Conclusion
Any building or infrastructure projects we plan now will probably still be around in 50 to 100 years’ time. With your organisation’s ongoing support eco-efficiency will quickly become business-as-usual. We now have an opportunity to shift our thinking on development approaches from the short term to the long term. This also applies to the retrofitting of existing built environments which will mostly still be in place in 50 years’ time. The Capital Asset Management (CAM) framework is an example of this shift from short- to medium-term management of the Government’s built environment assets.
There are opportunities for central government organisations and others to lead by example and help develop momentum for adopting beneficial development approaches. Short-term adoption of a regenerative design approach would help to demonstrate New Zealand-specific examples, which would allow us to capitalise on the long-term benefits.
The Ministry for the Environment hopes this document and the accompanying research document will inspire central government organisations to explore the possibility of developing a more inclusive definition of regenerative development – for both individual organisations and the wider public service.
Next step
Central government organisations are encouraged to discuss how the concept of regenerative development could strengthen and progress their policy areas, as they relate to the built environment.
Key findings that emerged from the research document
- Addressing buildings transport and infrastructure individually does not capitalise on the integrated whole-systems approach advocated by regenerative development.
- Shifting from conventional to eco-efficient development is already happening in New Zealand, but more change is needed.
- Greater potential economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits could be achieved through a regenerative approach.
- Regenerative development requires a dramatic shift in current thinking.
- Because it is a major developer in New Zealand, the Government’s role in driving the adoption of regenerative development in New Zealand is crucial.
- Regenerative development offers huge strategic advantage in addressing the impacts of climate change and the efficient use of our natural resources in New Zealand.
‘The ‘environment’ is where we live; and development is what we all do in attempting to improve our lot within that abode. The two are inseparable.’
Our common future
