Eco-BuildingEasy Guide to

Design, build and live with the environment

2 0 0 6EDITION

This booklet is an introduction to green building. It highlights important issuesto consider and provides links to relevant New Zealand material.

The content was originally prepared by Auckland Regional Council, HamiltonCity Council, BRANZ and funded by the Ministry for the Environment underits Sustainable Management Fund and Building Research. The 2005 contentwas updated with the assistance of the Climate Change Office (CCO).

Authors: Peter MittermullerHeidi MardonRoman Jaques

Illustrations: Ben Moore (Kapow Visual)Design: David Ronalds (BRANZ)ISBN: 1-877330-16-7First Edition: 1999Second Edition: 2003Third Edition: 2005Fourth Edition: 2006Copyright: BRANZ Ltd, 2006Address: BRANZ Ltd, Moonshine Road, Judgeford,

Private Bag 50908, Porirua City 5240, New ZealandPhone: +64 4 237 1170

Fax: +64 4 237 1171BRANZ Bookshop: www.branz.co.nz

Printed on recycled content paper with vegetable-based inks

Disclaimer: The information contained within this publication is of a general nature only. BRANZ does not accept any responsibilityor liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary or punitive damage, for any loss of profit incomeor any intangible losses, or any claims, costs, expenses, or damage, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), equity orotherwise, arising directly or indirectly from, or connected with, your use of this publication, or your reliance on informationcontained in this publication.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 to the holders ofthe copyright. Reproduction of any substantial passage from the book, except for review or the educational purposes thereinspecified, is a breach of copyright of the author and or publisher. This copyright extends to all forms of photocopying and anystoring of material in any kind of information retrieval system. All applications for reproduction in any form should be madeto BRANZ Publishing, Private Bag 50908, Porirua 5240, New Zealand.

Any Standard referred to within this publication can be purchased from Standards New Zealand by phoning 04 498 5991,or by visiting www.standards.co.nz.

Please note, the BRANZ books and Bulletins mentioned in this publication may be withdrawn at any time. For more informationand an up-to-date list visit BRANZ Bookshop online: www.branz.co.nz or phone BRANZ 0800 80 80 85, press 2.

Benefits 5

Guiding principles 6

Site selection 8

Design 10

Construction 14

Life and use 16

Salvage/reuse 19

Responding to climate change 20

Further information in New Zealand 23

CONTENTS

www.branz.co.nzThe Easy Guide to Eco-Building can also be downloaded free from:

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EASY GUIDE TOECO-BUILDING

This booklet explains how you can undertake construction projects withconsideration for the environment and increase building performanceand comfort. It suggests issues to consider and practical things to do,from the start of the design to the end of the building’s lifetime. Manyof the suggestions will also save you money, mostly with shortpayback periods.

There are many ways to create sustainable buildings. Choices made atevery stage of a building’s life can influence its environmental performance.

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BENEFITS

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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This booklet looks at the choices available at each stage of abuilding’s life.

SITE SELECTION

DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION

LIFE AND USE

SALVAGE/REUSE

RESPONDING TOCLIMATE CHANGE

Each reference tag and number in the margin leads you toNew Zealand references and contacts provided at the end of this booklet.

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Sustainable choices made early in the design process

result in the most efficient and effective buildings.These

choices will enhance your lifestyle.

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SITE SELECTION

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Possibilities for sustainable building begin with broad

land management and planning choices.

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DESIGN3

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The site is chosen. What sustainable possibilities can

be created during the design stage?

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Probably the most important way in which a building can reduce its

ecological impact is by being ’energywise’. This has implications for climate

change, scarcity of resources, health, comfort and living expenses.

There are two main areas that should be looked at:

¥ the building structure as a whole (i.e. level of insulation, orientation,

use of massive materials)

¥ the appliances within it (i.e. highly energy efficient and those that use

renewable energy sources).

The greatest potential for addressing these two areas is during the

design stage.

Tip!

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DESIGN (continued)

10%

30%

10%30%

20%

Kitchen

Bathroom

Toilet

Laundry

Outdoor

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD WATER USE

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CONSTRUCTION

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The design is finalised. What sustainable choicescan be made now?

ONLY DISPOSE AS A LAST RESORT!

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LIFE AND USE1

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Construction is complete. What sustainable choicescan you make during occupancy?

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LIFE AND USE (continued)

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SALVAGE/REUSE

Your building has reached the end of its workablelife. What are your choices now?

