Verification Method H1/VM1: Energy efficiency for all housing, and buildings up to 300 m²

Abbreviation
H1/VM1 (Sixth edition)
Version
Sixth edition
Valid from
27/11/2025

Information provider
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment,
Information type
Verification Method,
Format
PDF,


Description

Verification Method H1/VM1 provides a means of compliance with Building Code Clause H1 Energy Efficiency.

Verification Method H1/VM1 applies to:

  • a) housing; and
  • b) other buildings with a floor area of occupied space no greater than 300 m², that are communal residential, communal non-residential (assembly care only) and commercial buildings.

For buildings that do not meet these characteristics, refer to the Acceptable Solution H1/AS2 or Verification Method H1/VM2 as a means to demonstrate compliance or use an alternative means to demonstrate compliance.

Scope

The Verification Method H1/VM1 does not apply to buildings with foil insulation.

For assistance with locating previous versions, please contact the information provider.
Notes/comments

The main changes from the fifth edition amendment 1 are:

  • The requirements of the modelling method have been clarified and updated.
  • For multi-unit dwellings and for mixed-use buildings, the building may now be treated as having either a single thermal envelope, or multiple thermal envelopes, when demonstrating compliance using the modelling method.
  • The citation of NZS 4214 has been modified to enhance clarity of requirements for determining the thermal resistance of building elements containing thermal bridges.
  • The method for determining the thermal resistance of framed walls has been revised to better address typical levels of thermal bridging caused by wall framing members. As a consequence, the wall R-value in the reference building has also been reduced.
  • The application of minimum construction R-values of heated ceilings, heated walls and heated floors has been clarified, and these minimum construction R-values no longer apply where heated ceilings, heated walls or heated floors are installed solely in rooms that contain a shower, bath or toilet.
  • The method for determining the areas of roofs, walls and floors now requires the overall internal dimensions to be used.
  • References have been revised to reflect the documents cited in this verification method in Appendix A.
  • Definitions have been revised to reflect the terms used in this verification method in Appendix B.
  • The verification method now refers to the Building Product Specifications for determining the thermal resistance of insulation materials. As a consequence, reference to AS/NZS 4859.1 has been removed from the verification method with the applicable specifications located within the Building Product Specifications.
View on Information Provider website Download this resource (PDF, 972KB)
For assistance with locating previous versions, please contact the information provider.

The main changes from the fifth edition amendment 1 are:

  • The requirements of the modelling method have been clarified and updated.
  • For multi-unit dwellings and for mixed-use buildings, the building may now be treated as having either a single thermal envelope, or multiple thermal envelopes, when demonstrating compliance using the modelling method.
  • The citation of NZS 4214 has been modified to enhance clarity of requirements for determining the thermal resistance of building elements containing thermal bridges.
  • The method for determining the thermal resistance of framed walls has been revised to better address typical levels of thermal bridging caused by wall framing members. As a consequence, the wall R-value in the reference building has also been reduced.
  • The application of minimum construction R-values of heated ceilings, heated walls and heated floors has been clarified, and these minimum construction R-values no longer apply where heated ceilings, heated walls or heated floors are installed solely in rooms that contain a shower, bath or toilet.
  • The method for determining the areas of roofs, walls and floors now requires the overall internal dimensions to be used.
  • References have been revised to reflect the documents cited in this verification method in Appendix A.
  • Definitions have been revised to reflect the terms used in this verification method in Appendix B.
  • The verification method now refers to the Building Product Specifications for determining the thermal resistance of insulation materials. As a consequence, reference to AS/NZS 4859.1 has been removed from the verification method with the applicable specifications located within the Building Product Specifications.
This resource is not cited by any other resources.

Verification Method H1/VM1: Energy efficiency for all housing, and buildings up to 300 m²

This document is not CITED BY any other resources:

Verification Method H1/VM1: Energy efficiency for all housing, and buildings up to 300 m²

Description

Verification Method H1/VM1 provides a means of compliance with Building Code Clause H1 Energy Efficiency.

Verification Method H1/VM1 applies to:

  • a) housing; and
  • b) other buildings with a floor area of occupied space no greater than 300 m², that are communal residential, communal non-residential (assembly care only) and commercial buildings.

For buildings that do not meet these characteristics, refer to the Acceptable Solution H1/AS2 or Verification Method H1/VM2 as a means to demonstrate compliance or use an alternative means to demonstrate compliance.

View on Information Provider website Download this resource (PDF, 972KB)
Verification Method H1/VM1: Energy efficiency for all housing, and buildings up to 300 m²
Description

Verification Method H1/VM1 provides a means of compliance with Building Code Clause H1 Energy Efficiency.

Verification Method H1/VM1 applies to:

  • a) housing; and
  • b) other buildings with a floor area of occupied space no greater than 300 m², that are communal residential, communal non-residential (assembly care only) and commercial buildings.

For buildings that do not meet these characteristics, refer to the Acceptable Solution H1/AS2 or Verification Method H1/VM2 as a means to demonstrate compliance or use an alternative means to demonstrate compliance.

View on Information Provider website Download this resource (PDF, 972KB)
This resource cites:

Verification Method H1/VM1: Energy efficiency for all housing, and buildings up to 300 m²

This document CITES:
Feedback