Government announces Green Star rating for new government buildings

From 2022, all new non-residential government buildings with a capital value over $25m will have to meet new green standards

As part of plans to run a carbon neutral public sector by 2026, the Government has announced that, from 1 April 2022, all new non-residential government buildings with a capital value over $25 million will have to hold a minimum Green Star rating of five.

From 1 April 2023, the same standard will apply to all new government buildings with a capital value over $9 million.

The move was announced during the Build Environment Day at COP26 in Glasgow and will ensure that leaders set the standard they wish others to follow.

Leading by example

“These minimum standards will ensure Government buildings achieve a level of excellence in climate-friendly design and construction that is rarely seen in New Zealand,” said Hon. James Shaw, Minister of Climate Change.

“Leading by example in this way will create job opportunities in the low-carbon building sector and expand the market for more commercial buildings to also achieve higher environmental standards.”

Around 140 government agencies will have to follow these new rules, which will help kickstart the sector’s ability to construct more sustainable buildings, added Hon. Stuart Nash, Minister for Economic and Regional Development.

“This particular Green Star system is administered by the NZ Green Building Council and is adapted to suit a New Zealand context, such as earthquake resilience.

“More sustainable building systems will help government agencies plan to reduce carbon emissions. The decision also sends an important signal to the construction, design and building supplies sector to expand capacity and capability to meet demand.”

Aligning with broader aims

Green Star assesses each project’s sustainability across key categories and awards final points total out of 100. To reach the minimum five-star requirement, buildings need to score between 60 and 74 points. A six-star rating is scored by reaching 75 points and above.

Mandating a Green Star rating aligns with the Building for Climate Change initiative, which aims to improve operational efficiency of buildings, reduce emissions generated from production of construction materials, processes and disposal and help New Zealand meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Scoop Business reported that WSP, a design, engineering and environmental consultancy firm, greeted the announcement with enthusiasm.

WSP New Zealand Managing Director Ian Blair said: “We expect the new standards will help create more urgency around carbon reduction. They will also give the supply chain confidence to innovate and invest in low carbon building materials.

“We wholeheartedly support today’s announcement and look forward to collaborating further with the public sector to create sustainable, low carbon buildings for a better, healthier future for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Check out the next print issue of Under Construction – February-March 2022 – to hear more industry feedback and find out more about what the cost implications may be.