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You are here: The issues Contains: Sustainable industry Contains: Govt3: Towards sustainable practice Contains: Sustainable buildings Contains:

Govt3 - towards sustainable practice

Sustainable buildings

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This website is designed to inform Govt3 members, and those assisting them, of the sustainability issues to take into account when undertaking a building project. The subjects covered will take you through a building project from conception to completion.

The Ministry for the Environment is interested in sustainable building because buildings significantly alter the environment. According to the Worldwatch Institute, building construction consumes 40 percent of the raw stone, gravel, and sand used globally each year, and 25 percent of the virgin wood. Buildings also account for 40 percent of the energy and 16 percent of the water used annually worldwide. It is also worth noting that 30 percent of newly built or renovated buildings suffer from “sick building syndrome”, exposing occupants to unhealthy environmental conditions.

Through better planning, design, construction, commissioning, and operation of buildings, many of these impacts can be reduced or improved. This can include reduced use of water, energy, and materials, and a reduction in waste and wastewater. The improvements include improvements in staff health, morale, and productivity, and changes in travel patterns. Nationally and internationally there is a growing body of evidence showing the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable buildings.

The Govt3 team is interested in buildings, and their fit-outs and refurbishments, because the government sector – both local and central – plays a significant role in the commercial building sector both as tenant and commissioning authority. By encouraging Govt3 agencies to specify sustainable buildings, we can have a positive influence on the wider building sector and support better environmental outcomes.

Albany Junior High School

While the advice on this site is targeted specifically at Govt3 agencies, it is equally relevant to others undertaking a new building or fit-out projects.