Free events highlight benefits of sustainable buildings

[TUESDAY 30 AUGUST, 2016 / IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

MEDIA RELEASE

Free events highlight benefits of sustainable buildings during World Green Building Week

Green buildings can reduce our emissions, save energy and water, and create more liveable communities – and next month Kiwis will discover how, as some of New Zealand’s most sustainable buildings throw open their doors during World Green Building Week (September 26–October 2).

The annual week sees hundreds of events taking place in dozens of countries, as all international Green Building Councils celebrate. This year, the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) is presenting free events around the worldwide theme “Change your perspective”. Tours, talks, workshops and a student photo competition will illustrate the benefits of green buildings, and showcase inspirational New Zealand projects.

• AUCKLAND

o Sun 25 Sept: Walking tour exploring some of Auckland CBD's green commercial architecture. Held with New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

o Tues 27 Sept: Bus tour of Hobsonville Point Primary School (where sustainability is innovatively blended into a modern learning environment), and two high-rating Homestar homes.

o Tues 27 Sept: Sustainability Conversation, about challenging our current design thinking to create Net Zero Energy and low-impact homes. Held with NZIA.

o Thurs 29 Sept: Introduction to Green Buildings, a talk for anyone who’s ever wondered what a sustainable building is and how it’s measured.

• CHRISTCHURCH

o Wed 28 Sept: Walking tour of the Kathmandu and Vodafone buildings, both recently awarded a 5 Green Star Design rating for features such as excellent energy performance, and a strong focus on improving occupant health and wellbeing.

• NATIONWIDE

o Entries close Fri 23 Sept: Tertiary student photo competition. Winners will be announced at the Introduction to Green Buildings event, and displayed on NZGBC's website.

NZGBC chief executive Alex Cutler says the week is a chance for people to explore inside notable green homes, offices and even a school, and to understand what a substantial difference they can make to New Zealand’s environmental footprint and liveability.

"Around the world, sustainability in residential and commercial building is increasingly becoming the norm. People recognise the economic, social and environmental benefits that are there for the taking: for example, most businesses can shave up to 20% off their energy costs with smarter energy use, and green building can cut global emissions by up to a third,” says Ms Cutler.

“Our World Green Building Week events are open to the public and industry, and we intend to get everyone talking. The more we demand sustainable standards in our buildings and cities, the better the results will be for everyone.”

All events are free, however attendees must register as spaces are limited. For full event details, visit www.nzgbc.org.nz/events/wgbwnz16, and join the conversation on Twitter (#wgbw16 and #betterbuildgreen).

Bayleys is the national sponsor of New Zealand’s World Green Building Week activities.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC)

The NZGBC is a not-for-profit industry organisation dedicated to a sustainable built environment. The Council achieves this through setting standards of best practice through green building rating tools; education and training for all areas of the building industry value chain; and providing access to networks, information and resources for our members to lead the market. Visit: www.nzgbc.org.nz

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