G7/VM1 Daylighting Reports: A Practical Guide for Daylighting Compliance Reports NZ
- Kate Martin
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
A G7/VM1 daylighting report is a key part of New Zealand’s Building Code compliance process, ensuring that habitable spaces receive adequate natural light. Whether you are designing a new home, altering an existing layout, or progressing through building consent, daylighting compliance is often required by council to demonstrate that bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and other occupied spaces meet minimum lighting performance requirements.
For architects, developers, and homeowners, understanding how these reports work early in the design process can significantly reduce delays, avoid Requests for Information (RFIs), and streamline building consent approval.
At Reshape Consulting, we prepare fast, accurate, and compliance-focused G7/VM1 daylighting reports across New Zealand, supporting projects from small residential alterations to multi-unit developments.
What is a G7/VM1 Daylighting Report?
G7/VM1 daylighting report is a technical compliance document submitted to local councils as part of building consent applications. It demonstrates whether a habitable space receives sufficient natural light in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code clause for daylighting performance.
The assessment is based on G7/VM1 Daylighting Requirements, which ensures that rooms intended for living, sleeping, or regular occupancy have adequate daylight without excessive reliance on artificial lighting.
In simple terms, the report answers one key question:
Does this room receive enough natural light to be considered compliant under the Building Code?
If the answer is yes, the design proceeds. If not, the design may require adjustments before consent is granted.
Why G7/VM1 Daylighting Reports Are Required
Most clients only become aware of daylighting requirements when the council issues an RFI during the building consent process when the building does not meet G7/AS1.
At that stage, a report is requested to confirm compliance with G7/VM1 standards.
Typical situations where a report is required include:
New residential builds with large overhangs or small windows
Alterations to existing homes
Converting spaces into bedrooms or habitable rooms
Designing rooms with limited external window exposure
Multi-unit or apartment developments
Basement or lower-level conversions
The most common trigger is a council RFI stating that compliance with G7/VM1 has not been demonstrated in the submitted plans.
What Is Assessed in a Daylighting Report?
A G7/VM1 daylighting assessment evaluates how natural light enters a habitable space and whether it meets compliance thresholds defined in the Building Code.
Key factors include:
1. Window Size and Placement
The size, height, and orientation of windows directly influence daylight penetration.
2. Room Geometry
Depth, width, and ceiling height all affect how light travels within a space.
3. Surface Reflectance
Interior finishes such as:
Wall colours
Ceiling colours
Floor materials
These impact how light is reflected and distributed.
4. External Obstructions
Nearby elements such as:
Adjacent buildings
Boundary fences
Trees or landscaping
Overhangs and shading devices
5. Glazing Type
Different glass types (clear, tinted, double-glazing) affect light transmission.
Building location and orientation
If your building is south-facing and in Invercargill, the results will be very different to a north-facing building in Auckland.
Inputs Required From Architects or Clients
To prepare an accurate daylighting model, the following documentation is typically required:
Architectural floor plans and elevations
Window dimensions and positions
Glass specification details
Internal finish assumptions (or specified colours/materials)
Site context information (neighbouring buildings, fences, vegetation)
Any shading devices or architectural features affecting daylight
The accuracy of the report depends heavily on the quality of this input.
Step-by-Step G7/VM1 Compliance Process
The daylighting compliance workflow is typically structured as follows:
Step 1: Initial Enquiry
The client contacts Reshape Consulting and provides architectural plans.
Step 2: Review and Quotation
Plans are reviewed, and a quote is issued along with the expected turnaround time (typically 3–5 working days).
Step 3: Daylighting Modelling
A technical model is developed to simulate natural light distribution in accordance with G7/VM1 Daylighting Requirements.
Step 4: Compliance Assessment
The model is tested against compliance thresholds. If the design does not initially comply, adjustments are identified.
Step 5: Design Iteration (If Required)
If the space does not meet requirements, the design is refined collaboratively. Common adjustments include:
Increasing window size
Modifying glazing
Reducing external obstructions
Adjusting internal layout or finishes
Step 6: Final Report Issued
Once compliant, a full G7/VM1 report and PS1 certificate are issued.
