We’re delighted to introduce our new director of rating tools – Sam Archer. Sam comes to NZGBC from engineering consultants Aecom, where he was the associate director of sustainability, research and development.
His background in green building design (he’s a mechanical engineer by training) will stand him in good stead here, as he leads the development of NZGBC’s rating tools strategy; we’re in the process of reviewing the suite of rating tools we offer and will make some announcements on this in the New Year.
“For me, sustainability is really about maintaining and improving quality of life and wellbeing for everyone, now and into the future,” says Sam.
“I’m really excited about the opportunities this new role brings: helping to shape New Zealand’s cities at a time of rapid change. Urbanisation and population growth bring huge opportunities, but also risks. I strongly believe NZGBC needs to be at the centre of the debate around development, ensuring that long-term, quality thinking is embedded in important decisions about New Zealand’s future.”
Sam arrived in New Zealand two years ago from the UK with his family, and says he’s enjoying the outdoor life on offer. “We’ve been loving family walks in pristine NZ bush, camping in fantastic DOC sites, swimming in clean seas, hanging out on deserted beaches and, of course, eating superior fish ‘n' chips.”
We hope the great outdoors (and tasty takeaways) serves as ongoing inspiration for Sam’s work.