Get all the latest news and events delivered straight to your inbox. As a NZGBC member, receive monthly updates through our Building Momentum Newsletter. Catch up on previous editions below
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Building Momentum #61| October 2023
Hopefully over Labour weekend you had an opportunity to relax, enjoy the sun, and perhaps crack into that book that’s been sitting on the bedside table for months. If you were able to finish it or are after something new, I’ve got your next bit of light reading all lined up… the International Energy Agency’s latest World Energy Outlook released this month...
Building Momentum #60| September 2023
There’s barely a day that goes by when I don’t have cause to speak to, or reflect on, our vision for all homes and buildings in Aotearoa to be green and sustainable, making healthier, happier New Zealanders...
Building Momentum #59| August 2023
Anyone with half an eye on current affairs in Aotearoa will know that there’s only one show in town at the moment. It’s full of talk about right wing, left wing, who’s taking control of the important centre ground...
Building Momentum #58 | July 2023
It’s about 17 years since the Stern Review on the economics of climate change was published. Sweeping up headlines around the world, it clearly concluded that “the benefits of strong and early action far outweigh the economic costs of not acting.”...
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Building Momentum #57 | June 2023
As the election draws ever closer, our sector has an incredible opportunity. In the face of a climate crisis, of which our sector is a major contributor, we also have the means right now to significantly reduce our emissions while also reducing living costs and improving the health of our people. All that’s missing is a bit of ambition...
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Building Momentum #56 | May 2023
Earlier this year, UN secretary general António Guterres issued a stark call to “massively fast-track climate efforts by every country and every sector and on every timeframe. Our world needs climate action on all fronts: everything, everywhere, all at once.”
With this firmly in mind, we’ve delivered a flurry of pollution slashing events, guides and announcements out in the last month...
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Building Momentum #55 | April 2023
We are facing the greatest challenge our industry has ever faced. Recent figures released by the Ministry for the Environment show that the carbon pollution associated with construction is soaring. Under the Paris Agreement, New Zealand has committed to reducing carbon emissions to 50% below 2005’s level by 2030. This target covers all sectors – including ours...
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Building Momentum #54 | March 2023
The latest IPCC synthesis report makes for bleak reading, but there remains a few rays of hope. As the authors say, "if we act now, we can still secure a livable, sustainable future for all.”
As the clock ticks, the urgency with which we act must ramp up...
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Building Momentum #53 | February 2023
If we go about slashing climate change emissions with the same urgency and community spirit as we did when faced with the impacts of climate change, we can make a huge difference. Climate change is real, it’s here, and we’re running out of time to not just put barriers in place to protect ourselves from it, but to reduce the need for those barriers in the first place...
Building Momentum #52 | January 2023
There's a lot to look forward to in 2023. I'm excited and optimistic about the year ahead. With your support and mahi, we can absolutely make some significant progress towards making all homes and buildings in Aotearoa green and sustainable, making healthier, happier New Zealanders...
Building Momentum #51 | November 2022
While there’s a few frantic weeks left before our office closes, our recent AGM has me in reflection mode already. It’s been a massive year for us as an organisation, for New Zealand generally, and importantly, for the direction we’re taking to address climate change. Now that we’re almost finished the year, it means we have just seven years to act before 2030 – a line in the sand for many climate commitments and sustainability goals. The clock is ticking, seven years is not a long time...
Building Momentum #50 | October 2022
This month we’ve launched several key updates and we're inviting your feedback. The first is an approach to measuring embodied carbon we’ve developed alongside thinkstep-anz. This is a ground-breaking piece of work that looks to establish a common methodology and scope for our sector to measure and reduce embodied carbon. The second key update is the launch of our first consultation on Green Star Buildings. This is the next major step for Green Star in New Zealand, and we’ll be looking to transition to it from Green Star Design & As Built in 2023
Building Momentum #49 | September 2022
Amidst the panoply of presentations, the keen conversations, and the forging of friendships, three key themes chimed loudly throughout the day at the packed Housing Summit held just days ago. These themes were repeated by several speakers, and echoed outside the main room over coffee by the hundreds of healthy home advocates in attendance
Building Momentum #48 | August 2022
Not for the first time this winter, New Zealand’s electricity supply struggled to keep up with demand. Transpower yet again announced to generators that power cuts were at risk unless supply was increased. Driving the demand on cold winter mornings and evenings are thousands of poorly insulated homes, forced to crank up the heating to levels that would be unnecessary with decent insulation
Building Momentum #47 |July 2022
The new National Adaptation Plan highlights not only the need to consider how we’re building and planning our towns and cities for climate change, but it helps further invigorate the efforts we’re making to tackle our sector’s contribution to the climate crisis.
Building Momentum #46 | June 2022
Another winter showcasing our cold, unhealthy homes
Building Momentum #45 | May 2022
Could New Zealand’s next election be a climate election? watch back the Green Star launch event
Building Momentum #44 | April 2022
Green light for updated Green Star and our IPCC report response
Building Momentum #43 | March 2022
A huge year for local government in Aotearoa and meet our growing team!
