30 November 2005

Mayor Harvey commends Waitakere/Government leadership on sustainable buildings

Waitakere City Council is delighted to be associated with the Government on the launch of "Sustainable Buildings in the Auckland Region - Foundations for a better future" - because of the pioneering the city has done in this field, says Mayor Bob Harvey.

The book has been published by Waitakere City in partnership with Ministry for the Environment on behalf of the Government initiated Sustainable Buildings Project

"Waitakere has been the champion of sustainable architecture since it adopted Agenda 21 and declared itself an eco city, in 1993," Mr Harvey says.

"We have taken the lead and achieved some truly stunning things in sustainable civic architecture. Award winning buildings like the New Lynn Community Centre and the Ranui, Massey, and New Lynn Libraries are already setting a standard in energy and water efficiency that is increasing admired throughout the country," he says.

The new Waitakere Central Library, the Unitec Campus and the Waitakere Central Civic Centre and transport interchange are taking what we have already learned, to new levels.

"We even inspired Waitakere Hospital to become one of the most completely sustainable hospitals in the world," says Mayor Harvey.

"It is gratifying to have our leadership acknowledged by the Minister and we acknowledge the leadership and encouragement given by Government.

"If we and Government -and other local bodies - go on giving a lead, the time will come soon when sustainable buildings are seen as the norm," he says.

"Then we will have really turned the corner in terms of designing and building cities for the 21st century. Instead of compounding the mistakes of the past, we will be on the way to protecting the planet for future generations," says Mayor Harvey.

Waitakere City Council did not choose the buildings to be included in the booklet but was pleased that three of the six buildings highlighted, were in Waitakere.

"I want to congratulate everyone who has become part of this movement - especially those in the commercial sector who do not have to go the extra mile to ensure the public good," Mayor Harvey says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media