In December last year MBIE asked for feedback on “…the H1 Energy Efficiency standards, specifically looking at insulation settings and improving flexibility of building design”, with submissions to be with them by the end of February this year.

This is simple question but there are lots of factors driving it, so the answer is complex. I’ll explore this over my next few articles. First, I want to talk productivity, specifically labour productivity.

A look at how to design tiled showers using penetration seals and water stops to prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity and subfloor.

In 2024 the Minister for Building and Construction, the Hon. Chris Penk, “… instructed MBIE to review the recently implemented H1 energy efficiency standards to ensure that the compliance costs were not unreasonable and were well balanced with the health and efficiency gains.”

Anything that involves humans introduces the chance of errors. Be it from assumptions, inattention, incompetence, misunderstandings, negligence, lack of knowledge, distraction, or just plain brain fade. So how can we eliminate this in our businesses?

There has been a lot of talk about the impact of AI on all sectors including construction. Declaration: I’m classing myself as sceptical advocate. It is easy to get on board and imagine all these wonderful “what if AI could….” scenarios, but what I’m really concerned with is the reality of what AI can deliver.

It has become more recognised and accepted by the public and the building industry that there is a significant and growing problem with passive over-heating of medium-density housing typologies. This is especially so for some forms of terrace and apartment buildings, meaning that more reliance is being placed on mechanical equipment to modify the interior environment of the dwellings.

This month I look at acoustic considerations for intertenancy floors + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz. 

Beyond the Guesstimate is a new podcast where I speak with interesting people about their roles in the industry and how we can do things better.

This month I look at how we can raise our insulation game when it comes to window and roof design + we have a new round of the Medium Quick-Fire Quiz.