Combatting the problem of overheating in new build homes is the aim of a new set of masterclasses taking place across the country from February.
With summer heat being felt across New Zealand, attention is turning to the problem of overheating new apartments and townhouses. Some Kiwi families are reporting very high temperatures in new build homes, while builders report having to return to rectify issues in some previously built houses.
Checking the performance of a home - modelling it during design - can help. It enables consideration of the amount of glazing, shading, orientation and other elements of the home to ensure families are comfortable in the winter and summer. It’s a way to check if a home will be comfortable before construction begins.
The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), joined by partners including the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is taking to the road in 2026, with events held across Aotearoa to share practical knowledge and increase industry competence in energy modelling.
Better residential energy modelling is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving New Zealander’s homes.
NZGBC Chief Executive Andrew Eagles says, “Better technology means that impressive tools now exist which allow designers to properly model how a home will perform once built - the better understood and more widely adopted these tools are, the healthier, energy efficient and comfortable New Zealand’s homes will become.
These hands-on Residential Energy Modelling Masterclasses will help builders, designers, and developers stay ahead - using ECCHO, the Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes, to make faster, better design decisions.
ECCHO is a New Zealand-made tool that helps designers test what really matters on site - from window placement and insulation levels to heating systems and home orientation - it simulates how a home will perform (considering where it’s located in New Zealand) before it’s built, helping avoid surprises, speed up compliance, and keeping clients happy. It also helps those designing to consider the cost optimal design for achieving their goals, whatever they may be.
“Even homes that “tick the box” for Code compliance can end up too hot, too cold, or too expensive to run. That’s a headache for builders, designers, and homeowners alike,” says Andrew Eagles.
Modelling a home using a tool like ECCHO allows a designer to:
Spot issues early
Reduce the risk of costly rework or redesigns by testing performance before construction starts.
Keep it simple
The tool is built for quick results and practical use.
Stay competitive
Builders using performance modelling are able to compare different designs quickly, and this can enable them to access lower interest finance options for build projects.
Future-proof their business
With Building Code changes ramping up, understanding modelling now puts designers in prime position to have fewer compliance delays later.
ECCHO is a New Zealand-made tool which is built upon PHPP; an internationally recognised modelling tool which incorporates decades of international experience and real-world outcomes, to ensure modelling reflects the as-built performance of the buildings.
The Better by Design: residential energy modelling masterclasses will begin in Auckland on 19 February and continue to Hamilton, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Queenstown, Christchurch and Tauranga throughout the year.
These events are designed for:
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Builders and group home builders ready to make compliance easier, not harder
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Designers and engineers looking for a clear, efficient process
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Developers who want reliable, marketable performance outcomes
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Community housing providers and local councils committed to better housing quality
The residential masterclass programme is supported by the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, EECA, the Master Builders Association, New Zealand Certified Builders and the Passive House Institute of New Zealand, APL Window Solutions and Architectural Glass Products.
For more information, see:
