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When standards change, clarity becomes competitive advantage

When standards change, clarity becomes competitive advantage

15/01/2026

When standards change

When standards change, clarity becomes a competitive advantage

New Zealand’s approach to seismic engineering is currently undergoing its most significant transformation in two decades. The industry is navigating a three-pronged shift: updated science on seismic hazards (TS1170.5), a cultural move toward resilient buildings (LDSD), and a political pivot on how we manage existing older buildings (EPB).

Here is an introduction to the three key acronyms reshaping the landscape.

1. TS 1170.5: The New "Red Book" for Seismic Loads

What is it?

TS 1170.5 (Structural design actions – Part 5: Earthquake actions) is a new Technical Specification released by Standards New Zealand. It serves as an "Alternative Solution" to the existing building standard (NZS 1170.5:2004).

Why now?

It was created to integrate the massive amount of data from the 2022 National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM). The science tells us that seismic risk in many parts of New Zealand is higher than previously estimated.

Key Impacts:

  • Higher Design Loads: For many regions, the seismic loads engineers must design for have increased significantly.
  • Geotechnical Focus: It introduces stricter and more comprehensive requirements for geotechnical testing and site categorization.
  • Status: It is currently voluntary but allows engineers to design to the latest science immediately without waiting for the full legislative cycle of a new Building Code citation.

2. LDSD: Beyond "Life Safety"

What is it?

Low Damage Seismic Design (LDSD) is a design philosophy—and now a formal set of guidelines released by the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) and Engineering NZ—aimed at buildings that survive earthquakes with minimal repair costs.5

The Shift:

The current Building Code baseline is "Life Safety": the building shouldn't collapse and kill you, but it might be a total write-off (demolished) after a big shake.6 LDSD aims for "Functional Recovery": the building protects life and can be reoccupied quickly.7+1

Key Features:

  • Resilient Technologies: Uses base isolation, rocking walls, or friction dampers to dissipate energy without structural damage.
  • Voluntary Performance: It provides a framework for clients to request "better than Code" performance, targeting specific recovery times (e.g., reoccupation within days, not years).

3. EPB Law Changes: A Risk-Based Reset

What is it?

The Government has announced a major review of the Earthquake-Prone Building (EPB) system to make it more pragmatic and cost-effective.9

The Problem:

The previous system was criticized for being too broad, trapping low-risk buildings in expensive remediation cycles and stalling regional property markets.10

Proposed Changes:

  • Geographic Exclusions: Low seismic risk zones (e.g., Auckland and Northland) may be removed from the EPB system entirely.
  • Targeted Typologies: The focus will narrow to high-risk structures, specifically Unreinforced Masonry (URM) and concrete buildings of 3+ storeys in medium/high seismic zones.
  • Deadline Extensions: A proposed 4-year extension for remediation deadlines to give owners relief while the new rules are finalized.

Summary: The Big Picture

These three changes represent a "pincer movement" on seismic risk:

  1. TS 1170.5 ensures new buildings face up to the reality of higher seismic hazards.
  2. LDSD ensures new buildings are an asset, not a liability, after a quake.
  3. EPB Reforms accept that we cannot fix every old building and focuses resources on the deadliest risks.

Brevity’s approach

When standards are changing, speed comes from clarity.

Brevity helps project teams move faster by resolving TS1170.5, LSDS and EPB-related requirements early, before they create RFIs, redesign, or approval delays. We apply practical expertise in how standards are actually interpreted by certifiers, not just how they are written.

This allows teams to:

  • Make supported decisions early
  • Submit approval-ready documentation
  •  Avoid over-specification and late changes
  • Reduce programme and cost risk

If your project needs speed without compromise, working with an expert who understands both the standards and their real-world application is the fastest way to deliver.

We know you're busy so let's get straight to it - How can we help you today?

We know you're busy so let's get straight to it — How can we help you today?