“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
- Jane Goodall
Every day holds incredible power. The decisions you make, the work you do, and the people you support and influence are transforming our skylines, connecting communities, and shaping our future. As we head into 2025, what difference will we make?
Right now, we have a tremendous opportunity to drive forward a shift in our Building Code – a vital step in improving the buildings and homes of the future.
This shift will not only push our sector towards better performance and progress in energy, carbon, and livability requirements but also help mitigate ongoing challenges like overheating and poor design..
While we've celebrated wins with the H1 building and home insulation requirements, the current consultation offers a chance to advance even further. Alongside BRANZ, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, Architectural Designers of New Zealand, and the New Zealand Construction Industry Council, we're advocating for phasing out the calculation method and moving entirely to modelling. I encourage you to review the proposals and share your thoughts. Check out our submission and more accessible cover letter here
Building on the momentum from 2024, this year's events calendar promises an exciting array of opportunities to engage, learn, and connect. We have fantastic sponsorship opportunities, so if you're interested, please get in touch. After our first year hosting two hugely successful summits, we're doing the double again with the Housing Summit in May and Green Property Summit in August.
Last year's sold-out Housing Summit showcased brilliant examples of what can be achieved now. Join us at the Grand Millennium Hotel in May to explore some of the country's best buildings and hear from outstanding leaders about the opportunities for our sector to thrive and embed sustainability. Early bird tickets are on sale now, so secure your spot – it’s always an annual highlight.
We’re also gearing up for the transition to Green Star Buildings NZ later this year. It’s an exciting step forward, and we’re thrilled to have many of you getting stuck in and eager to try out the new version exclusively tailored for the New Zealand market. Remember, Design & As Built v1.1 is being phased out, with expressions of interest closing 30 May.
This year will also bring new opportunities for existing buildings. NABERSNZ is set to expand, supporting energy efficiency benchmarking in more building types, including shopping malls and hotels. Join us Green Speak Waikato in Kirikiriroa Hamilton in March to find out more.
2025 will undoubtedly bring challenges, pressures, and competing priorities. However, every day we make progress, creating wonderful homes, buildings, and communities for future generations. As you dive into the year, remember that what you do matters. Let’s make it count.