2006

EDITION

Eco-Building
Design, build and live with the environment

Easy Guide to

This booklet is an introduction to green building. It highlights important issues to consider and provides links to relevant New Zealand material. The content was originally prepared by Auckland Regional Council, Hamilton City Council, BRANZ and funded by the Ministry for the Environment under its Sustainable Management Fund and Building Research. The 2005 content was updated with the assistance of the Climate Change Office (CCO).
Authors: Peter Mittermuller Heidi Mardon Roman Jaques Ben Moore (Kapow Visual) David Ronalds (BRANZ) 1-877330-16-7 1999 2003 2005 2006 BRANZ Ltd, 2006 BRANZ Ltd, Moonshine Road, Judgeford, Private Bag 50908, Porirua City 5240, New Zealand +64 4 237 1170 +64 4 237 1171 www.branz.co.nz

Illustrations: Design: ISBN: First Edition: Second Edition: Third Edition: Fourth Edition: Copyright: Address: Phone: Fax: BRANZ Bookshop:

Disclaimer: The information contained within this publication is of a general nature only. BRANZ does not accept any responsibility or liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary or punitive damage, for any loss of profit income or any intangible losses, or any claims, costs, expenses, or damage, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), equity or otherwise, arising directly or indirectly from, or connected with, your use of this publication, or your reliance on information contained in this publication. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 to the holders of the copyright. Reproduction of any substantial passage from the book, except for review or the educational purposes therein specified, is a breach of copyright of the author and or publisher. This copyright extends to all forms of photocopying and any storing of material in any kind of information retrieval system. All applications for reproduction in any form should be made to 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 Please note, the BRANZ books and Bulletins mentioned in this publication may be withdrawn at any time.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 information and an up-to-date list visit BRANZ Bookshop online: www.branz.co.nz or phone BRANZ 0800 80 80 85, press 2.

Printed on recycled content paper with vegetable-based inks

CONTENTS
Benefits Guiding principles Site selection Design Construction Life and use Salvage/reuse Responding to climate change Further information in New Zealand
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5 6 8 10 14 16 19 20 23

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The Easy Guide to Eco-Building can also be downloaded free from:

www.branz.co.nz

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EASY GUIDE TO ECO-BUILDING

This booklet explains how you can undertake construction projects with consideration for the environment and increase building performance and comfort. It suggests issues to consider and practical things to do, from the start of the design to the end of the buildings lifetime. Many of the suggestions will also save you money, mostly with short payback periods. There are many ways to create sustainable buildings. Choices made at every stage of a buildings life can influence its environmental performance.

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BENEFITS

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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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.

This booklet looks at the choices available at each stage of a buildings life.

SITE SELECTION DESIGN CONSTRUCTION LIFE AND USE SALVAGE/REUSE RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

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

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SITE SELECTION
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Possibilities for sustainable building begin with broad land management and planning choices.

1 2 5

1 2 5

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DESIGN
3 4 5

1 5

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The site is chosen. What sustainable possibilities can be created during the design stage?

6 7

its ing can reduce in which a build ay w climate nt r fo rta ns po ost im s implicatio ha is Th . Probably the m ise yw nerg . ct is by being e living expenses ecological impa th, comfort and al he s, ce ur so ty of re change, scarci oked at: at should be lo th s ea ion, ar n ai m lation, orientat There are two (i.e. level of insu le ho w a as e structur the building ve materials) si ose that use as m use of efficient and th gy er en ly gh hi es within it (i.e. the applianc gy sources). renewable ener s is during the these two area ng si es dr ad r tential fo The greatest po e. design stag
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T ip !

DESIGN
5 8 14 19 20

(continued)

Kitchen

10%
Laundry

20% 30%
m Bathroo

Toilet

30% 10%
Outdoor

E HOU AVERAG

SEHOLD

WATER

USE

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12 13 14

8 9 10 11 19

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CONSTRUCTION

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The design is finalised. What sustainable choices can be made now?

ONLY D

ISPOSE

AS A L

AST RE

SORT!

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LIFE AND USE

1 4

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Construction is complete. What sustainable choices can you make during occupancy?

8 10 11

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LIFE AND USE

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(continued)

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

SALVAGE/REUSE

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Other

12%
Metal

6% 12% 35%
Concrete cleanfill and

oard Plasterb

35%
nd Wood a wood fib

re

CON

ION WA STRUCT

STE CO

MPOSIT

ION

n 1997 d Regio Aucklan

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RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

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20 PAGE

To best prepare you and your building for climate change: 1 8 9 20 Reduce damage by rain Reduce overheating Integrate passive solar cooling into buildings Insulate houses well in excess of NZBC requirements (refer SNZ 4244 #21) Install energy-efficient goods and equipment Use water-resistant building materials Employ steeper pitched roofs Employ good moisture management methods of deflection, drainage, drying and flashing.

% 0% to +20

-20% to 0%

% -20% to -5

20% +5% to +

-2% to +5%

More rain Same rain Less rain

% 0% to +30

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FURTHER INFORMATION IN 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 help developers and residents understand principles and important issues which should be addressed. Contents: designing with nature good linkages well connected streets integrated open 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 audit house 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 and safety issues, with certificates awarded for good designs. Assessments done by building 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 visit www.greenhomescheme.org.nz. PAGE 23

Eco Design Advisor

Operating in three regions Waitakere City, Hamilton and Kapiti Coast, this service provides independent, free one-on-one assistance on sustainable design to anyone planning, 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 environmental policy 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 material wastes from the landfill.

Contents: local contacts trade-specific tips on-site responsibilities eight steps to resource efficiency tip sheets case studies research and publications also contains 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 and downloadable 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 using rainwater 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 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) on 04 470 2200, or visit www.eeca.govt.nz. Available as a leaflet and downloadable from the web. Contents: the concept site planning and orientation collecting, storing and conserving solar heat avoiding overheating environmental impacts and costs. Cost: Free.

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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)

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For practical energy advice, tips and general information. For a comprehensive national list of consultants, products and services, visit their web page. Incorporates the 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.

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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 materials

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Although these sites are not all NZ-based, they provide a lot of relevant information on the background, selection, application and specification of more sustainable 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.

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Contents: recommended timber timbers to avoid timber suppliers helpful products and 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 Design

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

Buy it Back (nationwide database of recycled product listings)

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Database on products containing recycled content which is updated regularly. Cost: Free. Auckland Regional Council, ph: 09 366 2070, or visit www.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 range of materials with those who are looking for similar materials. Auckland: Waikato/Bay of Plenty: Christchurch: www.arc.govt.nz www.nothrow.co.nz www.ccc.govt.nz/TargetZero

Permaculture contacts
Supporting sustainable human settlement and education in eco-design, environmental restoration and appropriate technology. Visit the Permaculture Research Institute at www.permaculture.org.au or the Permaculture Institute of NZ at www.permaculture.org.nz.

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The New Zealand Urban Design Protocol

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

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26 PAGE

BRANZ Climate Change publications

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These and other BRANZ publications provide information on protecting buildings against 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

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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 projected climate change during the 21st century and plan appropriate responses where necessary.

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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 energy efficiency of houses (2004) For earth building guidance: NZS 4297, 4298 and 4299 (all 1998) For domestic wastewater management: AS/NZS 1547 (2000)

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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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onta ook c b e d i u This g tion on: a m r o inf

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www.branz.co.nz
This booklet was funded by Building Research.

' 2006 BRANZ. All rights reserved