The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) has today released an updated guide for tenants and building owners to reach their commitments on sustainability through their workplaces.
The Performance Leasing Guide, developed in collaboration with global law firm DLA Piper and EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), provides practical tools and example lease clauses to support negotiations between all parties seeking better performing, healthier workplaces – while also having the potential to improve asset values for property owners.
"The best way to improve efficiency and productivity across a building is through collaboration between landlords, occupants, and building managers. This new guide is a significant step forward and provides the necessary framework to make that collaboration more effective," says Andrew Eagles, chief executive of NZGBC
Increasingly businesses are using green or performance leases to demonstrate environmental responsibility and even access green finance offerings. Performance leases build on green lease clauses on environmental responsibility to include specific, measurable goals for energy reduction or carbon emission targets, with clear responsibilities for both the landlord and tenant to achieve them.
The guide aims to inform landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders about key aspects of building performance and how to manage them. It addresses common concerns and offers practical strategies to overcome them
"We are delighted to have contributed to this important resource. The model lease clauses included in the guide are designed to be adaptable and practical, ensuring that they can be integrated into various leasing agreements. This flexibility is crucial for addressing the unique needs of different stakeholders," says DLA Piper New Zealand partner and head of real estate, Justin March.
These model lease clauses are designed to be used alongside common industry agreements like the Law Association's standard Deed of Lease and the standard Property Council of New Zealand Deeds of Lease.
First released in 2015, this new version of the guide has been updated to reflect advances in management, technology, and design, and to keep up with the growing interest in sustainable outcomes.
“Empowering energy users is at the heart of our work at EECA. Performance leasing is an effective tool for landlords, occupants and building managers to work together – improving energy efficiency and productivity across an entire building. By providing clear and actionable advice, this guide will help support the switch to energy efficient, and more productive workplaces," says EECA GM Delivery and Partnerships, Richard Briggs.