What is MBIE currently working on?

Building Services Team — September 14th, 2022

The Performance team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is busy consulting and creating guidance on the following matters.

Product substitution - Plaster Board

MBIE have prepared guidance on the appropriate way to apply minor variations regulations when substituting plasterboard wall and ceiling linings.

Product substitution – plasterboard | Building Performance

We will generally process minor variations in accordance with MBIE's guidance. Read the August publication of Reinforce for more details.

Review of the building consent system

A comprehensive review of the building consent system is well underway as part of building sector reform. MBIE have asked for feedback on issues within the current building consent system as a first step in the review, and the DCC's Building Services team has given theirs.

For more details about the review visit the MBIE website.

Reducing the spread of illness

Proper ventilation is an important tool in any commercial space to stop airborne diseases from spreading. Managing ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems can help reduce the risk of airborne diseases travelling through a building, and it is important these systems are well maintained to do so.

New guidance on how to maintain and maximise existing systems has been developed and is available on MBIE's website.

New seismic risk guidance

This guidance aims to help building owners, tenants and users understand building seismic assessments and make informed decisions about the risks associated with continued occupancy of these buildings when they have a low seismic rating.

The guidance also helps engineers and their clients discuss seismic assessments and what these mean for building performance in an earthquake.

New seismic risk guidance released | Building Performance

If you are considering undertaking seismic strengthening building work for the first time, we recommend you come and talk to us early in the design process.