1. A guide to building regulation in New Zealand and the place of Acceptable Solution E2 in this regulation.

2. A Compliance Document is for use in establishing compliance with the New Zealand Building Code New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

3. However, a Compliance Document is only one method of complying with the Building Code. There may be alternative ways to comply. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

4. The Building Act, which contains the provisions for regulating building work. The various Building Regulations, which contain prescribed forms, list specified systems, define ‘change the use’ and ‘moderate earthquake’, and set out the rate of levy and fees for determinations. The Building Code, contained in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992, which sets performance standards all new building work must meet, and covers aspects such as stability, fire safety, access, moisture, safety of users, services and facilities, and energy efficiency. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

6. The New Zealand Building Code The Building Code is contained in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992. The Building Code contains compulsory rules for all new building work. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

7. The Building Code sets out performance criteria that building work must meet. It covers aspects such as structural stability, fire safety, access, moisture control, durability, services and facilities, and energy efficiency. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

8. The Building Code does not prescribe how work should be done, but states how completed building work and its parts must perform. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

9. An advantage of a performance-based Building Code is flexibility. It contains no prescriptive requirements stipulating that certain products or designs must be used. This flexibility allows developments and innovation in building design, technology and systems. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

10. During building design and construction there are many influences on the makeup of the final building. Cost, appearance, environmental considerations and size dictate design and construction methods. Cost and appearance led to the construction of Mediterranean style houses that sometimes failed in a New Zealand environment.

11. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

12. With the exception of alternative solutions, the paths illustrated on the previous page must be accepted by the building consent authority as meeting the performance requirements of the Building Code. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

13. Verification Methods and Acceptable Solutions are usually referred to by their Building Code clauses and unique identification numbers. Some examples are listed below. The Acceptable Solutions for Clause E2 External Moisture are known as E2/AS1,E2/AS2 and E2/AS3 New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

14. Acceptable Solutions such as E2 These are simple step-by- step instructions that show one way to comply with the Building Code. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

15. Alternative solutions An alternative solution is a building solution that differs, in part or wholly, from the solutions offered by the Compliance Documents (an Acceptable Solution or Verification Method), but achieves compliance with the performance requirements of the Building Code to the satisfaction of the building consent authority New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

16. There may be a number of reasons for the use of an alternative solution. There may not be a Compliance Document for the proposed construction, for example, if no Compliance Document is available for on-site effluent disposal. The building work may incorporate unusual design features that fall outside the scope of a Compliance Document. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

17. Whatever the reason for using an alternative solution, the Building Code, being performance-based, allows for innovation and applicants have the freedom to propose an innovative solution. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

18. Determinations A determination is a binding decision made by the Department. It provides a way of solving disputes or answering questions relating to the Building Code and territorial authority/building consent authority/regional authority decisions under the Building Act. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

19. A range of matters can be determined, including: whether a building or building work complies with the Building Code a building consent authority’s decision on a building consent, a notice to fix, a code compliance certificate (CCC) or a compliance schedule New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

20. A territorial authority’s decision to issue a building consent subject to a waiver or modification a territorial authority’s decision on a certificate of acceptance, a compliance schedule, a notice to fix, or a certificate for public us. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

21. Territorial authorities Territorial authorities are responsible for enforcing the Building Act, Regulations and the Building Code in their areas of jurisdiction. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

22. Producer statements A producer statement is a statement supplied by or on behalf of an applicant for a building consent, or by or on behalf of a person who has been granted a building consent. It is a statement that certain work will be, or has been, carried out in accordance with certain technical specifications New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

23. Licensed building practitioners The Building Act set up a licensed building practitioners (lBP) scheme to promote, recognise and support professional skills and behaviour in the building industry. The scheme has seven licence classes covering designers, site supervisors and trades people, such as carpenters, roofers, plasterers and Bricklayers. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

24. To become licensed, building practitioners must show they meet the standard for the licence class appropriate for them. Details of lBPs are held on a public register at www.dbh.govt.nz/lbp-register New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

25. E2.1 The objective of this provision is to safeguard people from illness or injury that could result from external moisture entering the building New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

26. Functional Requirement E2.2 Buildings must be constructed to provide adequate resistance to penetration by, and the accumulation of, moisture from the outside. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

27. Performance E2.3.1 Roofs must shed precipitated moisture. In locations subject to snowfalls, roofs must also shed melted snow New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

28. E2.3.2 Roofs and exterior walls must prevent the penetration of water that could cause undue dampness, damage to building elements, or both New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

29. E2.3.3 Walls, floors, and structural elements in contact with, or in close proximity to, the ground must not absorb or transmit moisture in quantities that could cause undue dampness, damage to building elements, or both. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

30. E2.3.4 Building elements susceptible to damage must be protected from the adverse effects of moisture entering the space below suspended floors New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

31. E2.3.5 Concealed spaces and cavities in building s must be constructed in a way that prevents external moisture being accumulated or transferred and causing condensation, fungal growth, or the degradation of building elements New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

32. E2.3.6 Excess moisture present at the completion of construction must be capable of being dissipated without permanent damage to building element New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

33. E2.3.7 Building elements must be constructed in a way that makes due allowance for the following: (a) the consequences of failure: (b) the effects of uncertainties resulting from construction or from the sequence in which different aspects of construction occur: (c) variation in the properties of materials and in the characteristics of the site New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

34. E3.1 The objective of this provision is to— (a) Safeguard people against illness, injury, or loss of amenity that could result from accumulation of internal moisture; and (b) Protect household units and other property from damage caused by free water from another household unit in the same building New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

35. E3.2 Buildings must be constructed to avoid the likelihood of— (a) Fungal growth or the accumulation of contaminants on linings and other building elements; and (b) Free water overflow penetrat- ing to an adjoining household unit; and (c) Damage to building elements caused by the presence of moisture New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

36. E3.3.1 An adequate combination of thermal resistance, ventilation, and space temperature must be provided to all habitable spaces, bathrooms, laundries, and other spaces where moisture may be generated or may accumulate. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

37. E3.3.2 Freewater from accidental overflow from sanitary fixtures or sanitary appliances must be disposed of in a way that avoids loss of amenities or damage to household units or other property. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

38. E3.3.3 Floor surfaces of any space containing sanitary fixtures or sanitary appliances must be impervious and easily cleaned New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

39. E3.3.4 Wall surfaces adjacent to sanitary fixtures or sanitary appliances must be impervious and easily cleaned. New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

40. E3.3.5 Surfaces of building elements likely to be splashed or become contaminated in the course of the intended use of the building, must be impervious and easily cleaned New Zealand Building Code Handbook. 3 rd edition 2011

41. References New Zealand Building Code Handbook Third Edition Prepared by the Department of Building and Housing