool.
- Building elements such as walls, roofs and floors.
- Junctions and details where thermal bridging is a risk.
Standards we meet for assurance and trust
We test to thermal performance standards, including:
- ASTM C518 – steady-state thermal transmission by heat flow meter
- AS/NZS 4859.1 – thermal insulation materials for buildings
- ISO 8301/ISO 8302 – thermal resistance and conductivity methods.
We can also develop bespoke methods to inform your decisions. If you’re unsure what you need, we’ll guide you to the most appropriate pathway.
Why trust BRANZ?
BRANZ has been testing insulation for over five decades. Our research has directly shaped the New Zealand Building Code requirements and standards for the thermal performance of building materials.
We bring expertise in building physics and thermal performance, with international experience across Australia, the UK, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, the USA, South Korea and Singapore. We also test and analyse existing buildings to understand how they perform in use.
Our accreditations
BRANZ holds different accreditations covering the products and systems we test.
Through the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation mutual recognition agreement, BRANZ-accredited test reports are recognised as the equivalent of those issued by laboratories accredited by 68 bodies around the world.
BRANZ has achieved and operates a management system conforming to AS/NZS ISO 9001.
Unsure what you need to test for?
Additional methods are available on request. If you’re unsure what you need to test to, we’ll guide you to the most appropriate method based on your product, intended use and audience for the results.