Earlier this year CIBSE NZ distributed a survey from MBIE seeking feedback to understand how NZS 4303:1990 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) is used within the industry.
MBIE is considering commissioning an update to NZS 4303:1990. The standard specifies minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality and is cited in the New Zealand Building Code G4/VM1 and AS1, which also cites AS 1668.2 for other aspects of ventilation such as exhaust air flow rates. NZS 4303:1990 was based on ASHRAE 62-1989, which has been updated several times since.
Several CIBSE members, and others, responded to the survey, and having considered the responses, MBIE has decided to undertake a further industry consultation and is holding a workshop in February for invited subject matter experts. The CIBSE NZ committee will be represented at this workshop and is keen to hear members’ views on standards for ventilation rates and indoor air quality for New Zealand.
Specific questions on which views are invited include:
- What challenges is the industry facing in this area and how could standards be utilized to help address these challenges?
- Are there international standards or guidance that would be appropriate for use in New Zealand?
- For example, are there any reasons why New Zealand should not adopt AS 1668.2 in its entirety and withdraw NZS 4303?
- Or does New Zealand need its own standard; if so what are the reasons for this?
If you have views on the above that you would like the committee’s representative to consider tabling at the workshop, please email: [email protected] before Wednesday 5 February 2025.