Policy position paper on the built environment launched

NZGBC launches major policy position paper on the built environment

29 March 2017, 4:30PM

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has announced a new policy paper, A policy plan for the built environment, at the Green Property Summit 2017 in Auckland today.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Eagles says “Better buildings and homes mean a better quality of life. It’s time to have a conversation about the built environment in New Zealand. Working with industry and government to set out a trajectory for the built environment will provide certainty for the construction and property sector and greater productivity and better outcomes for New Zealanders.” says Mr Eagles.

Mr Eagles says it’s not just about carbon emissions; it’s about the health of New Zealanders. “Our homes are making us sick and our inadequate Building Code hasn’t been substantially updated since 2007. It’s time to take action,”

“It’s also impacting our workplaces. Organisations are demanding greener buildings, because in a market where skilled staff are at a shortage, greener workplaces mean healthier staff, lower staff turnover and higher productivity.” Mr Eagles continues “The policy paper sets out how the sector and Government can work together to improve buildings for New Zealanders.”

Five key policies are identified. NZGBC
Policy 1 - Calls on Government to work with the sector to set up a National roadmap to set the country on a path to zero carbon buildings and homes.
Policy 2 – Will continue to challenge the property, construction and investment community to deliver quality low carbon products.
Policy 3 – Will develop useful tools with the sector, including widening these to enable those managing existing buildings to take part.
Policy 4 – Calls on Government to lead with their own portfolio of homes and buildings.
Policy 5 - Calls on local government to facilitate better buildings and homes through the levers they have, thereby improving quality at a time when density is increasing.

Download the policy paper, A policy plan for the built environment and provide feedback to andrew.eaglesceo@nzgbc.org.nz
Feedback is open until Friday 12 May.

About the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC)
The NZGBC is a not-for-profit industry organisation dedicated to a sustainable built environment. The Council achieves this by setting standards of best practice through green building rating tools; education and training for all areas of the building industry value chain; and providing access to networks, information and resources for our members to lead the market. Visit: www.nzgbc.org.nz

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