Green Star Buildings NZ

The latest version of Green Star for low carbon new buildings and major refurbishments is here!

After more than two years of industry consultation across the motu, Green Star Buildings New Zealand (NZ) is live.

The next iteration of Green Star for the design and construction of non-residential buildings, Green Star Buildings replaces Green Star Design & As Built, further defining what it means to create a sustainable building.

Climate action, resource efficiency, social sustainability, transparency in supply chains and health & wellbeing are key megatrends changing the world as we know it. More and more companies are committing to climate action, as investors, consumers and employees expect more from companies than ever before.

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, our built environment must respond to meet the challenges of our time or risk obsolescence.

The Aotearoa New Zealand version of Green Star Buildings seeks to:

Establish a clear, well-defined entry point for best practice ratings
Set new levels of achievement for those committed to the highest possible levels of sustainability.
Introduce new categories and credits reflecting issues relevant to our market now and in the future
Further prioritise reductions in carbon emissions from the built environment
Create green features for all Green Star rated buildings, driving wider market awareness and appreciation for the differences and benefits that sustainable building practices can provide.

A new benchmark

Green Star Buildings NZ has been specially designed to meet the challenges of the next decade, helping deliver assets that don’t just meet the expectations of today, but are also future ready and can withstand evolving customer demands, regulatory requirements and increasing scrutiny against greenwashing.

Green Star Buildings NZ introduces 16 minimum expectations that must be achieved for projects to achieve a Green Star rating. These expectations are aimed at ensuring all Green Star rated buildings meet a basic definition of a green building (energy efficient, water efficient, good healthy spaces, built responsibly, and on sites that are not critical natural areas).

A clear path to reach your decarbonisation goals

Green Star Buildings NZ includes the Net Zero Ready Pathway* which are a clear set of targets aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations to help deliver a net zero building that’s fossil fuel free, powered by renewables, highly efficient, built with lower carbon materials and offset with nature.

Fast, simple, streamlined reporting

Green Star Buildings NZ has been specifically designed to align with leading frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, GRESB, IPCC recommendations and the Task Force for Climate Related Financial Disclosure.

The result? A project that aligns with Green Star NZ expectations and can help makes the reporting process faster and simpler.

Meet tenant demands for better, healthier buildings

In a post-COVID world, healthier buildings are more important than ever. Green Star Buildings NZ sets minimum standards for fresh air, adequate light, acoustic comfort and exposure to toxins, whilst also incentivising you to go beyond and reach higher benchmarks – so you can rest assured you’re delivering a healthier building that will be sought after by tenants.

Be recognised for your leadership

Green Star certification is your opportunity to differentiate your brand in a competitive market.

Build for better returns

Green Star has been used to certifying thousands of buildings across Ahitereiria Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Data from Green Building Council of Australia shows that Green Star certified assets lead to better returns; such as a 16.4% higher capital value per m2 and a 13.5% higher annual return. Not to mention significant utility cost savings such as 66% less electricity use and 51% less water use, and a 23% longer weighted average lease expire (WALE), reducing lease turnover.

NZGBC Members and Green Star Accredited Professionals can access the Submission Guidelines for free.

For Non-members the Submission Guidelines for any NZGBC tool costs $600+ GST.

This document provides guidance to project teams on how to use credits from Green Star Buildings NZ on projects registered under
Green Star – Design & As Built NZ

Download the guidance on credit substitutions

"It has been incredibly rewarding to participate and witness the comprehensive engagement and collaboration facilitated by the NZGBC on the evolution of the Green Star tool. We hope this tool will continue to support and facilitate sustainability objectives within the built environment of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
NDY are proud to have been part of this process as the technical partners to the NZGBC."

Shelly Thompson
NDY Senior Associate | New Zealand Sustainability Lead

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