12%

35%

35%

12%

6%

Other

Concrete and

cleanfill

Plasterboard

Metal

Wood and wood fibre

CONSTRUCTION WASTE COMPOSITIONAuckland Region 1997

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RESPONDING TOCLIMATE CHANGE

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0% to +20% -20% to 0%

+5% to +20%

0% to +30%

-20% to -5%

-2% to +5% More rain

Same rain

Less rain

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To best prepare you and your building for climate change:

Reduce overheating Integrate passive solar cooling into buildings

Insulate houses well in excess of NZBCrequirements (refer SNZ 4244 #21)

Install energy-efficient goods and equipment

Reduce damage by rain Use water-resistant building materials

Employ steeper pitched roofs

Employ good moisture management methods of deflection, drainage, drying and flashing.

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FURTHER INFORMATIONIN NEW ZEALAND’Subdivision for People and the Environment’ (SNZ HB 44:2001)Guidelines and design information to assist environmentally sensitive land development.

Contents: clustering buildings — common open space — green streets — solar access— low-impact roading — on-site stormwater, sewage treatment and power generation— tenureship options — alternative technology providers.

Download: Free from Standards New Zealand www.standards.co.nz.

’Developers’ Design Guide’Guidelines for residential subdivision and medium-density housing, to helpdevelopers and residents understand principles and important issues which shouldbe addressed.

Contents: designing with nature — good linkages — well connected streets — integratedopen spaces — safe roads — minimum lot width and depths — privacy, etc.

Cost: Free. Waitakere City Council, ph: 09 836 8000, or visit www.waitakere.govt.nz.

Listing of green architects and designers

Either visit the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)database: www.eeca.govt.nz.

or for a list of building professionals who are qualified to environmentally audithouse designs, contact BRANZ Accredited ’Green Home Scheme’ Assessors,ph: 04 237 1170, or visit www.branz.co.nz (click ’Info’... then ’Resources’).

’The Green-Home Scheme’A procedure for auditing new houses, rating a range of environmental, health andsafety issues, with certificates awarded for good designs. Assessments done bybuilding experts.

Contents: household energy consumption — resources and recycling — water economy— site selection — lighting — waste disposal — smoke alarms — indoor pollutants etc.

Cost: $100 per certificate. BRANZ, ph: 04 237 1170, or visitwww.greenhomescheme.org.nz.

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Eco Design AdvisorOperating in three regions — Waitakere City, Hamilton and Kapiti Coast, this serviceprovides independent, free one-on-one assistance on sustainable design to anyoneplanning, building or renovating a home. Available to the public and industry.Vist: www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz.

’Reducing Waste on Building Sites’BRANZ Bulletin 383 (1999). Practical advice on how to be material efficient,in an eight-page leaflet.

Contents: how to reduce waste and save money – formulate an environmentalpolicy – start a waste management plan.

Cost: Free download from www.branz.co.nz.

’REBRI - Guide to Reducing Construction Material Wastes’One-stop New Zealand internet guide to reducing and diverting building materialwastes from the landfill.

Contents: local contacts – trade-specific tips – on-site responsibilities – eight stepsto resource efficiency – tip sheets – case studies – research and publications – alsocontains the downloadable site guide: Easy Guide to Reducing Construction Wastes.Visit: www.rebri.org.nz.

’Sustainable Home Guidelines’A comprehensive guide for healthier and more sustainable residential building,renovating and living, for you and the environment. Available in a folder anddownloadable for free on the web.

Contents: site earthworks – design for the sun – insulation – heating your home –heating water – household appliances – light and lighting – saving water – usingrainwater – building materials – earth building etc.

Cost: $35. Waitakere City Council, ph: 09 836 8000, or visit www.waitakere.govt.nz.

’Passive Solar Design for New Zealand Homes’An introduction to the principles of designing with the sun in mind. Phone EnergyEfficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) on 04 470 2200, or visitwww.eeca.govt.nz. Available as a leaflet and downloadable from the web.

Contents: the concept – site planning and orientation – collecting, storing andconserving solar heat – avoiding overheating – environmental impacts and costs.

Cost: Free.

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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)

For practical energy advice, tips and general information. For a comprehensivenational list of consultants, products and services, visit their web page. Incorporatesthe downloadable ’Energy-Wise Homes’ magazine (also available as a leaflet)www.energywise.org.nz.

Contents: energy – insulation – draught control – home heating – hot water appliances.

