With spring upon us (not that the weather appears too aware of that fact) there have been a few new green shoots to highlight.
A new chapter
Firstly, after signaling at our Green Property Summit that he’s interested in what role buildings can play in our efforts to reduce emissions, it’s heartening to hear Climate Change Minister Simon Watts signal the upcoming ERP2 is likely to now include a chapter dedicated to the role of the property and construction sector.
It’s a sad day when a tiny climate step feels like a giant leap but it is a notable step forward from the first draft of the ERP, which contained only two lines about our industry and came close to breaching the 2030 emissions budget. We know there are readily available, pollution-busting policies and initiatives available to make a huge dent in our nation’s carbon footprint.
The apparent recognition under ERP 2 underscores the power of our sector and the strong calls for buildings to play a vital role in decreasing emissions. While we’re yet to see the details, we’re confident the evidence is in front of the minister, and we’ll continue to advocate for strong regulatory and central government climate response.
Accurate costs
In other news, a recent report by EBOSS and New Zealand Certified Builders has debunked the claims that the H1 changes are costing around $50,000. We’ve known the claims of huge costs shared with, and made public by, Minister Chris Penk were farfetched and a gross exaggeration of actual costs. The report provides a more accurate picture of the costs and adds to the overwhelming evidence and support for the current standards. I expect there’ll likely still be some announcement or shift in approach, but we expect the insulation standards will remain the same.
Modelling is the future
The change we hope for is a move towards modelling our houses. Not only does it support the industry to insulate properly, but it helps ensure homes perform as we need them to. Recently I was on RNZ’s The Panel to discuss new research from Auckland Council that set out medium density homes are overheating due to "over glazing, lack of adequate ventilation & shading”.
As I told Wallace Chapman and panelists Leonie Freeman and Chris Wikaira, there’s an easy remedy for future builds – modelling. Each week homes and apartments will be built that will overheat, locking in uncomfortable, even dangerous, temperatures for our families, mokopuna, tamariki and others in those homes for decades and decades to come. Here at the NZGBC we want to disrupt the status quo.
It is possible to challenge the status quo. Let's inspire the sector to build better buildings, homes & communities. This means healthier happier people and a better future and our kids and the planet.
An hour spent modelling now is a no-brainer. In the absence of fit-for-purpose building standards, Homestar can help deliver healthier housing solutions, ensuring that our developments are not only sustainable but also comfortable and safe for residents. It also allows the developer to access lower interest development finance and lower interest mortgage rates for homeowners from banks.
You may have seen our newly released free practical guide on building healthy lower carbon homes. It has great case studies and detailed steps on things like tackling overheating and moisture. This, alongside a growing pool of great resources, like our new sustainable finance guide, and Auckland Council’s recently updated design manual, mean it’s easier now than ever. Great to have councils promoting healthier lower carbon housing design.
Let’s collaborate
As we move forward, let’s continue to collaborate and innovate. Our industry is at the forefront of significant changes, and together, we can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and resilient built environment. As a member of our community, you have a chance to shape our future and collaborate further, and I’d encourage you to join us at our upcoming Annual General Meeting and keep an eye out for a call for nominations for our board next month. If you’ve never joined us before, it’s a great opportunity to meet other members and our board, and to help shape our future together.
So, a few green shoots heading into spring. Thanks to your support and mahi, I’m confident we can nurture them and grow the uptake of sustainable, high-performing buildings, creating a healthier future for this wonderful place we call home.