Member News July 2016

25 July 2016

Update from Alex: Building quality now more essential than ever

This week saw the Independent Hearings Panel publicly release their Unitary Plan recommendations to Auckland Council, with few surprises on the sustainable design front. The recommended removal of Homestar has been on our radar, but the million-dollar question will be whether Council decides to ignore the recommendation or not. Read more

IAG and Goodman make NABERSNZ history

This outstanding tenant-owner team have achieved a 'market leading' 5 star NABERSNZ whole building rating for their Show Place office in Christchurch - the first whole building rating in NZ; with a 40 per cent reduction in energy despite a 50 percent increase in workforce. Read more and learn more at The Green Room - Christchurch

Vodafone first 5 Green Star at Christchurch Innovation Precinct

The Innov8 building is the first building in Christchurch's Innovation Precinct to achieve a Green Star rating. Read more

The future face of Auckland

The Independent Hearing Panel’s recommendations for the Unitary Plan were released on Wednesday 27 July; for our reaction, read on.

Are you Green Star v3-ready?

Version 3 is mandatory from 1 August and GSAPs must take refresher training by end July to retain their qualification. Purchase the training module on-line Green Star V3 Refresher video, or email Lena

Membership renewals - last call

Is your membership current? If not, you stand to lose your member benefits from end July. But don't panic, check with your key person or contact Susan

New green event in the Waikato

Our inaugural Green Speak evening is coming to Hamilton on 30 August, hosted by NZGBC champions, Holmes Consulting. A big turn-out will mean we can bring the series to other centres, so spread the word to your Waikato colleagues. Read more and register

Let's celebrate! World Green Building Week 2016

The theme is Change Your Perspective (Sept 26 - Oct 2). We're planning a series of events to increase public awareness, why not add your own? A tour of a sustainable building in your area, or green cocktails with your team. Add pictures to Instagram using #betterbuildgreen #WGBW16. Or contact contact Catie.

The Green Room hits the main centres in August

August sees the return of The Green Room in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Be sure to come along to this premier green building knowledge and networking event.

Interested in visiting Greenbuild 2016 in LA?

The US International Trade Administration is offering to help with registration and appointment scheduling for you to attend this iconic annual WorldGBC conference and expo October 5-7 2016. Contact Janet.Coulthart@trade.gov or Susan.

Sustainable product news

Congratulations to NZGBC member, Kingspan for recently publishing four Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). See how EPDs fit into Green Star innovation credits.

New project registrations

Green star and Homestar projects. Read more

Welcome new members

Johnstone Construction

Otakaro Ltd

Apex Air Conditioning

M&L Residential

Fiona Macpherson Architects

Matz Architects

Beaudomus

Sital Klima Australasia

Congratulations to our newly qualified professionals

Green Star Accredited Professionals: Alan Maharaj, Matt Prumm, Nigel Eady, Roddy Chellemben, Collette Tinney

NABERSNZ practitioners: Brett Parekura

NABERSNZ Trainee Assessors: Darren Baxter, Alan Maharaj

External competitions/events

Sustainable Cities Forum, Dunedin 8 August 2016 join NZGBC Chief Executive, Alex Cutler and CarboNZero Austin Hansell to consider green buildings and carbon friendly business in the Dunedin context

Go Green Expo, Christchurch 13-14 August 2016

Energy Management for Facilities Managers, Christchurch Airport 25 & 26 August 2016

Continuous Commissioning Specialist Training Course, Wellington, 7, 8 & 9 September 2016

Around the globe

Breathing wall for Barangaroo

The groundbreaking wall of plants in Lendlease's new global headquarters is estimated to absorb Co2, particulates and VOC's at significantly greater rates than previous systems, plus reduce HVAC energy needs. Read more

Portugal boasts 100% renewable energy for 4 days

The latest landmark achievement among countries steadily increasing renewable energy output rates. Read more

Research and reports

Renewable Energy: joining the Zero Carbon Revolution (PDF) The Fifth Estate, Australian report on the multiple options for property owners and tenants to contribute to the low carbon economy

New Perspectives on Climate Finance for Cities (PDF) C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group