We're facing the greatest challenge our industry has ever faced. Recent figures released by the Ministry for the Environment show that the carbon pollution associated with construction is soaring. Under the Paris Agreement, New Zealand has committed to reduce carbon emissions to 50% below 2005’s level by 2030. This target covers all sectors – including ours.
But construction is heading the wrong way. Instead of a reduction in the levels of pollution that will cause more ferocious and frequent storms and floods, there’s been an increase. The latest figures released earlier this month show that construction emissions in 2021 were just over 60% higher than in 2005.
There’s just seven years until 2030. And in those seven years, the construction industry will have to reduce carbon emissions by 70%. No ifs or buts. No excuses. A 70% reduction in seven years. This means building to lower carbon levels, it means banks need to get serious and make their lowest finance offers low carbon, it means all organisations need to advocate for deep cuts to carbon, it means associations need to help builders gear up to the Building for Climate Change programme, and it means we need to get measuring and reducing carbon in our existing buildings. It means all this and more, at a scale never seen before in this country.
That is the size of the challenge facing us. We'll only beat that challenge together, through system change, commitment from all actors, genuine collaboration and movement generous alliances.
That is why this year’s Green Property Summit on 10 May is so vital. It comes at the most important time ever for our industry, and it will act as a catalyst for the change needed, where connections and cooperations will be forged by key players from across our sector.
The Summit will feature local and international healthy building case studies, a Ministerial address, and feature key players in the world’s green building sector. The room will be packed with people grappling with the great challenge facing us. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
We're also launching new reports and new guidance never seen before in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We all have to move swiftly, and move together, to cut the sector’s carbon emissions. So, the very next day after the Summit we have two more pollution busting events, thanks to some extensive collaboration with people like you.
The embodied carbon masterclass on 11 May is a hands-on training featuring industry experts guiding you through embodied carbon, how to calculate it, and how to reduce it. The methodologies involved were developed after months of industry consultation.
This is now sold out
Also on 11 May is an event unpacking the climate scenarios for the construction and property sector as they relate to the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures, and what their new reporting requirements mean for your organisation, building owners, designers, engineers, and product and material suppliers.
This event is also sold out. Keep an eye on the website for recordings which will be available for free for members in June.
We’ve enjoyed working with our sector to define the scenarios and now encourage businesses to work with their boards and senior management teams who will be responsible for managing and reporting how much climate pollution they emit, how climate change may affect their business, and what they’re doing to reduce emissions. It’s been a revealing exercise to work alongside a range of industry organisations to develop advice and guidance on climate change related scenarios for the building sector. For organisations not yet captured by the reporting requirements, these scenarios should help guide your internal discussions and scenario planning.
We're seeing a surge in interest in lower-carbon healthier homes, buildings and communities. The Green Property Summit will sell out today with just a handful of tickets left. If you're not able to make it but want to hear updates in person then be sure to book into the Green Speak events in June in Hamilton and Wellington. The Christchurch event will be up soon also.
I'll also be giving my quarterly update on 22 May, off the back of the government budget. You can register for that webinar here
Change is coming. Fast. Get involved and keep informed.
Seven years ago, John Key resigned as Prime Minister, Ireland beat the All Blacks in Chicago, and I joined the NZGBC. In seven years' time, in 2030, I’m sure we’ll be looking back at the Green Property Summit 2023 and enjoying how all those in the room joined together to slash carbon pollution and beat our greatest challenge.