WorldGBC hails New Zealand for green building achievements

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) on Wednesday congratulated New Zealand for it’s achievements in the green building sector and for attaining its 100th Green Star rating.

Green Star is New Zealand’s national, holistic rating system that certifies the design and construction of sustainable commercial buildings.

WorldGBC Chief Executive Officer, Jane Henley, said that New Zealand’s commercial property sector, in line with the global market, was increasingly recognising that green buildings were not only better for the environment, but also more efficient and resilient assets that were ‘future proofed’ against the risk of early obsolescence.

“Green buildings stack up financially, socially and environmentally. New Zealand’s 100 Green Star projects, including the three impressive buildings just certified, will continue to inspire others to embrace sustainability,” Ms Henley said.

The New Zealand Green Building Council was established in 2006, making it one of just 12 green building councils in the world at the time. Today, there are 100 countries and 27,000 companies driving this business-led movement.

Over the past seven years, the green building market has grown in value from US$10 billion to more than $US85 billion. According to McGraw-Hill Construction, this growth is projected to continue at a rate of around 10 per cent per annum.

Henley added: “The Asia Pacific region is the world’s largest growth market for green building products and services. As New Zealand companies become expert in green building design and constructions, the opportunities within the global green market will grow exponentially,”.