A pivotal moment. Three years ago NZGBC commissioned thinkstep-anz to consider emissions from buildings. They set out that around 20% of NZ’s carbon pollution is from buildings (when one excludes what we export).

Half those are from running buildings, such as lighting and heating (operational emissions) and half from manufacturing building materials such as concrete, steel, aluminium and other materials (embodied emissions).

We have been working hard since then. With BRANZ we created an embodied carbon calculator for homes. This is required for homes achieving 8 Homestar or above. We propose to reduce that to 7 Homestar mid next year.

Last week we launched the consultation on measuring & reducing embodied emissions from buildings. This is a key moment. Until now there has been no agreement on how to measure these 9% of New Zealands emissions (embodied carbon). This is an opportunity to agree a common way of measuring, and therefore reducing, embodied carbon emissions.

Thank you Jeff Vickers and Sam Archer for the huge mahi that has gone into this. This includes reviewing; international best practice in seven other jurisdictions, the World Green Building Council guidance, the importance of LCAs versus upfront emissions, ease of analysis, the latest science on biogenic methane and 1 to 1 meetings with over 25 material suppliers, engineers and architects who are thinking deeply about this.

Key is hearing your thoughts and research. We want the best research and analysis to inform this work.

The consultation also includes amendments on Green Star credits focusing on resilience to climate change and operational carbon.

We would love your feedback by 23rd December. Get into it here