BRANZ

Early findings from BRANZ’s household energy study show that, overall homes are warmer in winter than they were 20 years ago but cold, mould, damp and condensation are still the reality for many.    It’s been 20 years since BRANZ carried out its original ground breaking study into home energy use and indoor conditions. We’ve just released insights from the follow-up study HEEP2. These are based on survey responses from 425 homes and temperature data from 125 of these monitored over winter 2023.    Thanks to project partners Stats NZ, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, NZGBC, and the 750+ households for taking part in the study.    Watch out for more results in 2025!    Check out the paper written by BRANZ researchers Vicki White, Ben Anderson and Suzanne Jones - available via the media release[https://lnkd.in/gNRx8h7D]   #HealthyHomes #SustainableLiving #HEEP2

#ThrowbackThursday It's fair to say our base in Judgeford (in the hills, midway between Porirua and the Hutt) has changed a fair bit in the last five decades. From the early stages of development in the early 1970s (image 1), to the completed campus (including fire lab) in 1980 (image 2), to today, with the brand new fire lab set to open in 2025! (image 3).

🚧 Calling all professionals in the building and construction sector! 🏗️ As the digital landscape of building and construction continues to evolve, we're committed to providing the most relevant tools, resources, and services. But first, we need to know what matters most to you—your needs, goals, and capabilities. Take a few minutes to complete our survey https://lnkd.in/gEA2HPNX

Aotearoa New Zealand is navigating some significant challenges in housing affordability and construction, as highlighted by BRANZ Senior Research Economist, Daniel du Plessis. While these challenges are substantial, there are also positive steps being taken to create a more sustainable and affordable housing future. At BRANZ, we are focused on identifying practical solutions to improve affordability within the housing and construction sectors. By taking an independent, systems-based approach, we’re working to uncover opportunities for meaningful change that can benefit everyone. We believe that collaboration is key. If you’d like to discuss housing affordability or have ideas about how we can contribute to addressing these issues, we’d love to hear from you, reach out to us at economics@branz.co.nz. Read more about the work underway, check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/gmiVkbrz

What does ‘affordable housing’ mean to you? For some, it’s a home that could be 3-5 times their annual income; for others, it’s housing that everyone can afford. BRANZ’s latest research project will examine these definitions and more, to create a common language and pave the way for practical solutions to affordability in Aotearoa New Zealand. #AffordableHousing #Research #BRANZ #NZHousingCrisis

We’d like to congratulate our Board member, Erica Seville, on her appointment as the Independent Chair of the Steering Group for the upcoming review of the Earthquake-Prone Building (EQPB) legislation.    This is important mahi. Earthquake-prone buildings are more likely to cause damage or injury during an earthquake. What we do to manage the risks they pose will ultimately save lives, highlighting the significance of Erica's role.   BRANZ itself continues to invest in seismic research, and testing facilities. Our new structural engineering laboratory that opened last year can now test buildings up to three storeys high, simulating the impacts of stronger seismic events. The research insights and testing results coming out of this lab are helping to increase the resilience of our buildings and better protect existing and future generations.   Please join us in congratulating Erica on her appointment.   #Leadership #BuildingSafety #SeismicRiskManagement #EQPB #BRANZ

In November 1974, BRANZ issued its very first BRANZ Appraisal for a 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 – a milestone that marked the beginning of an incredible journey supporting New Zealand's building and construction industry. 🏗️ Builders, designers, architects, consent authorities and consumers are assured a BRANZ Appraised product does what it claims, because BRANZ knows what will work in New Zealand’s unique, rugged environments. From the first to those we issue now, every BRANZ Appraisal is backed by science - and rigorous, expert testing. Read about the BRANZ Appraisal journey in our latest Build: https://lnkd.in/ga4JADPX

🎉 Celebrating 50 years of BRANZ Appraisals 🎉 This month, BRANZ marks 50 years of rigorously testing and assuring New Zealand’s best building materials. For five decades, a BRANZ Appraisal has remained a trusted, in-depth, independent evaluation of a building product. It carries real weight in the marketplace and gives clients confidence in the performance of their products. The BRANZ Appraisal is a proven indicator of the quality, safety, and innovation of construction products and systems in Aotearoa and Australia. Here's to the next 50 years!

Vocational education is designed to provide individuals with the practical skills and hands-on experience they need to succeed in specific careers, particularly in technical fields or trades. In New Zealand, as the vocational education system evolves, it’s important to go beyond just technical training and focus on the broader skills that drive long-term career success.    Malcolm Fleming, CEO of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association, highlights the gap: many tradespeople, particularly builders, lack the business knowledge needed to transition from skilled worker to successful business owner. Without this foundation, even the most technically proficient builders may struggle to grow their own businesses.    Read the full article https://lnkd.in/gcUJpR6X   #VocationalEducation #SkilledWorkforce #UpSkilling #Leadership

In an exciting first, secondary school trade students at One Tree Hill College are getting hands-on experience by retrofitting a former state house.    This project, involving 65 students enrolled in Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO’s) Level 2 and Level 3 trade programmes, is all about upgrading the house into a healthy, dry home that meets NZGBC’s high standards. Students are working alongside licensed builder paul williams and trade mentors to learn about advanced building practices, materials, and energy-efficient technologies that go beyond the standard Building Code.    What’s even more exciting? The students are tackling real-world challenges like exceeding energy efficiency requirements and creating a tight thermal envelope. This project is not just about building skills— students are gaining valuable exposure to everything from electrical work and insulation techniques to kitchen design and sustainable building practices.    The finished house, fully retrofitted and furnished, will be auctioned off at the end of the year, with the proceeds going to fund another retrofit project for next year. 🏠💡    A huge shoutout to Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities, BCITO, and the school’s dedicated staff for making this project a reality.  https://lnkd.in/g_FrrjqT   #Construction #FutureOfWork #Aotearoa