Green Star commissioned for Christchurch anchor projects

Four specially-developed Green Star tools will help ensure major projects in central Christchurch are developed with regard to impact on the environment.

The Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) has commissioned the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) to create custom Green Star tools for the Bus Interchange, Convention Centre Precinct, Stadium and Metro Sports Facility in Christchurch.

The Green Star tool for the bus interchange has already been delivered, with the three further tools to be developed and delivered by mid-2015.

CCDU Director Warwick Isaacs says the Green Star tools will provide valuable guidance while designing and building the Anchor Projects.

“CCDU is conscious of minimising environmental impacts while rebuilding the city and finding sustainable ways to undertake the work,” he says. “Using the Green Star tools will guide the project teams’ use of sustainable and environmentally-sound methods, from design right through to construction and practical completion.

“We want the projects to leave as small an impression on the environment as possible,” Mr Isaacs says.

NZGBC Chief Executive Alex Cutler said CCDU’s use of Green Star showed leadership to other owners and developers.

“We appreciate that it’s hard to consider sustainability when there are numerous other issues to navigate. However, long-term Christchurch would benefit massively from buildings that are optimal for both people and the environment. Although this is well-recognised by residents and business, putting it into practice hasn’t been easy. We hope CCDU’s use of Green Star will help others see the benefit, and that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a costly exercise.”

Green Star is an independent rating system that assesses buildings’ environmental aspects across a range of criteria. It is the pre-eminent system used to rate commercial buildings in New Zealand.

Existing Green Star rating tools are available for offices, education and industrial buildings, and custom tools can be developed for specific one-off projects. Ratings range from 4 Green Star (best practice) to 6 Green Star (world leadership).

Forte Health, opened in Christchurch last year, achieved 4 Green Star with a custom tool, making it New Zealand’s first Green Star-rated health facility. The Christchurch Civic Building (Te Hononga) is one of only three 6 Green Star buildings in New Zealand.

ENDS

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