Panel discussion: Retrofitting existing building stock

Kia ora, my name is Eloise Blewden. I am a fourth-year Master of Architecture student at Victoria University, Wellington, having graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in 2021.
I am a highly motivated learner, environmentalist, and green building enthusiast. Holistic sustainability is my passion and sustainability within the built environment has been a key focus throughout my degree so far.

I tutor first and second year students at Victoria University, specialising in Human Environmental Science Design. Through my tutoring I am able to pass on my learnings and passion for passive design and low-carbon design. These papers are invaluable for our next generation of architects and building scientists, developing knowledge and skills for designing with consideration for the environment.

Last summer I had the opportunity to undertake a research project with WSP and Victoria University focused on carbon-neutral schools. Through this project I developed two tools to support New Zealand state schools to undertake carbon emission reduction actions and to measure and monitor their emissions.
I am excited to be New Zealand Green Building Council’s Future Thinker of the Year 2022 and am looking forward to collaborating with many passionate and knowledgeable people.

Bridget is the property sustainability advisor for Samson Corporation, focusing on buildings which enhance neighbourhoods, improve occupant well-being, and reduce impact on the environment. Bridget brings a varied background of studies across physics, maths, marketing, sustainable business, and theatre, to deliver creative and practical solutions to business and environmental challenges.

Nathan is Argosy’s in-house Environmental Engineer, specialising in the sustainability of commercial buildings including carbon emissions, Green Star and NABERSNZ compliance. Working as part of the development team, he led the process of achieving Aotearoa’s first certified Carbon Zero base building rating for 82 Wyndham St, Auckland. With a background in structures and building supplies manufacture aided by a BEng Tech (mechanical), Nathan also acts as technical advisor to the property team aiding the ongoing fine tuning and emissions reduction of the portfolio.

Alessandro Premier is Senior Lecturer of Architecture Technology and Sustainability at the School of Architecture and Planning of the University of Auckland, where he is also co-director of the Future Cities Research Hub. His research activities are focused around the architectural integration of advanced technologies and materials for the building envelope. His investigation is aimed at combining high performances and architectural design through the identification and application of design practices for sustainable outcomes. He is interested in how buildings respond to the environment and to the users. The research outcomes are targeting urban regeneration and building retrofit strategies for improving the environmental quality of buildings and places. Alessandro is specialised in advanced façade design, responsive architecture, smart materials.