FEATURE
The future is green — a sustainability mindset Growing concern about environmental issues and climate change is shifting the mindset throughout the real estate industry. Demand for real estate and construction companies that practice sustainability is rapidly increasing and is expected to become even more of a priority for real estate companies in New Zealand.
With the Government’s green initiatives, in tandem with buyer preference for carbon-conscious companies, many real estate and construction businesses are implementing sustainability-centric initiatives.
Why a shift to sustainability? The influence of green building standards in New Zealand has been driven by consumer demand more than regulation, unlike some countries in Europe and the UK. However, in 2020, the Government announced plans to transform and reduce pollution — catalysing sustainability further, which led to the introduction of the Building for Climate Change programme. According to the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), buildings and their construction account for as much as 20% of New Zealand’s emissions. For our country to reach its climate change goals, including net zero carbon by 2050, changes must be made within the building and construction sector. Energy efficiency and carbon emissions are crucial considerations when building sustainably, and buildings are now designed and constructed to use minimal energy and water, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following the Building for Climate Change programme, the NZGBC implemented its own zero carbon roadmap for the country’s buildings. In July 2021, they stated that following the introduction of the Building for Climate Change Programme and the NZGBC’s own zero carbon roadmap, 20 buildings achieved Green Star certification, over 1,100 new homes were awarded Homestar certification, and nearly 20,000 homes utilised the free HomeFit check.
18
|
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand
Green Star certification — the new tick of approval Originally created by Green Building Council Australia and then adapted for New Zealand, Green Star is a holistic sustainability rating system for buildings, fitouts, and communities. The rating is available for all commercial building types, including schools, office buildings, and shopping centres. When a building is Green Star certified, it means it has met best practice sustainable design and build indicators — differentiating companies who meet Green Star requirements from companies who convey a false impression about their sustainable methods. Lloyd Budd, Director of Bayleys Commercial and Industrial in Auckland, says a five Green Star rating is now the norm for many large, new office buildings and other warehouse and commercial buildings. Partnered with NZGBC, Bayleys is committed to rating its commercial and industrial premises with a NABERS rating (a system for rating energy efficiency of buildings) — and they are encouraging their customers to do the same. “As a New Zealand-owned, family company, the idea of sustainability fits the values of our owners,” says Budd.
Sustainability key for New Zealand construction companies It’s in the name — Green Homes New Zealand has embraced green initiatives. The international residential building company takes sustainability and its carbon footprint seriously by incorporating practices and systems that minimise
