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