Building Momentum #42 | February 2022
Having an impact on climate impacts and new carbon calculators for Home star
Building Momentum #41 | December 2021
Glance the new BRI Research Winery and Green Star is booming
Building Momentum #40 | November 2021
Green kiwi homes showcased on the world stage and Cop26 update
Building Momentum #39 | October 2021
Crunch climate talks and Green Star update.
Building Momentum #38 | September 2021
Action on carbon, Green Star governance, Highest yet in 6 Green Star Design rating.
Building Momentum #37 | August 2021
Our new Homestar v5 has launched this week, and we showcase the 5 Green Star Design rated window manufacturing facility in the Waikato.
Building Momentum #36 | July 2021
A great year for green buildings, Healthy Home Standards are in effect, and welcome Matthew Cutler-Welsh to the team.
Building Momentum #35 | June 2021
Social infrastructure, bank backing for Homestar, and more Green Star projects.
Building Momentum #34 | May 2021
A successful Green Property Summit but still heaps to do; urban strategist named Future Thinker of the Year; NZ's first carbonzero building operations certification.
Building Momentum #33 | April 2021
Holding the policymakers to account, New cohort of Future Thinkers stake their claim, Time to book for Green Property Summit.
Building Momentum #32 | March 2021
Still time to enter Future Thinker of the Year awards; Homestar V5 draft technical manual ready to view; introducing the Green Property Summit lineup.
Building Momentum #31 | February 2021
Climate Change Commission, have they got it wrong on buildings? Canterbury District Health dig Green Star; dine out with this year's Member Survey.
Building Momentum #30 | December 2020
Govt declares climate emergency - Major retailer commits to Green Star - NZGBC team wishes all our members and their families a happy holiday celebration, Mā te wā
Building Momentum #29 | November 2020
Find out what promises the Government have made for green buildings; there's been a big boost for NABERSNZ; end of the year AGM and member drinks
Building Momentum #28 | October 2020
Climate and the election promises, Risk reporting a catalyst for change, Dust off your SLR it's photo competition time, Vote!
Building Momentum #27 | September 2020
Time to submit on the new building code, World Green Building Week is packed with inspiration, Green Star training now available online
Building Momentum #26 | August 2020
It's happening in Aotearoa and across the world, Scott Base poised for Green Star upgrade, Hutt City shows the way
Building Momentum #25 | July 2020
Is 'Building for Climate Change' the good news we've been waiting for; Consultation underway for next generation Homestar; It's membership renewal time.
Building Momentum #24 | June 2020
Government announces on greener homes; Britomart shines with performance rating; Great Green Star results for Te Urutī.
Building Momentum #23 | May 2020
Talking with the Government, a new Future Thinker of the Year, what you told us, still more green projects.
Building Momentum #22 | April 2020
We’re all in this together. Business as usual but not as we knew it.
Building Momentum #21 | March 2020
Advocacy wins for better buildings, Member Survey last call, Housing Summit programme, Future Thinker of the Year entries closing soon.
Building Momentum #20 | February 2020
A big announcement to start the year, NZ's first certified Green Star Communities, and tell us what you think in our member survey.
Building Momentum #19 | December 2019
A very successful year, Lincoln leads on transition from fossil fuels, meet our new Chair and Board election results.
Building Momentum #18 | November 2019
Non-stop action on the Green Star front; use your member rights at this month's AGM; 2019 winning photos.
Building Momentum #17 | October 2019
Zero Carbon Road Map for Aotearoa's buildings; best World Green Building Week ever; Projects and membership reflect growing call for a better future.
Building Momentum #16 | September 2019
The stats on building pollution, three great panel discussions, bring on World Green Building Week.
Building Momentum #15 | August 2019
Big news for NABERSNZ, World Green Building Week talks to low carbon, the sense of end-of-trip facilities.
Building Momentum #14 | July 2019
Emergencies and submissions, Latest project news, Have your say on construction and demolition waste.
Building Momentum #13 | June 2019
The budget and the zero-carbon bill, Net zero road show, You told us. Member survey feedback.
Building Momentum #12 | May 2019
Summit round up, carbon standard your feedback please, Design and As Built latest.
Building Momentum #11 | April 2019
Gearing up to calculate the carbon, Future Thinkers show their strengths, member stories.
Building Momentum #10 | March 2019
Green Property Summit early bird rates still on, new Board appointee, Green Star reaches a milestone.
Building Momentum #9 | February 2019
Better communities, we need your help, update on carbon neutral standards for buildings.
Building Momentum #8 | December 2018
What is HomeFit? new Green Star buildings push the bar, winning SNUG designs annouced.
Building Momentum #7 | November 2018
Get the story right, massive energy gains for Aurora, we want honest Green Star feedback, showcase your building at Green Property Summit.
Building Momentum #6 | October 2018
What happened in #WGBW2018, report that makes the green case for healthcare buildings in NZ, Beca building wins across Asia-Pacific.