Step 7: Submission to Council
The client submits the documentation as part of their building consent application.
Turnaround Time
Most G7/VM1 daylighting reports are completed within 3–5 working days.
Fast turnaround is especially important when responding to council RFIs, where time constraints can impact project timelines.
Why Projects Fail Daylighting Compliance
While many projects successfully meet requirements, some common reasons for non-compliance include:
1. Insufficient Window Area
Small or poorly positioned windows often limit daylight entry.
2. External Shading
Nearby structures or vegetation blocking sunlight or eves and roof overhangs
3. Deep Floor Plans
Rooms that extend too far from external walls.
4. Design Constraints
Architectural features such as overhangs or privacy screens reducing light access.
In practice, many of these issues can be resolved with small design modifications before final submission.
Common Misconceptions About Daylighting Compliance
Misconception 1: “You need large windows to pass”
In reality, compliance is based on overall daylight distribution, not window size alone.
Misconception 2: “Overhangs automatically cause failure”
Shading devices do not necessarily lead to non-compliance; it depends on many factors such as building orientation, building location, glazing type, etc.
Misconception 3: “Most designs fail initially”
In practice, around 95% of designs sent to us that require G7/VM1 modelling pass without changes after proper modelling.
Why Work With Reshape Consulting
Clients choose Reshape Consulting for daylighting compliance because of three key advantages:
1. Fast Turnaround
Reports are delivered quickly, helping projects stay within consent timelines.
2. Collaborative Compliance Approach
Instead of simply rejecting non-compliant designs, we work with architects and designers to achieve compliance efficiently.
3. Nationwide Coverage
We service projects throughout New Zealand, with strong experience in both North and South Island developments.
4. Proven Experience
Hundreds of daylighting reports completed across:
Residential homes
Multi-unit developments
Apartments
Alterations and renovations
Step-by-Step Summary of Client Experience
Send plans for review
Receive quote and timeframe
We complete daylighting model
Compliance is assessed
Design adjustments made if required
Final G7/VM1 report issued
PS1 provided for council submission
When Should You Order a G7/VM1 Report?
The ideal time is before building consent submission if you are worried that the daylighting levels into habitable spaces are low.
However, many clients only engage during the RFI stage, where councils request confirmation of compliance. In both cases, fast turnaround ensures minimal delay.
Early involvement is always beneficial because it allows daylighting issues to be resolved during design rather than after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a G7/VM1 daylighting report?
It is a compliance report submitted to council showing whether a habitable space receives adequate natural light under New Zealand Building Code requirements.
Who needs a daylighting report?
Homeowners, architects, and developers working on new builds or alterations involving habitable spaces.
How long does it take?
Typically 3–5 working days depending on complexity.
What happens if my design does not comply?
Design adjustments are suggested and tested until compliance is achieved.
Can you predict compliance before modelling?
A preliminary indication can be given, but full confirmation requires technical modelling.
What is the most common reason for failure?
Insufficient daylight caused by window size or external obstructions.
Do most projects pass?
Yes. The majority of projects achieve compliance with minimal or no design changes.
What do I receive at the end?
A full G7/VM1 daylighting report and PS1 certificate for council submission.
Conclusion
G7/VM1 daylighting reports are a critical part of New Zealand’s building consent process, ensuring habitable spaces meet minimum natural light standards. When prepared correctly, they provide certainty, reduce delays, and support smoother approvals.
Working with an experienced consultant helps ensure compliance is achieved efficiently, without unnecessary redesign or consent delays.
For fast, reliable daylighting assessments across New Zealand, Reshape Consulting provides a streamlined, collaborative approach from initial design through to council approval.
If you are currently preparing a building consent application or responding to a council RFI, you can engage us early to confirm compliance and avoid delays.
Contact Reshape Consulting to request a G7/VM1 daylighting report.
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