Latest news

Our Movers and Shakers series spotlights Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable environment in Aotearoa. Tricia Love Sustainability, certification...

Momentum is building. We're seeing increasingly stronger proposals for electrification, renewable energy, and how to reduce household power costs coming from across the political spectrum – all critical issues for New Zealand's future, says the NZ Green Building Council.

The New Zealand Green Building Council welcomes this morning’s announcement of Labour’s SolarSaver policy, saying it adds welcome momentum to the election-year focus on energy resilience, lower power bills, and making better use of the energy resources New Zealand already has available.

Kia ora koutou, This time last month I was standing by, waiting to see what the Government’s Budget would deliver for our sector, and included the usual mix of wins and misses. Now the focus is shifting to elections policies, as parties begin to set out their positions on energy and resilience.

We’ve updated the Construction and Demolition (C& D) Waste Reporting criteria after an extended period of consultation and feedback from the industry.

Our Movers and Shakers series spotlights Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. Today we have a special profile of a veteran advocate for sustainable buildings. Lisa Hinde Three years ago leading Australian...

Aotearoa’s leading sustainable buildings conference returns to Auckland

This month marks the culmination of months of work for the Green Building Council with the publication of a newly developed Climate Change Risk Assessment Planning Guidance for property and construction.

The New Zealand Green Building Council welcomes this morning’s announcement of the National Party’s Home Energy Fund election policy as a great step towards modernising and strengthening our energy system.

Today marks a great day for the New Zealand home building and health sector, with the release of HEEP2 – (Household Energy End-use Project 2) – the most comprehensive study of indoor temperature conditions and energy use in 20 years.

We've published newly developed Climate Change Risk Assessment Planning guidance for property and construction in Aotearoa. It provides a framework and tools to conduct a robust, evidence-based climate change risk assessment for a building or home and to prepare a climate change adaptation plan.

The Smart Energy Alliance welcomes today’s Government decision to scrap the proposed levy on Kiwi households and businesses to fund a new LNG import facility. However, the Alliance continues to question whether this facility is necessary, and further work is needed to understand the true costs and...

Kia ora koutou, this week is a big one for the sector, as we wait to see what initiatives Government will unveil in the Budget this Thursday. There’s a general election coming soon, so we’ve been working hard to get the important issues from our sector considered by our political leaders.

Our Movers and Shakers series spotlights Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. Today we have a special profile of a veteran advocate for sustainable buildings. David Fullbrook Industry leader, thinker, collaborator...

The New Zealand Green Building Council welcomes the Government’s Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme announced today, with our big gas users needing help like this to speed their journey towards electrification and greater use of bio energy. Read the Government announcement here New Zealand’s...

The homes featured on TVNZ’s Grand Designs NZ are usually just that – grand. Also, often very fancy and way out of the budget of many viewers.

Kia ora koutou, winter is nearly here, and my thoughts go out to all the people affected by the extreme weather over the past month. Warm, healthy and efficient buildings are more important than ever and we’re working hard to keep advocating for modernising and improving New Zealand buildings.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Jeff Vickers Tāmaki Makaurau...

Meet Annie Jefferson — the woman behind New Zealand’s growing uptake of energy-efficient hot water heat pumps Annie and her husband Anthony Jefferson have a collective 40 years’ experience in the plumbing sector, founding A2W Hot Water Pumps in early 2023, servicing the lower North Island. Also...

New Zealand’s leading performance certification for office buildings, NABERSNZ is expanding into new sectors – and will soon include rating tools for shopping centres, retail stores, warehouses and cold stores.

As NABERSNZ grows in popularity, building owners and tenants are looking at using its tools to do more than just measure and certify. It’s increasingly being used as a vital part of improving performance and comparing efficiency across a property portfolio. Some property companies are bringing in...

By Jeremy Sole, Executive Officer, Sustainable Steel Council Embodied carbon is now firmly on the agenda for Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector. Designers, developers and clients are increasingly aware the emissions locked into buildings before they are even occupied matter just as much as...

Kia ora koutou I hope the past month has gone well for everyone, I was in Australia recently attending the annual Transform event run in Sydney by our sister organisation, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Sam Parsons Boffa Miskell...

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Charlotte McKeon Charlotte...

We are now receiving all Homestar and Green Star technical queries through our new online submission Form. This includes all Technical Questions (TQ's) and general, non-project-specific questions about NZGBC rating tools

Kia ora koutou Wow – it has been a great start to 2026, with this month marking our 20th anniversary – I’ve been very proud to celebrate two decades of great results with those who have played a pivotal role in driving meaningful change across our built environment.

Major Green Star updates to upfront carbon and operational energy targets have now come into force.

New research shows New Zealand can meet its looming energy shortfall far cheaper and more securely by accelerating installations of hot water heat pumps and rooftop solar, rather than spending billions importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). NZ Green Building Council (NZGBC) research finds the...

