5 May 2014
Short course for construction sector to lift performance and cost efficiency of NZ buildings
Using integrated design and the principles of the Living Building Challenge, Creating Living Buildings is a course for
all those working in the built environment and is designed to dramatically raise building standards in New Zealand.
The Living Building Challenge is the built environment’s most rigorous performance standard. Creating Living Buildings is an NZQA approved 15 credit programme designed by Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice to increase
capability for building cost effective high performance buildings that create long term value for people without harming
the environment.
Auckland based architect and Living Building Challenge Hero award recipient Jerome Partington will lead the programme
that starts with two day block courses in Christchurch on June 3 and 4 and in Auckland on June 17 and 24. These initial
block courses are followed by 10 weekly webinars.
“We have the technology and the knowledge to create buildings that are net zero (energy, water and waste), built from
non-toxic, locally sourced materials and that are beautiful and inspiring, says Partington. “All we need now is to
spread the know-how and integrate our processes.”
The collaborative course is delivered through the Centre for Sustainable Practice in partnership with the International Living Future Institute, New Zealand Green Building Council and The Natural Step NZ. The course is also supported by AUTand UNITEC.
The Centre for Sustainable Practice’s vision is to kick start the transformation of designing and building in New
Zealand. Centre for Sustainable Practice programme director Steve Henry expects the course to attract the country’s
best.
“People will soon demand built environments of this quality and the associated level of social, sustainable and
environmental responsibility. The green building movement is a critical partner in the global effort towards high
quality, restorative lifestyles. “This programme views building through a wide lens that considers the people who will
inhabit the built environment as well as the short and long term impacts of construction,” said Henry.
Further information: http://www.op.ac.nz/study/sustainable-practice/creating-living-built-environments-short-course
Provided through the Centre for Sustainable Practice
A business unit of Otago Polytechnic, the Centre’s mission is to inspire capability for real change.
Qualifications, research, business programmes, projects and leadership do this through implementing action competence -
a combination of the ability to take action, a future focus, connectedness with others, knowledge, experience, and
reflection.
Key Presenter: Jerome Partington (BA(Hons) Architecture, Diploma in Architecture NZGBC GSAP)
Jerome is an advocate for strategic sustainability as a compelling business opportunity –asking what does success look
like and how can we achieve it? With a science background and a love of nature, he is focused on delivering restorative
solutions for the built environment. Key to his work is developing expertise with The Living Building Challenge and
sharing that with New Zealand professionals. He is currently Sustainability Manager and a Senior Associate at Jasmax and
a Senior Advisor to The Natural Step NZ, leading some of the most advanced sustainable projects in NZ.
Key Programme Content
Overview of the current paradigm of ‘unsustainability’ in our construction sector
Understanding the principles and realities of the Living Building Challenge.
The process of integrated design and delivering advanced sustainable building performance.
Who is it For?
People who want to extend existing knowledge and qualifications in sustainable building –architects, engineers
contractors and other built environment professionals.
The course contributes 15 credits towards a Certificate in Sustainable Practice (Level 5) or Graduate Programmes in
Sustainable Practice (Level 7). There are no specific Entry Requirements.
Where and when
Two day block course in either Auckland (June 17 and 24) and Christchurch (June 3 and 4) then subsequent weekly webinars
until late November for all participants linked by video.
ENDS