Get up to speed with the latest guidance and updates from Building Performance.
MBIE has made changes to the Building Code acceptable solutions and verification methods for H1 Energy Efficiency to improve clarity, flexibility and affordability for designers, builders and homeowners. It has also released new guidance on granny flat exemptions and natural hazard provisions.
H1 Energy efficiency provides for the efficient use of energy and sets physical conditions for energy performance. This clause requires enclosed spaces where temperature or humidity are modified to provide adequate thermal resistance and to limit uncontrollable airflow in certain buildings. It also sets out physical conditions likely to affect energy performance, and requirements for hot water systems, artificial lighting and HVAC systems.
Upcoming changes to granny flats exemption
Later in 2026, the Government is expected to expand the exemption to include CodeMark-certified Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) systems and make a number of technical clarifications.
The Building Amendment Bill will separately support off-site construction by allowing granny flats to be built before a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is issued. MBIE has added new resources to its website, including quick guides and short videos, see below for links to new resources.
Natural hazard provisions
A guidance document on the natural hazard provisions of the Building Act has been developed.
Natural hazards are naturally occurring events that have a potential to cause damage to land or buildings. Natural hazards are defined in section71(1) of the Building Act as any of the following five events:
- erosion
- falling debris
- subsidence
- inundation
- slippage
The Building Act requires that you consider the effect of the building work on the natural hazard, and also consider how you could protect the land, building and other property when undertaking building work on land subject to a natural hazard.
In some cases, building work can still take place but in these cases, there is a requirement for a notice to be placed on the record of title for the property so that future owners are aware that the land is subject to a natural hazard.
When building on land that might be subject to a natural hazard, you may need to consider both the requirements of the Resource Management Act (RMA) and the Building Act.
The requirements that need to be considered when applying for a building consent on land that is or may be subject to a natural hazard are contained within sections 71 to 74 of the Building Act.
If you are building a granny flat under the granny flats building consent exemption and the site is affected by a natural hazard, adequate provision must still be made to protect the land, the building work, and other property from the hazard.
Where adequate provision cannot be made, the granny flats exemption cannot be used, and a building consent is required.
Natural hazard guidance
The natural hazard guidance provides information to Building Consent Authorities and aims to explain the requirements and the steps that need to be taken before a consent can be granted for building work on land subject to the natural hazard of inundation and in particular flooding.
The natural hazard provisions of the Building Act are triggered when a building consent for a new building or major alterations to an existing building is applied for.
Flood damaged buildings
For homes affected by flooding, there are a number of resources available to help with the next steps.
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