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has this week marked its 20thanniversary, celebrating two decades of progress as a trusted advisor and influential driver of change for Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Ben Cannon Armed with a...

Recent changes to H1 Energy Efficiency requirements in the New Zealand Building Code have sparked a wave of discussion about compliance methods. Matthew Cutler, New Zealand Green Building Council Impact Manager – Residential, says the energy modelling route offers much greater value for both...

Kia ora koutou, In this issue, I want to share where momentum is building — and where it’s stalling —across Aotearoa’s building sector. We look at the urgent steps needed to cut carbon today, shifts in the residential regulatory landscape, our upcoming nationwide energy-modelling masterclasses, and...

L’Oréal Groupe this week opened its expansive new ~12,000 square metre facility in Favona, Auckland, a development featuring a 6 Star Green Star Design Certified Rating.

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) and Auckland Council are calling for Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk to take steps to address the problem of new homes overheating. NZGBC Chief Executive Andrew Eagles says many recently built homes are experiencing unacceptably high...

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Kate Butterfield...

Pictured above: Chief executive Andrew Eagles speaking at this month's National Māori Housing Conference The sun is really starting to shine and it feels like summer is definitely on the way! It’s got me thinking hard about building on our efforts to bring in much needed changes to the Building...

Chris Daniels has this month joined the NZGBC as a Strategic Communications Advisor.

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) welcomes today’s Government announcement to simplify rooftop solar installations and create a fast-track consent pathway for sustainable buildings.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Arthur Lee Affordable,...

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) has launched two new home designs that are Homestar ready, offering Kiwi families a faster, healthier, and more affordable pathway to quality housing.

It’s been over a month since the Green Property Summit and our last newsletter and there’s a lot happening. Bear with me. We've been hard at work with plenty more to come.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Josh McGlone Life Cycle...

Research released today by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) confirms what international studies have long shown: gas appliances in the homeemit dangerous pollutants that pose serious health risks.

Under the latest Green Star Buildings NZ framework, Credit 3: Verification and Handover sets out three minimum expectations that every certified building must meet: metering and monitoring, commissioning and tuning, and building information. These requirements are designed to ensure buildings...

Left to right: Warner Brunton - Mott MacDonald, Saatyesh Bhana - Argosy, Lisa Hinde - Precinct, Tricia Love - Tricia Love Consultants, Tom Slade - Goodman, Jeff Vickers - Thinkstep, Kate Butterfield - Southbase, Jason Wood - RDT, Jennifer Whittle - NZGBC, Fabio Pagano - Oyster Group, Ben Cannon -...

Some things just make sense: butter and crumpets, buying socks in pairs, fossil fuel-free buildings.

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has announced the winners of its annual Future Thinker of the Year and Emerging Leader awards at the Green Property Summit in Auckland this month.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Emily Newmarch An academic...

A new report released today by the New Zealand Green Building Council reveals a major opportunity to tackle New Zealand’s energy crisis while delivering significant benefits for households, businesses, and the wider economy.

BNZ’s striking new head office on Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington’s waterfront has achieved the highest possible Green Star rating for its sustainable design and construction.

This month brought some major milestones. We launched NABERSNZ Water, helping businesses use our most precious resource more efficiently. We also closed the financial year with the second-highest number of Green Star registrations ever—a strong signal of the sector’s commitment to low-carbon,...

Our Movers and Shakers series spotlights Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals who’re transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable environment in Aotearoa. Benjy Simmons Benjy Simmons is...

In a landmark moment for New Zealand’s built environment, the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has officially launched the NABERSNZ Water tool — the first expansion of the NABERSNZ rating system beyond energy since its introduction in 2014.

It’s cold! Even in Auckland, where I know you Southlanders would be in shorts and a t-shirt, I’m seeing beanies, gloves and scarves accessorising the pedestrians of Queen Street. While the chill reminds us to rug up, it also brings front of mind the buildings we live and work in, and how well (or...

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Sarah Wootton Waikato-based...

Top left to right: Mark Todd, Ockham with Matthew Cutler-Welsh, NZGBC, Ratenesh Sharma, Homes of Choice, Richard Stephenson, Bupa, Centre: Cate Kearney, Ōtautahi CHT, Bottom left to right: Daniel Henderson, Tāmaki Reneration, Arthur Lee, Queenstown Lakes CHT, Daniel Moriarty, Urban Plus Celebrating...

NZX-listed Precinct Properties is leading a pioneering initiative to help decarbonise key building materials, aiming to align New Zealand’s construction sector with Green Star and science-based target initiative (SBTi) emissions targets. The programme, led by Precinct's Head of Sustainability and...

With another busy month, we’re already halfway through the year. I want to take a moment to reflect on the momentum we’re building as a community.

On Monday Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the budget is what keeps the lights on in our hospitals and schools. Unfortunately, Budget 2025 leaves us staring at a flickering bulb, the New Zealand Green Building Council says.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Ged Finch Ged Finch is the...

