Driving Green Star results
One of NZ’s leading architectural firms is talking green building possibilities whenever they meet with clients
Warren and Mahoney Architects’ business has been carbon zero for more than 13 years, having reduced the carbon intensity of its operations by more than 40 per cent and planning another 50 per cent reduction over the next 10 years.
“Way back in 2008 we were identified by United Nations as one of the top 100 companies which were early adopters of carbon neutrality (or no net greenhouse gas emissions). We were a carbon centurion,” says Graeme Finlay, chairman of Warren and Mahoney based in Christchurch.
Warren and Mahoney has eliminated its petrol-powered car fleet in favour of shared electric vehicles; it uses the NabersNZ energy efficiency measurements for its lighting, air conditioning, ventilation and heating in its studios; it creates a weekly report on plugged-in power and changes behaviour accordingly; it has passive days when the temperature is acceptable to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows; and it has reduced single use plastic.
The architectural firm, operating out of seven offices in New Zealand and Australia, now sees one of its main roles as educating and encouraging its clients to build sustainable, longer-life (beyond 50 years), healthy green buildings.
Warren and Mahoney’s commitment to climate change is that by 2030, in consultation with clients, all new projects it designs will be netzero carbon operationally; be 50 per cent more energy efficient; and have 40 per cent less embodied carbon (in building structures).
Some of the technology and innovation employed will be computer analysis; smart day lighting, natural ventilation and water management systems; waste minimalisation in construction and operations of the buildings; and low environment impact design and materials, which have low toxicity for the wellbeing of tenants and visitors.
Finlay says the green building revolution is in the starting blocks. “I think the starting gun has gone off in the last six months — with governments representing two-thirds of the world economy making binding commitments to be carbon neutral by 2050, such as the EU, UK, United States, South Korea and Japan and in the case of China by 2060.
“This represents a massive global shift in the way we will need to design our future buildings and cities. It also represents a huge opportunity.
“The industry in New Zealand has built up amazing knowledge and expertise, and we are very well positioned to move quickly on sustainability and launch into green buildings. I hope we have the strength, courage and commitment to do that.
“We believe that everything we have learned — intellectual property and knowledge — should be shared.
“We want to make sure the product we deliver is fit-for-future, and will attract talented staff, which is a key component because talent wants to be part of sustainability.”
Finlay, who was an establishment board member of the NZ Green Building Council, says the government absolutely needs to take a lead; get action on the ground, and the private sector and developers will follow.
“We can see it appearing with the government pledging their buildings will have a NabersNZ energy rating, and Ministry of Health adopting the Green Star rating for their new hospital buildings. Upgrading the Building Code is absolutely part of the sustainability programme.
“If the Government signals future changes to the code, then that’s not a problem as the market can anticipate this and make decisions now.”
Finlay says in the past year the focus on sustainability has grown dramatically. “It is no exaggeration that the majority of our new commissions now have a significant focus on environmental performance, mostly with a Green Star or climate change lens.
He says Kainga Ora-Homes and Communities has a huge building programme and is actively trialling new ways to construct their buildings to reduce carbon, their environmental impact and improve the wellness of occupants.
The trials include the adoption of 6 Star Homestar builds for social housing, and Warren and Mahoney is investigating the use of low-carbon cross-laminated timber construction (replacing some steel and concrete) and super low energy Passive House design, developed in Europe in the 1990s.
Passive House buildings rely largely on “passive” influences such as sunshine, shade and ventilation to achieve comfortable temperatures rather than air conditioning and heating.
Warren and Mahoney has designed the $300 million Taranaki Base Hospital east wing to a 5 Green Star rating. The new 20,000sq m building in New Plymouth will house the acute clinical and critical care services, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, and is part of the phased redevelopment of the hospital, in line with a masterplan prepared by the architects.
The stage two development will enable the hospital to transfer crucial services out of earthquake-prone buildings and into state-of-the-art facilities. There will be purpose-built maternity facilities and a delivery suite, a new postnatal ward and neonatal unit, upgraded laboratory and radiology services, a rooftop helipad, and an energy centre that removes dependence on steam and existing boilers.
Finlay says local government has been a standout performer in the drive towards more sustainable designs.
If the government signals future changes to the Building Code, then that’s not a problem as the market can anticipate this and make decisions now. Graeme Finlay