Responding to today’s government green building commitment, made on COP26’s day dedicated to the built environment,
Andrew Eagles, chief executive of the New Zealand Green Building Council, said:
“This is a great announcement for New Zealanders, for the building industry, and for efforts to slash climate change
pollution.
“Buildings make up around one-fifth of New Zealand’s carbon emissions, and the government and public sector are the
largest owner and occupier of buildings in the country – making this a hugely significant shift that could be a tipping
point transforming the entire industry.
“Healthier, lower carbon buildings now look like becoming the norm in Aotearoa.
“Green buildings are healthier places, meaning that New Zealanders young and old who visit, learn in and work in our
public buildings will benefit from today’s government commitment.”
Cristina Gamboa, head of the World Green Building Council, speaking from COP26 in Glasgow, said:
“Congratulations, New Zealand! This government promise has catapulted Aotearoa to the forefront of countries who
recognize that buildings have a critical role to play in tackling climate change – and that significant role has been a
key part of the crunch climate talks here in Glasgow.
“This ambitious policy shows exactly the kind of leadership that is needed, and we’ll be using it as an example to
encourage other national governments to follow in New Zealand’s footsteps.”