A new report from leading economics consultancy Infometrics shows building better homes could save New Zealanders tens of thousands in energy bills and mortgage costs.

Today (Wednesday 30 April) marks New Zealand’s earth overshoot day –showcasing just how quickly we’d exhaust the planet’s biocapacity if everyone consumed at the same level as us Kiwis.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Tyron Hartle As Lead...

Award-winning workplace design specialist Andrew Tu'inukuafe, has been appointed as an independent director on the NZGBC board.

It’s common for tradies and builders to splash out on decent tools, because they know they’ll last longer, they’ll do the job more reliably, and they can get on and do the job.

Amohia Ake - the new ACC Centre developed by Tainui Group Holdings in Collingwood Street in Hamilton, has been awarded the city’s first 6 Star NABERSNZ rating by the New Zealand Green Building Council. This prestigious rating is the highest possible and recognises outstanding energy use and...

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Frankie L'Estrange Frankie...

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has today released an updated guide for tenants and building owners to reach their commitments on sustainability through their workplaces.

It might be a short month, but the opportunities to connect with you and our community have been far from in short supply. In what I hope establishes a trend for the year, February has been full of meaningful engagements and exciting developments.

Banner Image: Render of Ballantrae Place buildings courtesy of Studio Pacific Architecture. Two of New Zealand's new Parliament buildings, the Ballantrae Place Building and the Museum Street Building, have achieved impressive 6 Green Star ratings for their design, reflecting their commitment to...

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Greg Tolley As Head of...

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has published its response to the government’s H1 Building Code consultation, arguing it needs to take action to avoid building tens of thousands of overheating homes.

It is promising to see that the potentially disastrous rollback of insulation levels is not moving forward, the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) says. Keeping the standards help ensure Kiwis will stay warmer and ensures Aotearoa’s energy grid is more resilient.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa. Sunshine Yates Sunshine...

I’m always anchored during the busy rush to the end of the year by the knowledge that we’re part of a longer journey. As much as I’d still love to pin a few things on 2024 before starting fresh in the new year, one of the things about working on climate is the knowledge that our efforts can’t be...

We are proud to release our first ever Green Star Impact Report - a key document highlighting some of the significant strides made in promoting sustainable building practices across New Zealand, and showcasing some of the incredible mahi being done by industry.

Last week, we were joined by a fantastic line up of panellists who shared their insights on developing ESG strategies in the property and construction sectors, giving them access to better sustainable finance options.

With spring upon us (not that the weather appears too aware of that fact) there have been a few new green shoots to highlight.

Tē tōia, tē haumatia Nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce and way of doing things. It’s with huge thanks to Rui Peng from Critical who raised the roof with more than 300 of you joining us in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for the annual Green Property Summit. We often hear feedback on our...

The built environment presents huge opportunities to slash emissions quickly, and cost-effectively. With the draft ERP2 containing just a line or two about buildings, there's a large gap to fill. Suffice to say, our response is a whole new chapter in itself. Our key recommendations include:

The world of sustainable finance, green finance, green bonds, sustainable loans is moving fast. No matter whether you’re in Treasury, project finance, business lending, developers, investors, or heads of sustainability, it’s hard to keep up. So here are our top three reads released over the last...

It’s been another huge month, with some significant milestone and landmark mahi.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built-environment throughout Aotearoa. Jo Woods Jo Woods is the...

Buildings with sustainable credentials like Green Star and NABERSNZ command higher rents and are more valuable, according to a new report by leading real estate services company JLL.

After over two years of industry consultation the New Zealand Green Building Council has today launched the most carbon-busting commercial building certification yet.

As lenders and borrowers increasingly look to cut emissions and support others to do the same, the New Zealand Green Building Council has released an important guide to help the market answer the question ‘what is a green building?’ and “how can I evidence my green portfolio for finance.’

Sustainable buildings have hit a milestone with the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) awarding its 300th Green Star certification for new buildings and fitouts.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built-environment throughout Aotearoa. Dave Annable Dave is a...

Photo by Amin Hasani on Unsplash

Photo by Petra Reid on Unsplash

As interest in healthier, more efficient, and environmentally friendly homes increases, Te Kaunihera Hanganga Tautaiao | the New Zealand Green Building Council is launching its first Homestar Design Guide to support the industry to deliver.

A letter to Climate Change Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk is urging the government to commit to energy labels on homes and buildings – similar to those required on domestic appliances, and to commit to MBIE’s Building for Climate Change programme aimed at...

As we hunker down and wrap up warm, on the other side of the world there’s an alarming reminder of the urgent need for climate action. In the past days and weeks, communities worldwide have mourned lives lost to extreme temperatures – More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage...

Over the past three years many of you may have worked with Emma Bijleveld, our Professional Development Manager and integral part of the NZGBC team. We are sad to announce that Emma is moving home to the Netherlands, but equally excited for her next adventure.

Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built-environment throughout Aotearoa. Danica Holgado Danica is...