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Social, economics and industry research

BRANZ provides evidence, analysis and advice to the building industry about how people relate to the built environment. Our multi-disciplinary team offers expertise in sociology and social anthropology, economics, statistics and sustainability.

Social science research

Social science research at BRANZ seeks to understand the relationship between people and our built environment - both how we use it and how we feel about it. We draw upon the theory and methods of sociology and social anthropology to examine these relationships.

We take a systems approach to our research, studying interactions and impacts across the building system with a focus on the human element.

We aim to create dialogue between building users, the building and construction industry and the government. Our goal is to help these groups confront contemporary challenges within the built environment and to pursue innovations in the practice of social science.

We provide expertise in:

  • urban sociology
  • science, technology and society
  • social and behaviour change
  • consumer studies
  • industrial sociology.

Knowledge generated from our research has contributed to resources and tools for both consumers and the industry. We have also provided valuable evidence for government decision making.

Examples include:

Economics analysis and forecasting

Our Economics team carries out business performance research, product market analysis and workload forecasts for businesses in the building and construction sector. We also provide advice on the effects of government policy changes.

  • Economics analysis and forecasting

    Our Economics team carries out business performance research, product market analysis and workload forecasts for businesses in the building and construction sector. We also provide advice on the effects of government policy changes.

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  • New Zealand whole-building whole-of-life framework

    The NZ whole-building whole-of-life framework provides tools, data and information to support decision-making for sustainable building design. It assists calculation of the climate change and other environmental impacts of our buildings.

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  • Building Energy End-Use Study (BEES)

    The Building Energy End-use Study (BEES) was a 6-year project monitoring and analysing the energy and water consumption of non-residential buildings around New Zealand. This research started in 2007 and was the first of its kind to be done in NZ.

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Examples of work