Impacts of innovation in performance-based building code

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the benefits and the unintended consequences of innovation in performance-based building code with an emphasis in New Zealand building code. Also, this paper examines how innovative approach has affected the safety clause in the building code. An integrative literature review approach was used to explore the impacts of innovation in performance-based building code practice. Although the innovative approach in performance-based building code allows for creativity, flexibility in both design and construction, the use of new technological concepts and new construction materials, there remains significant challenges that need technical guidelines and training to overcome. The findings show the difficulties in achieving compliance through the use of innovation while trying to improve resilience in the built environment. The study concludes that innovation may have unintentionally affected the safety clause in the building code. Hence, the study recommends innovation impact analysis before building code amendment. The study used secondary data collection. Hence, there is need to use primary data collection to validate the findings from this study. The study is unique in its approach to explore the impact of innovation in performance-based building code in New Zealand and beyond.