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What you need to know
Gas replacement is rarely a standalone task - it’s part of a broader challenge facing ageing buildings and the people responsible for them. Whether triggered by regulation, risk, or retrofit opportunity, moving off fossil fuels can feel complex and overwhelming.
This hands-on masterclass helps cut through the paralysis. Through real-world insights, cross-disciplinary thinking, and practical steps, participants will gain clarity on how to decarbonise existing buildings.
Delivered by experts from NZGBC, Apricus Eco, and Mott MacDonald, and generously hosted by BNZ with heavy subsidy from EECA, this masterclass equips you with the knowledge and tools to confidently lead fossil fuel phase-out in existing buildings.
Learning outcomes:
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Identify the key questions to ask - and who to involve - to kickstart a decarbonisation journey
- Build or assess a business case for removing gas and diesel from existing buildings
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Evaluate technical options and navigate real-world constraints in live projects
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Understand the support mechanisms available and learn from real case studies
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Take informed, practical action based on your role and organisational context
Who is This For?
Asset managers, property managers, facilities managers, consultants, engineers and funders
Pricing (excl. GST)
$10 Member price
$10 Non Member price
$10 Future Thinkers
Presenters
Bobby Shen
NZGBC - Impact Manager – Buildings
Bobby works with the property and construction sector to unlock long-term value in asset portfolios by focusing on drivers including energy efficiency, lower carbon outcomes, and the growing influence of sustainable finance. With a background in commercial architecture, Bobby brings expertise across the full life cycle of buildings—from design and construction through to operations. At NZGBC, he helps industry apply tools such as Green Star and NABERSNZ to deliver assets that are energy-smart, low-emissions, and aligned with evolving ESG expectations.

Marcus Baker
Apricus Eco - Managing Director and Lead Designer
Since 2004, Marcus has been delivering advice and practical solutions for energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable practices in NZ and UK. Apricus Eco are decarbonising NZ commercial buildings and homes using natural refrigerant hot water heat pumps, pellet boilers and solar thermal systems. The company specialises in central heating and domestic hot water systems.

Warner Brunton
Mott MacDonald - Sector Advisory Lead
Warner is the Advisory Sector Lead for New Zealand at Mott MacDonald, and specialises in integrated environmental sustainability for the built environment. He has a particular interest in close collaboration with clients, architects, consultants and project stakeholders to enhance whole of life sustainability outcomes based on proven and pragmatic solutions.
Agenda
Time | Session | Presenter / Notes |
---|---|---|
Morning (10.00am) | Welcome & Whakawhanaungatanga | Bobby Shen (NZGBC) |
The NZ Context (Grid, Emissions, NABERSNZ, Sustainable Finance Guide) | Bobby Shen (NZGBC) | |
Financing the Transition (Financial Incentives) | BNZ | |
The Case for Re-lifing Buildings (Barriers & Stakeholder Alignment) | Warner Brunton (Mott MacDonald) | |
Demystifying Heat Pumps & Gas Alternatives | Marcus Baker (Apricus Eco) | |
Discussion: Framing Your Business Case | Bobby Shen (NZGBC) | |
Lunch (12.00pm) |
Catered Lunch / Networking | |
Afternoon (1.00pm) |
EECA Feedback Session (Interactive) | (EECA) |
Removing Gas in Practice (Technical Systems Overview) | Marcus Baker (Apricus Eco) | |
Optimising Systems (Easy Wins & Energy Saving) | ||
Close 4.00pm | Panel Discussion with Speakers | All |
Explore our upcoming courses
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