Green Star, New Zealand’s rating tool for sustainable buildings, today awarded its 100th rating.
The milestone is a major achievement for Green Star, which launched in 2007. Since then, Green Star-rated offices, industrial buildings and schools have been designed and built around the country, improving the quality and sustainability of New Zealand’s built environment.
Three buildings – in Christchurch, Tauranga and Northland – crossed the line together, to share the 100th project honour:
- Te Mirumiru, Kawakawa (6 Green Star) – a childcare centre integrated into the landscape with full green roof and earth banks – the first commercial construction of its type in New Zealand.
- The Forte Health Building, Christchurch (4 Green Star) – NZ’s first Green Star medical centre and one of only three Green Star health buildings throughout Australasia.
- Sharp Tudhope Building, Tauranga (4 Green Star) – the Bay of Plenty’s first Green Star office rating, the 4-storey building boasts a unique ventilation system that recovers heat energy.
Alex Cutler, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Green Building Council, said the 100th rating milestone marked another stage in the transition to Green Star as ‘the new normal’.
“The appetite for green buildings is growing. These three projects show the diversity of sustainable building – it’s not just premium commercial space in our bigger cities. It’s fantastic to mark our century with not one but three buildings which are each extraordinary, and leaders in their own way.
“Increasingly the industry is realising that to maximise value and performance, our buildings need to be designed and built with people, and the environment, in mind.
“Green Star is part of our landscape. It’s been transforming New Zealand’s built environment for seven years – creating healthy, efficient, sustainable spaces that are great to work, play and learn in.
“It’s brilliant to have progressed to 100 rated projects. Credit belongs to the many smart, far-sighted owners, developers and professionals who have embraced Green Star and used it to create great buildings.
“We’re now looking forward to hitting 200.”