Building thriving, sustainable new communities, and protecting the best land for our food. Can we do both?

Update from Andrew: New evidence on the impacts of quality buildings

Improved mental health and wellbeing, economic growth, cost savings. Andrew Eagles examines recent research that finds the benefits of quality buildings are so great, even international lenders are taking note. Read more

Out and about

New NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles is hitting the road to meet members before Christmas. He's visiting Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin. Find details of your nearest event.

November voting and AGM

A big thank-you to Alex Hanlon of University of Canterbury and Simon Wilson of RDT Pacific, who will step down from the NZGBC board this year. All members are encouraged to vote for their replacements. Key contacts will receive voting forms and AGM documents by email on 1 November. Contact Susan for more details

Celebrating 10 years!

This year we mark a decade of promoting environmentally sustainable, innovative buildings in New Zealand. Sustainability champion Te Radar will introduce guest of honour and WorldGBC Chair Tai Lee Siang at our 10-year anniversary drinks to follow this year's AGM.

Ramping up NABERSNZ

November is NABERSNZ month. We have a stand at Facilities Integrate 2016 (Nov 3-4, Auckland); at two NABERSNZ breakfasts (Nov 8-9, Auckland and Wellington), you can hear from EECA, NZGBC and the Office of Environment & Heritage NSW about NABERSNZ uptake and a pilot assistance programme.

Asia Pacific scales up on green

NZGBC's Shay Singh reports on his visit to the WorldGBC Asia Pacific Regional Network meeting in Mumbai earlier this month, including an impressive goal from the Indian Green Building Council. Read more

Clever design and Homestar ratings a win-win for Housing NZ tenants

Seventeen warm, dry and healthy Housing NZ homes in Waterview, Auckland have achieved 6 Homestar Design ratings. The homes replace three inefficient 1940s duplexes, and are part of the national housing provider's ongoing work to provide better-quality homes on existing sites. Read more

Sustainable product news

Newly released sustainable building products now available in New Zealand:

EcoSlab - protected slab edge continuous insulation system
USG Boral Fiberock® Aqua-Tough™ wall and ceiling linings: Resistant to moisture, mould and fire; 95% recycled; minimum wastage.
World Woven by Interface: Carpet tiles and planks with 100% recycled-content nylon and a handcrafted look
Siga of Switzerland: World-leading wrap and tape products for complete weather and airtightness of building structures.
Autex Industries - Quietspace® Frontier™: A complete modular acoustic ceiling system for targeted sound absorption.
Unovent® revolution in home ventilation: Low-cost reusable filters with lifetime warranty.
Natural Paint Company: Extremely hard wearing enamel, natural ingredients, renewable resources, no solvents and no harmful chemicals.

Are you Homestar-ready?

Market interest in Homestar certification is picking up speed. The Homestar Leadership Conference is an opportunity to compare notes with your peers, sharpen your skills, and more. Recommended for all Homestar Assessors and Practitioners. Early-bird pricing ends October 30.

Building Life Cycle Assessment – need to know more?

Andrea Davidson of NZGBC will present at the free BRANZ Building Life Cycle Assessment Seminars on 7, 8 and 9 November in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

Around the globe

Consultation on the FSC Australia National Standard

Elements of Draft 4 of the FSC Australia - Forest Stewardship Standard is currently under review and feedback is requested from stakeholders and members. Last submission date is November 10, 2016.

Research and reports

More reasons for building green: new study

It's a fact. Workers in certified green buildings record higher cognitive function scores. Watch the video and read more

Environmental Product Declarations information bulletin

BRANZ has just released an information bulletin on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), available from the online shop. EPDs are recognised in Green Star through our EPD Innovation Challenge.

Cities Alive: research on green building envelopes

Can retrofitting cityscapes with vegetation improve the health and wellbeing of urban citizens? Can we use green facades to capture renewable energy and drive sustainability? Research by Arup suggests we can.