Building Research Levy funding

Building Research Levy and investment decisions

The Building Research Levy, set at 0.1%, is collected on building consents for work valued at $20,000 or over and funds sector research with practical benefits for all New Zealanders. 

Research investment decisions are guided by industry for industry, to ensure that every research dollar delivers practical results.

Use of the Levy under legislation

Under the Building Research Levy Act 1969, Levy funds can be used for:

• research and scientific work related to the building and construction industry
• grants to individuals or organisations for building and construction-related research
• publishing and sharing information and expertise
• establishing and maintaining a library
• hosting lectures, seminars, exhibitions and public meetings to share building research
• providing advisory services
• acquiring land and premises for BRANZ purposes
• paying staff salaries and director honoraria. 

Governance of Levy investment decisions

The Building Research Advisory Council is a cross-sector group that guides the sector’s investment priorities. BRANZ also seeks advice from researchers and regulators across the sector. 

Based on their advice, BRANZ’s Research Investment team develops the Research Investment Priorities to address sector needs and priorities while keeping them aligned with BRANZ’s 10-year Research Investment Strategy and its four focus areas – affordability, resilience, sustainability and quality.

Levy funding application process

Funding applications go through a two-step process:

Step 1: Submit a project concept

Project concepts are submitted and assessed by a subject matter expert panel.

Step 2: Submit a full proposal

Full proposals are requested from shortlisted applicants and assessed by the Research Investment Advisory Group, an independent panel of sector experts representing science, industry, iwi, government and the Building Research Advisory Council. 

Assessment of applications

Applications are assessed against criteria such as alignment to the Research Investment Strategy and Priorities, sector impact, research excellence and value for money. Funding recommendations are provided to the BRANZ Inc. Board for final approval.