New Zealand draft standards

New Zealand is preparing for the largest energy transition it has experienced in more than 100 years and hydrogen is set to play a key role. The government has a legislated target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions (other than from biogenic methane) by 2050, and a target under the Paris Agreement to reduce net GHG emissions to 50% below gross 2005 levels by 2030.

Considerable renewable energy resources exist that could be harnessed to sustainably produce hydrogen as a next-generation green fuel source, and industrial feedstock.

To support the needs of our energy transition to a low-carbon economy we are undertaking identical (IDT) adoptions of a suite of 13 international hydrogen-related equipment safety standards, in accordance with New Zealand’s hydrogen standards implementation strategy, agreed to and commissioned by WorkSafe New Zealand – Energy Safety and as outlined in the Standards New Zealand Hydrogen standards review report published in May 2023.

It is expected the adoption of these standards will enable the safe integration and novel use of hydrogen (in all its forms), across New Zealand’s energy landscape.

NZS 4297:2020 Engineering design of earth buildings is intended for use by structural engineers. Many of the structural design principles are chosen to be similar to those for reinforced masonry and reinforced concrete, and it is assumed that users of this standard will have a knowledge of design in these materials. However, earth has unique characteristics that need to be considered apart from other forms of masonry.

NZS 4297 is intended mainly for use by professional structural engineers. NZS 4297 provides designers and engineers with a cost-effective means of assessing the design of structures that incorporate unfired earthen materials.

It is intended that NZS 4297 will be considered for referencing in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods that demonstrate compliance with the NZBC so that it will provide designers, building control officers and builders with a clear methodology for substantiating building consent and code compliance certificate applications.

NZS 4297 needs to be read alongside NZS 4298 and 4299, for practical guidance on the materials, their testing, and how to use them when constructing earth buildings.

NZS 4298 sets minimum standards for earthen materials. When applied by architects, designers,
builders, engineers, and apprentices, NZS 4298 provides these users with a cost-effective means of
compliance, and practical guidance on earthen materials, their testing, and how to use them, when
constructing earth buildings.

It is intended that NZS 4298 will be considered for referencing in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods which demonstrate compliance with the NZBC so that it will provide designers, building control officers and builders with a clear methodology for substantiating building consent and code compliance certificate applications.

NZS 4298 needs to be read and applied alongside NZS 4297 and 4299, standards that provide design details and other criteria for building successful earth buildings.

NZS 4299 sets a minimum standard for the design and construction of earth buildings. When applied by architects, designers, builders, engineers, apprentices, building consent authorities, and building industry regulators, NZS 4299 provides these users with cost-effective and practical specifications and guidance information for designing and constructing earth buildings, without the need for specific engineering design.
NZS 4299 provides prescribed methods for the design and construction of reinforced earth walled buildings including domestic dwellings and other residential buildings, and some commercial buildings that fit into 1.1 Scope and 1.2 Limitations.

It is intended that NZS 4299 will be considered for referencing in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods which demonstrate compliance with the NZBC so that it will provide designers, building control officers and builders with a clear methodology for substantiating building consent and code compliance certificate applications.

NZS 4299 needs to be read and applied alongside NZS 3604, which provides the wind loading for earth buildings (where needed). NZS 3604 also provides design details for timber roofs, internal walls, and support framing for houses with internal earth veneers (which are modified by this standard).
NZS 4299 also needs to be read and applied alongside NZS 4298 for practical guidance on the materials, their testing, and how to use them when constructing successful earth buildings..

The objective of this publicly available specification is to provide advice and information to support the adoption of energy-efficient heat pump systems to deliver hot water in New Zealand commercial space heating applications (for example, schools or hospitals), and industrial process heat applications. Advice is included on how to quantify and compare the cost, performance, and environmental impact of heat pump systems. Both new installations and retrofit installations to replace an existing heating system are considered. Site integration of the heat pump system is also considered. This includes the use and configuration of associated thermal storage and heating fluid distribution systems, electrical supply, advanced control, data connectivity, performance monitoring, commissioning and operating, and the provision of cooling. Safety issues and the issues and impacts of refrigerant selection are also noted.

To submit your comments please click the following link:
https://consultations.standards.govt.nz/draft-standards/nzs5210-public-consultation/