BRANZ Practical Sustainable Building Approach

MEDIA RELEASE
22 June 2007

Practical Approach to Sustainable Building

BRANZ have turned the lofty ideas of sustainable building into practical techniques through the launch of a new web-based resource, www.LEVEL.org.nz.

Offering free access, the site provides detailed practical advice about all the key aspects of sustainable building, including taking advantage of free sources of energy, choosing durable and eco-friendly building materials and collecting rainwater for use in the home.

According to BRANZ Science Communications Manager, Chris Kane, "One of the first places people go for information about sustainability in buildings, is their builder. While there has been a lot of discussion about the need to build sustainably, there has been comparatively little in the way of available technical information. The LEVEL website fills this gap."

"Making things simple is not a simple process, but a necessary one. People are not going to take the trouble to build sustainably if it is just too difficult. The information on our site is clear and complete yet simple to read and absorb," he says.

The demand for information on sustainable building practice is increasing dramatically, particularly from territorial authorities and those with responsibilities for amending the Building Code.

"While sustainability is a new idea for many, it is not new to BRANZ. The information assembled on this website has been developed by BRANZ sustainability scientists over the last 15 years and we have full confidence in its quality and integrity," says Kane.

The site is completely independent of any particular commercial interests. It has been funded by the building research levy and does not carry any advertising.

The LEVEL website complements another recently launched site, www.smarterhomes.org.nz, which has a consumer focus. Smarter Homes was commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment and put together by Consumers' Institute.

ENDS

BRANZ & Building Research - Who We Are

BRANZ Ltd is NZ's leading provider of research, testing, consultancy and educational services for the building and construction industry. While BRANZ Ltd has its own Board, it is owned by Building Research and draws 37% of its income from investments by Building Research.

Building Research is a funder of research for the building and construction industry in NZ. It is a separate entity governed by a Board drawn widely from industry. Building Research invests in a range of research, technology transfer and scholarship activities, with funds provided by the Building Research Levy.

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