H1 AS1 & VM1

This 50-minute course offers a comprehensive understanding of 'New Zealand H1 Energy Efficiency Compliance,' a complete regulatory assessment methodology for demonstrating thermal performance compliance within New Zealand's Building Code framework. Through detailed technical instruction using a residential building model, participants will learn to configure, execute, and document Schedule Method, Calculation Method, and VM1 Modelling Method assessments using Better Building's integrated compliance platform.

Key Course Content:

H1 Energy Efficiency Framework and Multi-Method Compliance Strategy

The course begins by establishing the comprehensive H1 energy efficiency framework within New Zealand's Building Code, focusing on the strategic application of three distinct compliance pathways: Schedule Method for simplified prescriptive compliance, Calculation Method for heat loss equation analysis, and VM1 Modelling Method for sophisticated dynamic simulation. Participants explore the regulatory context of acceptable solutions versus verification methods, understanding when each pathway provides optimal compliance demonstration whilst maintaining design flexibility and technical accuracy for residential building applications.

Advanced Model Configuration and Thermal Boundary Definition

A key part of the course delves into sophisticated building model setup including comprehensive zone configuration for conditioned versus unconditioned spaces (garage exclusion protocols), advanced tagging system implementation for efficient window, door, and wall system specification, and critical thermal boundary definition ensuring accurate envelope performance assessment. The session demonstrates proper integration of air walls for inter-zone connectivity, HVAC system disabling for unconditioned spaces, and the strategic use of Better Building's window calculator (Table E.1.1.1) for conceptual glazing performance development.

Schedule Method Compliance and Prescriptive Requirements

Critical attention is given to Schedule Method assessment including automated glazing area verification (30% maximum total wall area, combined east/south/west wall restrictions), construction thermal resistance validation against climate zone requirements, and comprehensive performance value lookup across ceiling, wall, and floor systems. The session covers embedded heating system considerations, skylight area limitations (1.5% maximum), and the platform's automated verification of all prescriptive requirements eliminating manual lookup table consultation whilst ensuring accurate regulatory compliance assessment.

Calculation Method and Heat Loss Analysis

The session extensively covers Calculation Method implementation including automated heat loss equation execution for both reference and proposed building configurations, comprehensive thermal envelope analysis with detailed R-value verification, and the strategic application of the 50% performance improvement pathway for enhanced design flexibility. Advanced topics include unconditioned space resistance additions (0.5 R-value provisions), custom solar heat gain coefficient configuration options, and ceiling edge resistance calculations per Note Section 2.1.2 allowances.

VM1 Modelling Method and Dynamic Simulation Analysis

Participants gain comprehensive experience with VM1 verification method implementation including ASHRAE Standard 140 equivalent simulation processes, annual space heating and cooling load analysis comparing reference and proposed building performance, and sophisticated zone-by-zone performance assessment including HVAC sizing analysis and thermal comfort evaluation. The course demonstrates advanced results interpretation including solar load analysis for overheating risk identification, operative temperature distribution assessment, and comprehensive energy demand analysis across monthly profiles.

Professional Documentation and Council Submission Strategies

Advanced topics include comprehensive report generation with customised branding and project-specific technical information, strategic presentation of multi-method compliance results for optimal regulatory acceptance, professional competency demonstration through certificate integration within appendix documentation, and quality assurance workflows ensuring input accuracy and methodology validation. The course emphasises the strategic use of detailed simulation reports as appendices whilst providing concise technical summaries demonstrating professional competency for building consent applications and council review processes.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be thoroughly equipped to execute comprehensive H1 energy efficiency assessments across all three compliance methods, interpret complex thermal performance results accurately, and provide professional documentation suitable for New Zealand Building Code compliance demonstration whilst understanding the strategic advantages of each compliance pathway.

Course Completion:

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon achieving an 80% pass mark on the final quiz.

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