By Nigel Isaacs
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1 June 2009, Build 112, Feature article
A major BRANZ research project is underway to help us understand the energy and water use in commercial buildings. We take a look at the Building Energy End-use Study (BEES) current activities and plans for the coming year.
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By Albrecht Stoecklein, Roman Jaques
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1 December 2016, Build 157
A BRANZ study has some answers to improve understanding of barriers and enablers for installing photovoltaics in new and existing housing.
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By Jeff Vickers, Dr Michael Burgess
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1 August 2022, Build 191
The construction industry is facing a massive challenge to achieve Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change targets. One of the best ways for companies to influence change is through their spending. But where to start if you work with thousands of suppliers?
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By David Hindley
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1 December 2022, Build 193, Feature article
For a building that covers the area of six rugby fields, going for a 5 Green Star rating was a big deal. It’s brought an equally gargantuan payoff – a 40% reduction in energy use and emissions compared with a typical building of its size, showing what can be achieved.
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By Claire Giblin
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1 June 2009, Build 112, Feature article
Will the trend to sustainable building survive the economic downturn? It’s a question posed by Greg Boyden as he reflects on the pressures facing commercial building in New Zealand.
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By Dael Climo
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1 April 2020, Build 177
Construction and demolition waste comprises 40-50% of waste going to landfill, and each home built generates an average of 4 tonnes of waste. Contributing to the circular economy by recycling, rather than wasting materials, would contribute to meeting net-zero carbon targets.
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By Tavis Creswell-Wells
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1 August 2015, Build 149
A research project modelling the Christchurch CBD shows how passive architecture could improve the urban fabric of the rebuilt city. Big gains could be made if we apply these principles to new designs.
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By Dr Maibritt Pedersen Zari, Estelle Cruz
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1 April 2016, Build 153
Mimicking the shapes and materials of nature typifies the emerging field of living building design. Although requiring a rethink of traditional design, it could deliver buildings more sympathetic to people and the environment.
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By David Hindley
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1 August 2019, Build 173, Feature article
The PwC Centre, the big winner in the 2019 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, is ready for Wellington’s next big shake. The building includes continuous flight augured piles – a first in New Zealand.
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By Jonas Bengtsson
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1 February 2022, Build 188, Feature article
The embodied impacts of building materials used in construction are under the spotlight. As the focus turns to reducing carbon emissions, there is an impetus to consider the sustainability of materials used.
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