Residential energy modelling masterclasses announced by NZGBC
With summer heat already being felt across New Zealand, attention is turning to the problem of overheating new apartments and townhouses 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.
Checking the performance of a home – modelling it during design – can help. It enables consideration of the amount of glazing, shading, orientation and other elements of the home to ensure families are comfortable in the winter and summer. It’s a way to check a home will be comfortable before construction begins.
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, with events held across Aotearoa to share practical knowledge and increase industry competence in energy modelling.
Better residential energy modelling is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving New Zealander’s homes.
NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles says: “Better technology means that impressive tools now exist which allow designers to properly model how a home will perform once built – the better understood and more widely adopted these tools are, the healthier, energy efficient and comfortable New Zealand’s homes will become.
“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 the Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes (ECCHO) to make faster, better design decisions.
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 those designing to consider the cost optimal design for achieving their goals, whatever they may be.
“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,” says Eagles.
Modelling a home using a tool like ECCHO allows a designer to:
• Spot issues early.
• 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.
With Building Code changes ramping up, understanding modelling now puts designers in prime position to have fewer compliance delays later.
The ‘Better by Design: residential energy modelling masterclasses’ will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Hawke’s 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.