Construction Bodies Rally Behind Energy Security Solutions In NZ Green Building Council’s 2026 Manifesto

The New Zealand Green Building Council has today released its 2026 Manifesto setting out a practical, evidence-based policy package to reduce energy waste in buildings, lower household and business energy costs, and improve New Zealand’s energy security.

The manifesto is the result of considerable engagement with political parties across the spectrum, as well as discussions with third-party organisations and industry stakeholders in the construction and property sector. It reflects strong cross-sector interest in solutions that deliver immediate cost savings while supporting productivity, and long-term economic resilience.

New Zealand’s current energy challenges are putting huge pressure on households, businesses, and the wider economy. Energy bills are rising sharply, energy security concerns increasing and those businesses dependent on gas face reduced production or closure.

Buildings represent one of the single largest and fastest opportunities to respond. Around 15% of natural gas and LPG, and 23% of electricity, is currently used simply to heat space and water in residential and commercial buildings. On current trajectories, buildings will consume around 26% of New Zealand’s gas supply by 2030.

New Zealand Green Building Council Chief Executive Andrew Eagles says effective policies are needed to relieve pressure on households, businesses, and the electricity network.

“We must make urgent progress electrifying New Zealand’s homes and commercial buildings. Many of the steps we’re proposing in this manifesto come at low or no cost to Government,” he says.

“Reasonable changes to update our inadequate Building Code, cutting red tape for energy efficient investments and improving information requirements when buying or leasing property will all make a big difference.

“Modest expenditure on financial support and subsidies for heat pumps, rooftop solar and Government building to a higher standard will improve our resilience and help save billions for Kiwi families.

“As political parties start their 2026 general election campaigns, these sensible options provide wins for voters and businesses. We have the tech, the knowledge and the evidence is all here – what New Zealand needs now is the political will.”

Policies included in the manifesto cover:

• Faster consenting for energy efficient homes and buildings
• Energy labels for buildings allowing investors and tenants to see which buildings are energy efficient
• Helping to move gas out of buildings and homes - freeing it up for industry, keeping jobs and businesses in NZ and lowering energy costs
• Improving access to rooftop solar and batteries through low- or zero-interest loans
• Expanding Warmer Kiwi Homes to support efficient space and water heating, ventilation and lighting
• Introducing rebates for hot water heat pumps
• Requiring replacement appliances to be energy-efficient and electric, rather than gas-powered
• Funding deep retrofits for the least efficient homes

“These are not expensive or radical changes,” says Eagles. “These measures cut power bills, reduce pressure on energy prices, free up energy for productive industries, improve resilience and deliver healthier, more comfortable buildings. They have been adopted in most OECD countries”

The manifesto is backed by the New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC), which represents 70% of workers in the construction industry. Other organisations backing the manifesto include Certified Builders NZ, Engineering NZ, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, the NZ Institute of Quantity Surveyors and Community Housing Aotearoa.

“We particularly support cutting red tape for investment in energy efficient homes and buildings – this has never been more important given the global energy situation,” says NZCIC Executive Director Tommy Honey.

“Consenting must be quicker and it should make it easier for homes to be built to energy efficient standards. We call on the Government (itself responsible for more than a quarter of all construction in New Zealand) to be a responsible client and lead the way to a smarter and more energy efficient built environment.”

The manifesto is being shared with all political parties as a constructive, non-partisan contribution to the election debate, aimed at supporting durable, cross-party solutions that deliver lasting benefits for New Zealanders.

More information:

• A 2025 survey by the Business NZ Energy Council found half of large gas users (31 out of 66 firms) had already reduced operations, increased prices, or cut staff due to energy costs or supply uncertainty.
• Another 30% expect to take similar measures in the next 12 months.
• Research by Sense Partners for MBIE estimated that high electricity and gas prices between 2017 and 2025 caused Real GDP to be 1.25% ($5.2 billion) lower by 2025 than it would have been under lower price scenarios.
• Research shows that hot water heat pumps and solar would produce as much energy as the LNG terminal but at a captial cost that is $6bn less than the proposed LNG terminal. The energy created would be billions lower in cost than the proposed LNG terminal.
• Moving to heat pumps at scale would deliver savings of $1.5bn and save 40% of current gas production.

About the NZGBC:

Established in 2005, the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) now represents more than 700 organisations across the property, building, investment, finance and manufacturing sectors. Members span the full supply chain and collectively deliver thousands of homes and buildings each year.

NZGBC members include the publicly listed property firms, the largest construction firms in the country, the large architecture firms, building owners, energy companies, engineers, the big Australian banks, product suppliers, government departments, local authorities and many others.

The property sector in New Zealand is the largest industry and second largest employer, providing jobs for 10% of the workforce. The sector’s contribution to GDP of $50.2b accounts for 15% of GDP.

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