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Environment and zero-carbon research

Over their entire life cycles, buildings have significant effects on the environment, people and the economy. BRANZ research is contributing to shifting the construction industry to deliver net-zero carbon buildings in an affordable way.

BRANZ research into the embodied carbon and operational carbon emissions of buildings aims to provide solutions to mitigate negative effects on the environment. Our research examines the entire life cycle of buildings, from extraction and production of materials, through design, construction and occupant behaviours to end of life.

Climate change and the transition to a zero-carbon built environment

BRANZ is working with partners to help the industry reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be better prepared to cope with the changes. The work comes under the umbrella of the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment programme. The aim of this programme is that, by 2050, the building and construction industry is delivering net-zero carbon buildings in an affordable way.

Calculators and tools

BRANZ has developed a suite of tools to help designers and architects to design buildings with reduced carbon emissions.

Background to carbon calculators and tools

The purpose of the New Zealand whole-building whole-of-life framework is to provide information and resources to facilitate more consistent calculation of potential environmental impacts of New Zealand buildings across the building life cycle using a technique called life cycle assessment.

Research and resources

We support industry with a range of resources including calculation tools, bulletins and study reports, articles and fact sheets.

Examples of work

Updated: 04 April 2024