An interview with GreenStuf’s Managing Director on H1 changes

As Managing Director of GreenStuf and proud Kiwi, Rob Woolner is passionate about increasing the thermal envelope of buildings using sustainable, New Zealand made products that last for the lifetime of the building. In this interview, Rob delves into the details of how GreenStuf are tackling the new H1 regulations.

What makes GreenStuf a market leader in H1 changes?

We were involved in the consultation process with MBIE, and could see the significant impact the new H1 changes would have on the way buildings are insulated. Having this early insight we moved quickly to redesign our range of products to give architects and designers multiple options to meet the new standards with GreenStuf. What our technical team delivered was less product specific and more of a systems based approach. We have already delivered over 50 CPD presentations across New Zealand that walk architects and designers through various wall, ceiling and underfloor systems that drive up performance of the thermal envelope.

An interview with GreenStuf’s Managing Director on H1 changes

2. Do your products exceed the new H1 standards?

The intention of the changes are to build better buildings. We believe the building code should be a minimum expectation not necessarily a target. The new GreenStuf range is centered around meeting key performance criteria in a range of thicknesses. Our GreenStuf design guide allows designers to make choices for how they insulate to gain overall H1 compliance, and in some cases exceed the new standards. We know that the standards will continue to increase, so our systems based approach allows us to continue to push the bar higher and support better building performance into the future.

3. What are the cost benefits of installing GreenStuf insulation?

Interestingly, the cost of purchasing insulation is only around 1% of the total building cost and the benefits of well insulated buildings are well documented. What it means is there is an impressive ROI through the subsequent energy cost savings over the life of the building. Meeting the new standards will increase the energy efficiency of residential buildings by 40%, and for commercial buildings, 23%; where you manage to exceed the standards then these savings will be even higher.