NZ Building Code Compliance from NZ$595.

H1 Energy Efficiency Assessments.

We know the recent changes to the NZ Building Code (H1 Energy Efficiency provisions) are complex. Will my existing envelope specification still work? Do i need all that extra insulation in warm climates? Will my building overheat?

As the developers of Speckel Software, we are in a great position to enable you to understand the H1 Energy Efficiency requirements and deliver your next project through to building consent. You can also check out our professional partners or design with our software yourself.

If you would like to use our consultancy services, designed to support engineers, architects and builders, and would prefer to avoid the headaches of compliance and meet the requirements of the following, please book in a Project Review.

- Acceptable Solution H1/AS1
- Acceptable Solution H1/AS2
- Verification Method H1/VM1

A rapid approach to compliance.

Our H1 process.

1. Project review

First up, we need a project. We can undertake both current and future residential and commercial H1 Energy Efficiency assessments for you against NZ Building Code requirements.

2. Project Info

Next, we will need some drawings. Submit your plans, elevations, sections and window/wall schedules below. If you prefer, we can always have a quick project review (online) to answer your questions.

Speckel certificate

3. Project workshop and report

After we have agreed to proceed, we will do everything for you and run through the results in a 30 minute review workshop once complete. You then receive an H1 Energy Efficiency assessments report for building consent.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

What is H1 Energy Efficiency Consulting?

Speckel provides software to the NZ market. But we also deliver consultancy for residential and commercial buildings against Acceptable Solution H1/AS1, Acceptable Solution and H1/AS2 - Verification Method H1/VM1.

Do you provide building consent reports?

100%. Our reports can be used directly for building consent applications with your local council.

How long does a building consent report take?

Not long. Depending on project size and complexity, we can have your report completed in 48 hours.

Does Speckel Consulting assess all Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods?

100%. We can produce reports for residential and commercial buildings against Acceptable Solution H1/AS1, Acceptable Solution and H1/AS2 - Verification Method H1/VM1.

How much does a building consent cost?

Our pricing is based on a simple model of project size and complexity. And of course, how quickly you need a report. Complete the form above fand we will get back to you.

What buildings are included within H1/AS1?

Housing; and other buildings with an area of occupied space no greater than 300 m2 are included within H1/AS1. For buildings that do not meet these characteristics, refer to the Acceptable Solution H1/AS2 or Verification Method H1/VM2 as a means to demonstrate compliance or use an alternative means to demonstrate compliance.

What is an Acceptable Solution?

A acceptable solution is one option that provides a means of establishing compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code clauses H1.3.1, H1.3.3, H1.3.4, and H1.3.5.

Do you use the Schedule method?

As part of each project, we will use all methods available to assess compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code. The schedule method is rarely used as it over engineers the design and introduces comfort and overheating issues. We do not recommend it adoption.

The Calculation method shall only be used where the glazing area is 30% or less of the total wall area, the combined glazing area on the east, south, and west facing walls (refer to Appendix D) is 30% or less of the combined total area of these walls, the skylight area is no more than 1.5 m2 or 1.5% of the total roof area (whichever is greater) and the opaque door area is no more than 6 m2 or 6% of the total wall area (whichever is greater).

Do you use the Calculation method?

As part of each project, we will use all methods available to assess compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code. The calculation method is often used as it provides more design flexibility.

This method compares the proposed building with the reference building which is insulated in accordance with the Schedule method. This method permits roof, wall, floor, window, door, and skylight insulation combinations which differ from the Schedule method, but the building must perform at least as well as the reference building.

The Calculation method shall only be used where the glazing area is 40% or less of the total wall area.

Can i download  H1/AS1?

100%. It is free to download and access.

What buildings are included within H1/AS2?

Buildings other than housing with an area of occupied space greater than 300 m² are included within H1/AS2. For buildings that do not meet these characteristics, refer to the Acceptable Solution H1/AS1 or Verification Method H1/VM1 as a means to demonstrate compliance or use an alternative means to demonstrate compliance.

What is an Acceptable Solution?

A acceptable solution is one option that provides a means of establishing compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code clauses H1.3.1, H1.3.3, H1.3.4, and H1.3.5.

Do you use the Schedule method?

The Schedule method shall only be used for buildings where the sum of the window area and door area is less than or equal to 50% of the total wall area. Otherwise the Calculation method in Subsection 2.1.3 or the Modelling method in H1/VM2 shall be used.

Do you use the Calculation method?

As part of each project, we will use all methods available to assess compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code. The Calculation method is often used as it provides more design flexibility.

The Calculation method allows for increased flexibility in proposed wall construction such as more than one type of wall construction, a mix of window types, a range of thermal resistances, any window area and door area, or a combination of these. This method does not allow reducing the thermal resistances of the roof, floor and skylights of the proposed building.

Can I download  H1/AS2?

100%. It is free to download and access.

What buildings are included within H1/VM1?

H1/VM1 includes housing and other buildings with an area of occupied space no greater than 300 m2, that are communal residential, communal non-residential (assembly care only), and commercial buildings.

Housing includes detached dwellings, multi-unit dwellings such as buildings which contain more than one separate household or family, e.g. an apartment building, and also group dwellings, e.g. a wharenui.

For buildings that do not meet these characteristics, refer to the Acceptable Solution H1/AS2 or Verification Method H1/VM2 as a means to demonstrate compliance or use an alternative means to demonstrate compliance.

What is a Verification Method?

A Verification method is one option that provides a means of establishing compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code clauses H.1.3.1(a), H1.3.2E, and H1.3.3.

What is the Modelling Method for the H1/VM?

Verification of the design is achieved by demonstrating that the energy use of the proposed building design does not exceed the energy use of the reference building using computer modelling.

The sum of the calculated annual heating load and annual cooling load of the proposed building shall not exceed that of the reference building.

This is further defined within H1/VM - Appendix D.

Is H1/VM the most flexible approach means of establishing compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code?

Both the Calculation Method (H1/AS1) and the Verification Method (H1/VM) provide the most flexible approach means of establishing compliance with the performance criteria in Building Code. H1/VM tends to offer more flexibility in warmer climates and allow for further insights into the comfort of the space being designed.

Can I download  H1/AS2?

100%. It is free to download and access.