After over two years of industry consultation the New Zealand Green Building Council has today launched the most carbon-busting commercial building certification yet.
Launched at an event at Paname Social in the 5 Green Star Design rated HB Building, Green Star Buildings NZ is the latest version of the independent sustainable rating tool for non-residential design and construction.
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“We’ve come a long way since the first version of Green Star was launched in New Zealand back in 2007. The carbon reductions and performance of buildings now is a huge testament to our industry’s journey. Green Star Buildings ensures we’re continuing that momentum towards a zero carbon built environment’,” says Andrew Eagles, NZGBC chief executive.
Designed to meet the challenges of the next decade, Green Star Buildings NZ introduces a new definition for sustainable building, with 16 new minimum requirements to achieve a rating, and a greater focus on health, social responsibility, and the impact on community, people, and the planet.
“We’re tremendously grateful to the hundreds of professionals who have helped shape this vital update to our Green Star standards. Not only is it lifting the capability of our sector, Green Star Buildings NZ is a major step in our efforts to create low-carbon, healthy, productive spaces fit for the future.”
The chair of the independent Green Star Advisory Committee and Director of RDT Pacific, Simon Wilson, says it’s an important milestone.
“Green Star Buildings NZ captures New Zealand’s ambition to look after the future of our built environment. This is a tool that we can all have confidence in knowing that when used we are delivering buildings that are part of the solution to the climate crisis that we find ourselves in today.”
Green Star Buildings NZ replaces the previous version for new design and construction, called Green Star Design & As Built, with registrations under the old version phased out from mid-2025.
Green building pioneers Samson first to target Green Star Buildings certification
Alongside the launch, we are pleased to announce leading property company Samson as the first to target certification under the new tool.
“For us it’s important that we’re creating spaces that are lasting, liveable, and loveable. This Samson mentality has been described as ‘thinking in generations not decades’. That’s why we’re thrilled to be taking the next step and are committed to creating a first-class space with Green Star Buildings,” says Bridget Pyc, Property Sustainability Manager at Samson.
The project, in the bustling central Auckland suburb of Ponsonby, is still in its early planning stages, but will embrace Green Star Building’s’ emphasis on people and place.
“With a community brimming with character and charm, we want to ensure we’re building in a way that respects place, and creates value to those who use and engage with the property,” says Daniel Friedlander, Samson CEO.
Samson has a long legacy with Green Star certification – with Aotearoa’s first 5 Star Green Star Built rating for Ironbank on Karangahape Rd, and the first building to receive the highest rating – 6 stars, for the design of their Geyser building in Parnell Auckland.
“It’s tremendous to have people like the team at Samson jumping on board these new challenges, and we can’t wait to work with the entire project as they navigate the new benchmarks to deliver a wonderful building for the future,” says Andrew Eagles.