Low carbon precincts, neighbourhoods and communities at scale
Green Star Communities supports projects on the path to net zero. Encouraging a holistic approach to sustainability across a raft of credits, Green Star Communities helps contribute to numerous Sustainable Development Goals.
A sustainable community embodies the principles of sustainable development, respecting ecological limits and natural resource constraints, encouraging prosperity and well-being while optimising conditions for human development.
Precinct and land development projects are complex and can take a long time to deliver. For this reason, Green Star Communities certification lasts a maximum of five years, after which the project can recertify. This allows projects to re-assess and improve their approach, and be recognised for progress made in delivering on the ground.
Aims to encourage and recognise developers and projects that demonstrate leadership within the sector, by establishing and maintaining strong governance practices. The category promotes engagement, transparency, as well as community and industry capacity building. It also seeks to ensure that community projects are resilient to a changing climate
Aims to encourage and recognise developments that deliver safe, accessible and culturally rich communities. The category encourages the development of healthy and active lifestyles, and rewards communities that have a high level of amenity, activity, and inclusiveness.
Aims to encourage and recognise projects that promote prosperity and productivity. The category encourages affordable living and housing, investment in education and skills development, and community capacity building. This category also promotes greater productivity through emerging opportunities in the digital economy
Aims to reduce the impact of urban development on ecosystems. It encourages resource management and efficiency by promoting infrastructure, transport, and buildings, with reduced ecological footprints. The Environment category seeks to reduce the impacts of projects on land, water, and the atmosphere
Aims to recognise the implementation of innovative practices, processes and strategies that promote sustainability in the built environment.
Eligibility
Before spending too much time on a potential project, the project team should ensure they fulfill the Eligibility Criteria outlined in the document below. We also recommend consulting the Submission Guidelines as well as the list of New Zealand specific Sustainable Sites (credit 28) in the Technical Clarifications document.
Some applying for Green Star or Green Star Communities have asked about prime agricultural land.
All projects on urban zoned areas and all future urban zoned areas in district plans are eligible for Green Star or Green Star Communities
If the project you are considering does not meet the definition above then please check the LUC classification system. Land which is classed LUC 1-3 is highly productive land and is ineligible for Green Star or Green Star Communities certification.
Submission Guidelines are free for NZGBC members and Green Star Accredited Professionals.
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