NZGBC announces residential energy modelling masterclasses

The New Zealand Green Building Council is hosting a series of events across New Zealand to share practical knowledge and increase industry competence in energy modelling – an important consideration given the recent removal of the Schedule Method as a compliance pathway for achieving H1 

Better residential energy modelling is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving New Zealander’s homes. Some Kiwi families are reporting very high temperatures in new build homes, while builders report having to return to rectify issues in some previously built homes.  

Modelling the performance of a home during design can help by considering the amount of glazing, shading, orientation and other elements of the home to ensure families are comfortable in the winter and summer. The focus also coincides with the Government’s decision to no longer allow the use of the Schedule Method – which doesn’t consider the factors above – as a method of compliance with H1 Energy Efficiency. 

Summer roadshows 

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), joined by partners including the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), is taking to the road in 2026 to share practical knowledge and increase industry competence in energy modelling. 

The removal of the Schedule Method as a means of H1 compliance means there is more flexibility in insulation requirements – while additional changes to H1 energy efficiency include improved modelling methods in H1/VM1 and H1/VM2 to better align with modern building practices. 

NZGBC Chief Executive Andrew Eagles said better technology means tools exist that allow designers to properly model how a home will perform once it’s built. 

“The better understood and more widely adopted these tools are, the healthier, more energy efficient and comfortable New Zealand’s homes will become,” he said. 

“We are seeing an increasing number of building firms use modelling and they’re gaining real advantages. This roadshow is about ensuring all builders – no matter what their size or location – can gain an understanding of what modelling is and how it can help meet customer needs and assist business.” 

These hands-on Residential Energy Modelling Masterclasses will help builders, designers, and developers stay ahead – using ECCHO, the Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes, to make faster, better design decisions. 

An NZ-made design tool 

ECCHO is a New Zealand-made tool that helps designers test what really matters on site – from window placement and insulation levels to heating systems and home orientation. It simulates how a home will perform (considering where it’s located in New Zealand) before it’s built – helping avoid surprises, speed up compliance, and keeping clients happy.   

It also helps designers consider the cost optimal design for achieving their goals, such complying with new H1 requirements to ensure thermal bridging from wall framing is more accurately represented – clearer measurement rules, with the roof, wall and floor areas being measured using overall internal dimensions to ensure more consistency.“ 

Even homes that “tick the box” for Code Compliance can end up too hot, too cold, or too expensive to run. That’s a headache for builders, designers, and homeowners alike,” said Eagles. 

Modelling a home using a tool like ECCHO allows a designer to:  

• Spot issues early and reduce the risk of costly rework or redesigns by testing performance before construction starts. 

• Keep it simple. The tool is built for quick results and practical use. 

• Stay competitive. Builders using performance modelling are able to compare different designs quickly and enables them to go on to access lower interest finance options for build projects.  

• Future-proof their business. With Building Code changes ramping up, understanding modelling now puts designers in prime position to have fewer compliance delays later.  

The masterclasses will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Queenstown, Christchurch and Tauranga starting in February 2026 and continuing throughout the year.  

These events are designed for: 

• Builders and group home builders ready to make compliance easier, not harder.  

• Designers and engineers looking for a clear, efficient process. 

• Developers who want reliable, marketable performance outcomes.  

• Community housing providers and local councils committed to better housing quality. 

See more about the events and register for the Residential Energy Modelling Masterclasses here: https://nzgbc.org.nz/better-by-design-residential-energy-modelling