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 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 Patrick Arnold
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1 June 2009, Build 112, Feature article
The Ministry for the Environment recently produced several design guidance documents for use in central government building projects. These cover passive solar design, integrated whole building design and post-commissioning and aftercare.
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By Roman Jaques, Heidi Mardon
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1 October 2008, Build 108
This is the third article in a series describing the design, construction and monitoring of a more sustainable urban house in Hamilton.
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By David Killick
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1 February 2008, Build 104, Feature article
Energy efficiency is top priority for a new Christchurch commercial building.
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1 December 2009, Build 115, Feature article
How is sustainability being included in new buildings? From a warm ‘fridge house’ to ground-breaking Green Star buildings, sustainable design has dominated the regional winners of the 2009 New Zealand Architecture Awards.
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