New Zealand Green Building Council - NZGBC

09/06/2026

Congratulations to Britomart Group and Cooper and Company on this outstanding achievement! It’s a real inspiration to see such a beautiful building brought back to life, ready to once again play a role in Auckland’s public life. 🌿

01/06/2026

When the capital city’s landmark library closed seven years ago Wellingtonians had a sense of ‘Where to from here?’

First built in 1991, the much-loved facility - with its iconic nikau palm sculptures across the main entrance - was widely viewed as a cultural epicentre in the CBD.

The need for seismic strengthening has resulted in a bold and beautiful building reuse.

It's known as Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui and its 5 Star Green Star design rating has been instrumental in the journey.

Find out more: https://nzgbc.org.nz/case-studies/te-matapihi

🌿 📖

27/05/2026

Big thanks to Ryan Castle for hosting NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles on the latest edition of his Master Builders Elevate podcast.

Topics covered:

➡️ How more energy-efficient homes can create major financial advantages for both developers and homeowners.

➡️ From lower-interest development finance to green mortgage offers, how Homestar certification is helping builders access funding benefits while delivering warmer, drier, and more comfortable homes.

Andrew shares insights into the Homestar process, and how many developments can achieve certification with only minor design changes.

He also discusses the future of building standards in New Zealand, the growing influence of global green finance, and why energy performance ratings are likely to become a key part of every home sale.

It's essential listening for builders, developers, and anyone interested in the future of residential construction in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Check out the latest Master Builders Elevate podcast here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e0234a0
And more about Homestar: https://nzgbc.org.nz/introduction-to-homestar
🏡 🌿 🎙️

14/05/2026

Cut through the confusion.

Join our next Better by Design: Residential Energy Modelling Workshop in Queenstown on 20 May.

This hands-on event shows builders, designers, and developers how to stay ahead, - using modelling to make faster, better design decisions. It's essential training plus a free 30-day ECCHO licence so you can test & learn.

https://nzgbc.org.nz/residential-energy-modelling-masterclass-queenstown?id=40572708457

Modelling gives the full picture of how home designs will perform — not just what’s in the walls. Modelling can assess glazing, shading, layout and orientation to show real-world comfort, temperature and performance outcomes that the schedule method simply can’t capture.

Who should come?
- Builders & group home builders wanting easier, clearer compliance
- Designers & engineers seeking efficient, accurate pathways
- Developers who want reliable, marketable performance outcomes
- Community housing providers & councils committed to better-quality homes

13/05/2026

We’ve just released our 2026 Election Manifesto — focused on something that’s top of mind for a lot of people right now: energy costs and security.

Our manifesto includes policies that will:

✅ make NZ’s energy system more secure

✅ bring down power bills for households and businesses

✅ reduce energy waste in our buildings

It's about practical solutions — like cutting red tape for building energy-efficient home, helping more people access solar and batteries, improving heating and hot water systems, and supporting the shift away from gas in buildings so it’s available where it’s most needed.

It’s backed by the construction and property sectors.

👉 This is an election year, so raise it raising it with your local MP and candidates.

Thanks to our members and manifesto supporters including: NZ Construction Industry Council, Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects, Engineering New Zealand

Read more and download the manifesto here: https://nzgbc.org.nz/election-manifesto-2026

11/05/2026

The Green Property Summit returns to Auckland on Tuesday 11 August 2026 and early bird tickets are selling fast!

This premier full-day conference for the commercial and non-residential property and construction sectors brings together innovators, thought leaders, and changemakers from across Aotearoa and beyond.

Welcome to our Platinum sponsor RDT Pacific.

Find out more and register here: https://nzgbc.org.nz/green-property-summit-2026

07/05/2026

School buildings are not often the domain of boundary-pushing design solutions.
But 4 Star Green Star rated Marian College in Ōtautahi Christchurch showcases breathtaking building reuse.

Forced from its original site in the Christchurch suburb of Shirley following damage sustained in the 2011 earthquake, the school spent 13 years in temporary accommodation in two different locations.

Marian College has now found a new, permanent home - in a disused 17,000 square metre industrial warehouse on a three hectare site. The site has been reinvented as a modern high school.

https://nzgbc.org.nz/case-studies/marian-college-%C5%8Dtautahi-christchurch

04/05/2026

We talk a lot about generating more energy — but what about using less?

Hot water makes up around 30% of household energy use in NZ. That’s huge.
The good news? We don’t have to choose between cutting emissions and saving money.
Hot water heat pumps can use up to 70% less electricity, meaning:
💡 Lower power bills
🌱 Fewer emissions
⚡ Smarter energy use at home
Annie Jefferson from A2W is helping lead this shift — and it’s exactly the kind of practical change we need more of.
👉 Read more: https://nzgbc.org.nz/news-and-media/powering-the-hot-water-heat-pump-revolution-annie-jefferson

30/04/2026

You don’t need a massive mansion or castle to be on Grand Designs NZ 🏡

Congratulations to Christchurch couple Elizabeth and Everett Norris, who together built a beautiful home using natural materials — and achieved a market leading 10 Homestar rating ❤🏡

See the pictures, check it out on demand on TVNZ+ and find out more about Homestar:

https://nzgbc.org.nz/news-and-media/grand-designs-to-10-homestar-christchurch-couples-sustainable-success

14/04/2026

The case for electrification has never been clearer, and the Government must use next month's budget to bring in financial incentives for rooftop solar.

We've joined up with fellow organisations to push for better use of NZ's energy resources - it's called the Smart Energy Alliance - hear more from spokesperson Gareth Williams in this interview with RNZ:
🌞🏡

An energy alliance says the case for electrification has never been clearer.