The main features of the bill are summarised in the appendix to this submission. The explanatory notes to the bill assert that energy efficiency measures are the least-cost way that New Zealand can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The NZBR has contributed to the climate change debate in New Zealand in recent years through submissions on consultative documents and by bringing to New Zealand two eminent US climate change scientists. The NZBR also made a submission on 23 May 1996 opposing the proposed regulation of the energy efficiency of new buildings under clause H1 of the Building Act 1991. This submission comments on the rationale for the proposed measures in the bill and their likely effects.