While Climate Change is now accepted by most people, the solutions are not as simple as just giving everyone the symbolic electric car or bicycle. As the TV advert advises, “Good Things Take Time”, but also innovative forward planning is essential.

Scott Fisher, Chief Executive, PrefabNZ looks at how offsite manufacturing could help solve NZ's construction waste problem. 

Durability in the NZ Building Code is simple in concept but probably needs more than normal maintenance.

When it comes to the building and construction sector, there is a strong case for collaboration and, taking it a step further, a long-term programme to unify as much as possible our building regulatory systems.

Compliance with NZ Building Code clause H1 (Energy Efficiency) is straightforward for new builds, but for alterations to existing homes it is more complicated and can give unexpected results.

Can we develop new compliance pathways for innovations that respond appropriately to the relative risk of non-compliance but in a cost-effective manner?

For some time now, it has become settled that there is sense in planning for a future where photovoltaic (PV) panels will become a standard feature for new homes and major renovations, even though many owners are not prepared to install them ‘next week’.

With supply chains affected by Covid-19 there are times substitution cannot be avoided. Here's a look at some simple rules to follow when making product substitutions to ensure problems don't arise.

Because of their high thermal mass, the thermal insulation of concrete and concrete block walls in dwellings needs to be treated quite differently to those with lightweight framed or panel walls.

When creating product documentation, it is useful for product suppliers to think not only about getting the product specified, but also helping the design team in achieving building consent.