Building Momentum #5 | September 2018
A decade of GSAPs in New Zealand, be part of the action in World Green Building Week, and why Eagles is jumping off a building.
Building Momentum #4 | August 2018
Diversity high on the agenda, three top asks, members make green building finals.
Building Momentum #3 | July 2018
Poi, the Prime Minister, and a challenge worth fighting for.
Building Momentum #2 | June 2018
Golden opportunity to make our homes better | hidden building pollution exposed | Housing Summit 2018 and more.
Building Momentum #1 | May 2018
Meeting the ministers | Housing Summit 2018 on June 20 | feeding back on the member survey.
Member News March 2018
Next gen Green Star - consultation is now open; ratings vs home value; reporting from Melbourne Green Cities
Member News February 2018
Zero carbon call to action; awards and competitions; free webinar tomorrow on new plans for Green Star.
Member News January 2018
8 steps councils can take, look who's backing building green, top marks in NABERSNZ, your turn to tell us what you want.
Member News November 2017
Corporates commit to energy standards, Green Star Performance open for business, time to revisit the NZ building code
Member News October 2017
New board chair for NZGBC, a message to the minister, Green Star - Performance is poised to change the market
Member News August 2017
World Green Building Week action, new NABERSNZ videos, green specifying made simple
Member News July 2017
Homestar v4 is open for business, check your membership renewal, gearing up for World Green Building Week, cheaper mortgages for sustainable homes?
Member News June 2017
Supporting Sarah Thomson, Countdown to Homestar v4, Green Star Communities and Performance, Time to renew membership.
Member News May 2017
Ruling sees climate risk as responsibility of all companies; time to renew memberships; meet our partners; and Green Star Performance explained.
Member News April 2017
Welcome to new board members, Green is Good, Summit Roundup.
Member News March 2017
Green Property Summit countdown. Is NZ net-zero ready? Outdoor plaques for built ratings.
Member News February 2017
Summit selling fast; show of confidence for NZGBC; how to close the certification deal; working through energy performance with tenants and owners; growing a presence in the Waikato.
Member News January 2017
Action stations in 2017; see who will be at the Green Property Summit '17; LCA/EPD video; Royal Society report backs green building.
Member News November 2016
Our 10-year wins, free NABERSNZ feasibility check, Homestar boost in South Island, important Xmas dates
Read More »Member News October 2016
The growing case for quality buildings, our 10-year party (you're invited!), Homestar and NABERSNZ news, and more
Read More »Member News September 2016
Positive change at NZGBC, celebrating Green Building this week, latest Homestar, Green Star and NABERSNZ certifications.
Read More »Member News August 2016
An easy guide to measuring business sustainability; Homestar on The Block; NABERSNZ for 205 Queen; Green Star v3.1 manual available to all; and free World Green Building Week events
Read More »Member News July 2016
Green Buzz in Christchurch, our reaction to Unitary Plan recommendations, Green Star v3 is live and a new regional event.
Read More »Member News June 2016
World GBC announces net-zero plan, NZGBC's first NABERSNZ rating, Fletcher Living and Green Star Communities and what's new in NZ sustainable building products
Read More »Member News May 2016
Sustainability's role in addressing the housing crisis, members shine at EECA awards, eco-label for NZ Steel and Pacific Steel and a home renovation achieves a 9 Homestar rating.
Read More »Member News April 2016
Opportunity knocks for green building, timber credit review, last day for Housing Summit early-bird rates and Green Star innovation.
Read More »Member News March 2016
Snapshot from Green Cities 2016, Homestar wins for aged care and multi-unit residential, new NABERSNZ service and looking to celebrate our sustainable building leaders.
Read More »Member News February 2016
Green Star firsts, your chance to hear a Vancouver sustainability champion, Christchurch milestones and upcoming Member Drinks.
Read More »Member News January 2016
Green Star for VXV Precinct, changes on the way for rentals, new advisory group for NZGBC and what COP21 means for buildings
Read More »Member News November 2015
Bringing together 31 green building councils from around the world, World Congress is the focal point in the annual calendar for senior leaders to connect, share experiences and consider ideas for the future.
Read More »Member News October 2015
The last few months have seen a leap in residential activity – both in terms of opportunities to develop and build, as well as access to information and resources to support doing it well
Read More »Member News September 2015
Like any organisation, it’s important for the NZGBC to periodically review the environment we’re operating in, and adjust our strategy accordingly.
Read More »Member News August 2015
Get ready for World Green Building Week, a landmark month for Homestar, and industry news and views.
Read More »Member News July 2015
Yesterday marked an important moment for NZGBC – the release of version 3 of Green Star, the biggest review of what has been our flagship tool and brand, since 2009.
Read More »Member News March 2015
Green Property Summit wrap-up, NZ's first 9 Homestar rating, NZI Centre scores 5.5 NABERSNZ stars, and we cover Melbourne’s Green Cities.
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