BRANZ

Dr. Casimir MacGregor, Sam Bridgman and Pāmu Farms of New Zealand shared insights on Climate change readiness in the construction sector at the recent Sustainable Business Council NZ Spotlight Series. Casimir emphasised that building a strong climate culture means deeply understanding climate change and integrating it into values, behaviour's, and actions. For those starting their journey towards a climate-conscious culture, here are five key steps to get you going: 1. Boost your climate change knowledge 2. Measure your business's carbon footprint 3. Manage climate risks effectively 4. Understand how climate risks impact your business 5. Be a champion for climate change Check out the full research report here: https://lnkd.in/gPQW-CuF 👏 Kudos to research team - Sara Walton, Andrea Foley, and Casimir MacGregor for their valuable contributions! Also, thank you to all our participants for sharing their experiences in sustainable business practices. #sustainableleadership #UniversityUniversity of Otago #collaboration

Confused about determining wind zones for your building projects? The BRANZ helpline often gets questions about which wind zone calculation method to use, especially when results differ. Wind zones range from low to extra high, or may need specific engineering design. While some councils provide this info online, others direct you to NZS 3604:2011 for guidance.   Various methods exist to calculate wind zones, each with different precision levels. From detailed site-specific calculations to general council maps, understanding the best approach for accurate results is crucial.   Read out recent article in our August Guideline newsletter https://lnkd.in/g7zGbYkV   If you would like some technical help, give us a call 0800 80 80 85.   #Construction #BuildingDesign #WindZones #Engineering #NZS3604

In the construction industry, keeping your site secure is important. Theft from building sites is a common issue, with losses ranging from small tools to large items like shade sail poles. A recent article from BRANZ Build magazine provides some great tips on how to safeguard your site, which is important for keeping your projects on track and within budget.   Here are a few key strategies to consider: ✅ Conduct thorough site audits ✅ Invest in surveillance systems ✅ Set up clear check-in procedures ✅ Promote a security-minded culture For more detailed advice, take a look at the full article https://lnkd.in/gmn7SHMi   #constructionsecruity #sitesecurity #securitysolutions

BRANZ’s economist Matthew Curtis is speaking at the upcoming EBOSS Specified 2024 Conference on 12 September. Specified, is a conference focused on product specification and what drives building material selection across residential and commercial construction. Its aim this year is to help architects and specifiers plan for the challenges and opportunities ahead.   Speakers will include: ✳ Chris Penk MP, Minister for Building and Construction ✳ Suzannah Toulmin, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment ✳ Olivia Collinson, WARREN AND MAHONEY ✳ Dr Anthony Hōete (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Rānana), The University of Auckland’s School of Architecture and Planning ✳ Richard Deakin, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga - Ministry of Housing and Urban Development NZ ✳ Ronnie Tan CreditWorks    Among other highlights, guests will hear a summary of data and insights of EBOSS’s National Architect and Specifier Survey from Matthew Duder, Managing Director, and owner of EBOSS. Attendees will also receive a pre-release copy of the report.   Visit EBOSS’s website to find out more https://lnkd.in/gsb32jh5   #ConstructionSpecifiers #BuildingProducts #BuildingIndustry #ConstructionData #ConstructionOpportunities

BRANZ are proud to support Naylor Love, in delivering their Resource Sorter - Construction course - a fantastic initiative to help reduce building material waste♻️ The course will give graduates the skills they need to make a change to the way waste is managed across the country, whilst providing them with Level 2 NZQF credits.    Our Rebri tool box is here to support these workers; and everyone in the construction industry, reduce their building material waste into the future. #reduce #constructionwaste   Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere

We’ve just submitted our feedback to the Government on its second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2), which sets out how New Zealand will meet its 2050 net zero target. We believe there’s an opportunity to include more actions and incentives in the plan for the building and construction industry. The sector is critical to the country's economy and environment. It employs around 300k people (or 10% of the country’s total workforce) and contributes NZ$17.6 billion of the country’s GDP (6.3%). It also has a significant impact on emissions (around 20%), but also has the potential to reduce them through various measures, such as: ✅ Energy Performance Certificates, which can provide information and incentives for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. ✅ Building retrofits, which can enhance the thermal performance and comfort of existing buildings. ✅ Energy efficiency measures, which can reduce the energy demand and emissions from heating, cooling, lighting and appliances. BRANZ recommends the Government includes the building and construction sector in its plan. We believe that this sector can play a vital role in achieving the 2050 net zero target and creating a low-emissions economy for New Zealand. You can read our full submission here: https://lnkd.in/gV2GtVVV

A recent article in #Build highlights the importance of ducting performance.   Optimising ductwork not only ensures a comfortable environment but also contributes to energy savings and system longevity. It's a reminder that attention to detail in design and installation can lead to significant benefits down the line.   For those interested in the technicalities, the article provides insights into best practices for ductwork sizing, calculation, and design for efficiency. https://lnkd.in/g_aiNe6E   #EnergyEfficiency #Innovation

Builders are at the coal face of the sector. Their unique perspective is crucial in informing decisions about the future of the industry. This year, we helped fund the 2024 Builder Sentiment survey conducted by EBOSS. Feedback was gathered from 659 builders on a range of issues, including the government’s recent proposals to remove barriers to using overseas building products.     This is what builders had to say: ▪ 64% believe products in the ‘interior/finish’ category (eg. tapware, carpeting and bathroom-ware) would benefit from the proposed change, and 50% believe thermal products would benefit ▪ Only 29% believe products in the ‘structural’ category will benefit from this proposed change, and just 25% believe products in the ‘fire’ category will benefit.   BRANZ itself supports the Government’s goals to lower building costs and streamline the system. However, our position is that the emphasis should always be on ‘quality’. Read the EBOSS survey report here: https://lnkd.in/gqCeszzP   You can also find BRANZ’s full submission on the proposal on our website: https://lnkd.in/gp7DTr_v

https://lnkd.in/g8UzD3iq - A big thank you to all the 193 organisations that were part of the BRANZ journey last year. You each contributed to research, or partnered with us in another way, to help address the challenges in the building sector and improve buildings for all New Zealanders. Our extensive collaborator list can be found at the front of our Annual Review 2024 - https://lnkd.in/gXx87J_i   We made the list and checked it more than twice… so we do hope we’ve not missed anyone! A big shout out to you all. Sorry, there are too many to tag, but feel free to comment and share! #AnnualReview #Buildingandconstructionresearch #Collaboration

“Collaboration is where transformation happens.” That was the key message delivered by Claire F., CEO of BRANZ, at the Constructive 2024 conference this week. She shared some of our latest research on AI, remote inspections, new builds, and climate resilience. “To shift the dial, we need to work closely with the sector – and that’s what we’re committed to doing,” said Claire. Constructive, led by the Registered Master Builders Association, is an annual industry-led forum designed to enhance collaboration, build resilience and ensure a sustainable sector that delivers what New Zealand needs now, and for our future. You can read the highlights from Claire’s presentation on the BRANZ website. https://lnkd.in/gp9kKvYw Ngā mihi to the Constructive team for the opportunity to share our insights with the industry, and to everyone who spoke at and attended the two-day conference #collaboration #construction #constructive2024