Cost: Free. Ph: 04 470 2200, or visit www.eeca.govt.nz.

Use and Control of Solar Gain’

BRANZ Bulletin 311 (1993). A practical leaflet mainly targeting existing houses,with some advice for new houses also.

Contents: solar energy use – controlling solar energy.

Cost: Free download from www.branz.co.nz.

Choosing environmentally preferable materialsAlthough these sites are not all NZ-based, they provide a lot of relevantinformation on the background, selection, application and specification of moresustainable materials:

www.Greenspec.co.uk

www.greenbuild.org.nz

www.enviro-choice.org.nz

’The Good Wood Guide’ (1999 update)An ’in-a-nutshell’ guide on how to buy wood which is less environmentally damaging.

Contents: recommended timber – timbers to avoid – timber suppliers – helpful productsand services – other timber-related businesses – background information etc.

Cost: Free. Rainforest Action Group, ph: 04 385 6728, or visit www.converge.org.nz/gwg.

Two Great Resources for Home Design1. Your Home: shows how to design and build a more comfortable home that

has less impact on the environment. Visit: www.yourhome.gov.au.

2. Consumerbuild: NZ’s independent resource for building, renovating, and maintaining your home (www.consumerbuild.org nz/publish).

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’Maintaining Your Home’

Practical maintenance advice on common problems and their causes.

Contents: caring for your building – common problems – quick-response maintenance– preventative maintenance – exterior cleaning – condition checks – inspectionchecks.

Cost: $59.95. BRANZ, ph: 0800 80 80 85 (press 2 for publication sales).

’Buy it Back’ (nationwide database of recycled product listings)

Database on products containing recycled content which is updated regularly.

Cost: Free. Auckland Regional Council, ph: 09 366 2070, or visitwww.zerowaste.co.nz.

Reuse of resources

Phone your local regional/city council for the nearest material exchange database.This hooks up people and businesses who are trying to get rid of a wide rangeof materials with those who are looking for similar materials.

Auckland: www.arc.govt.nz

Waikato/Bay of Plenty: www.nothrow.co.nz

Christchurch: www.ccc.govt.nz/TargetZero

Permaculture contacts

Supporting sustainable human settlement and education in eco-design, environmentalrestoration and appropriate technology. Visit the Permaculture Research Instituteat www.permaculture.org.au or the Permaculture Institute of NZ atwww.permaculture.org.nz.

The New Zealand Urban Design Protocol

For ongoing information on urban design issues and a list of signatories to theUrban Design Protocol visit the Ministry for the Environment s websitewww.mfe.govt.nz.

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BRANZ Climate Change publications

These and other BRANZ publications provide information on protecting buildingsagainst the effects of climate:

Study Report 107 Camilleri MJ (2001) Implications of climate change for the

construction sector

Designing Homes for Climate Change

BRANZ Bulletin 433 Weathertightness checklist

BRANZ Bulletin 414 Coping with climate change

BRANZ Bulletin 455 Restoring a house after flood damage

Available from BRANZ website www.branz.co.nz.

New Zealand Climate Change Office (2004)Preparing for Climate Change: A guide for Local Government in New Zealand.MfE, Wellington (2004).

A guide to help councils across New Zealand assess the likely effects of projectedclimate change during the 21st century and plan appropriate responses wherenecessary.

For regional information on climate change effects, visit:www.climatechange.govt.nz.

Relevant Standards

For high insulation guidance: SNZ PAS 4244 Code of Good Practice for energyefficiency of houses (2004)

For earth building guidance: NZS 4297, 4298 and 4299 (all 1998)

For domestic wastewater management: AS/NZS 1547 (2000)

For waterless composting toilet information: AS/NZS 1546.2 (2001).

Other useful websites

Consortium on improving housing stock, visit: www.beaconpathway.co.nz

For eco-village concepts, visit: www.converge.org.nz

For green building advice, visit: www.ecoprojects.co.nz

For designing green schools, contact: heidi.mardon@enviroschools.org.nz.

For builders, visit: www.branz.co.nz/sustainablefoundations

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' 2006 BRANZ. All rights reserved

This booklet was funded by Building Research.

www.branz.co.nz

This guidebook contains essential sustainable living

information on:

RESPONDING TO

CLIMATE CHANGERESPONDING TO

CLIMATE CHANGE

SITE SELECTION

DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION

LIFE AND USE

SALVAGE/REUSE