Carbon considerations
During a remediation project, as with any type of construction, look for opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint or energy consumption of the building.
Examples include:
- upgrading wall and window insulation values to reduce heat loss and reduce energy demand (also see improving building performance)
- considering the whole-of-life cost rather than the initial cost when discussing cladding selection (also see reducing weathertightness risk)
- considering the embodied energy of materials. BRANZ tools such as CO2NSTRUCT can help
- selecting materials that require less maintenance
- selecting materials that can be recycled at the end of their serviceable life
- minimising waste generation on site
- reusing or recycling materials where feasible and materials will continue to meet durability requirements
- replacing older recessed downlights with ceiling-mounted downlights or newer recessed downlights labeled IC or IC-F that can be covered with insulation
- reducing the use of solvents through paint and timber treatment specification.
You can find more guidance around net-zero carbon construction and sustainable construction on the website www.level.org.nz. You can find BRANZ calculators and tools on the BRANZ website.
Updated: 21 March 2023