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Net Zero Buildings is the carbon neutral standard for New Zealand building operations
Net Zero Buildings requires:
a minimum level of performance for energy – you are required to reduce carbon before offsetting
adoption of a carbon reduction plan to work out your next steps toward net zero
obtaining carbon offsets as the final step to attaining carbon neutrality for your building
recertification annually to measure and monitor your progress
NZGBC is collaborating with Toitū, who have been a part of our Net Zero Carbon Roadmap journey since 2019. Toitū are able to provide carbon offsets that are recognised by this tool and also have a carbon credit verification service for any carbon offsets that aren’t pre-approved.
For office buildings, a NABERSNZ Accredited Assessor can help. For other building types, we suggest working with a ‘Green Star Accredited Professional – Performance’ who will be familiar with the Green Star Performance tool for existing buildings. Other similar professionals such as energy auditors may be able to assist too.
No, Net Zero Buildings is only applicable to base buildings and whole buildings.
The base certifications for Net Zero Buildings is as follows (excl GST):
NZGBC Member - $3,335
Non-NZGBC Member - $4,485
Discount for buildings that are certified with NABERSNZ or Green Star Performance - $900
Additional costs to consider include:
You will also have to procure carbon offsets for the year’s building operations emissions which comes at a cost.
For office buildings that use the NABERSNZ pathway, a NABERSNZ Accredited Assessor is required to produce this rating. Fees vary amongst assessors. The base certification fee for NABERSNZ is $1,500+ GST with discounts available for smaller buildings, multiple buildings being rated simultaneously and buildings that are being re-rated (getting the rating renewed).
Refer to the NZGBC website for fees for certifying with Green Star Performance. Although certification is not necessary, it is encouraged and attracts the discount to the Net Zero Buildings fee.
Start by looking at your asset and understanding what opportunities are available for decarbonisation. Populate the carbon reduction plan template on our Net Zero Buildings resources page and consider achievable timeframes.
Energy typically includes electricity, any gas use, diesel (including backup generators, testing and fire systems), and any other fuel sources. Water encompasses all potable water use and waste water. Wastewater is calculated automatically in the Net Zero Buildings calculator.
Waste refers to operational waste and the way this is processed from the building. This may include landfill waste, different types of composting (find out the exact composting process your service uses), or recycling. Of course, reuse is most encouraged so that waste is not generated at all. A waste audit is one way of capturing these waste streams.
Refrigerants refer to the refrigerants in your building services such as HVAC equipment. Ensure you have complete and clear information about all building services equipment and what sort of refrigerant it uses as well as how much was topped up during the rated period.
All of the figures entered into the calculators need to be justified by evidence and the auditor will check this as a part of the carbon audit so make sure utility bills, metered data and other documents are complete for the full 12 months, easy to access, and well organised. This makes entering it into the Net Zero Buildings calculator so much easier and makes the audit process much smoother.
This is to be confirmed by Toitū Envirocare. Please contact them about any carbon offsets you are considering.
The inspiration behind Net Zero Buildings is to recognise the interconnected relationship our built environment plays in supporting communities and the surrounding environment.
Our stylised rainbow - āniwaniwa, has interconnected strands representing that the air, water and land are all connected and continuous in movement. Air is a taonga derived from Ranginui. CO2 has the potential to disrupt the mauri and essentially the life force of all taonga associated with air – the natural environment including plants, wildlife, waterways, and whenua (land).
The āniwaniwa (rainbow) is one of nature’s most beautiful optical phenomenon. Across cultures it represents optimism, enlightenment, balance and positivity; and is seen universally as a symbol of joy, hope and aspiration.
In developing a tool for measuring, managing and certifying carbon neutrality for buildings, it reminds us of our whakapapa, of Te Ao Mārama and tiaki – to care for people and place.
Since launching the Zero Carbon Roadmap in September 2019, we’ve seen great advances in the progress of New Zealand’s building and construction sector to a low carbon future. But we can always do more.
Globally, there are wide ranging initiatives underway, such as the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Buildings Commitment. In following these changes, you may have also noticed a change in language – from zero carbon, carbon neutral, to net zero (and carbon positive which is another discussion!).
It’s refreshing to see our members from across financial services, building and construction, and government becoming increasingly aware of the need to reduce before offsetting, which is how we have developed Net Zero Buildings.
The NZGBC recognises the use of offsets as a last resort. i.e. once all steps have been taken to reduce, the final step to achieving net zero or carbon neutrality is offsets.
This is why a carbon reduction plan is an important part of achieving the Net Zero Buildings certification.
