This research project investigated the proposition of upgrading the Energy Efficiency Clause H1 in the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), to include embodied energy. Both qualitative and quantitative aspects were examined. As part of this, New Zealand building-related (whether in construction, maintenance, or end use) embodied energy values were estimated. In addition, issues stemming from such a proposed introduction - for example, its economic implications, practicalities and its ease of application - were discussed. Calculations for the quantifiable outputs were based on building consent information (provided by New Zealand Territorial Authorities), the Department of Statistics, energy reports and previous embodied energy studies conducted in New Zealand. For much of the data, only indicative figures could be obtained for the embodied energy estimates, due to most of the base data having been derived many years ago. It was found that including embodied energy requirements (for materials) within the NZBC would be fraught with difficulty, being neither reasonable nor practical. The main reasons for this are: a lack of appropriate data, the many assumptions that would be needed, and problems associated with life-cycle accounting. These many obstacles would be likely to result in the building industry's rejection of such a proposal.

• embodied energy
• energy efficiency

1. Impacts of climate change performance on building in New Zealand