Eco City in Action – Waitakere City Council’s Better

Building Code

Katja Lietz, Project Manager Sustainability Projects, Waitakere City Council

www.waitakere.govt.nz

In 1993 Waitakere City adopted Agenda 21

Protecting the the natural environment

Creating more sustainable urban areas

What does this mean for the built environment?

Urban intensification and revitilisation

Getting around is easy by public transport,

cycling and walking

Strong sense of community

Sustainable energy and clean air

Zero Waste

Sustainable water, wastewater and stormwater management

Eco building projects

• Holistic approach, incorporating all aspects of our Eco City vision

• Affordable• Inspirational

The Better Building Code

• Standard clauses for tendering and briefing documents

• Minimum standard for all new Council (and Council funded) buildings

• Performance based

The Better Building Code• Energy, water and resource efficient • Materials that do not harm the environment or

people• Healthy indoor climate • Reflect environmental and sustainability principles

throughout

The Better Building Code• Simple solutions and passive systems • Buildings should be inviting and safely

accessible for all people • Adaptable to changing uses, durable and

easy to maintain

The Better Building Code

• Overall the building must not consume more than 100 kWh per m2 per year (total energy use, including gas and any other fuels, but excluding passive solar energy).

• Take an holistic approach

• Prioritise

• Be flexible and realistic

• Take risks

• Be persistent

• Just get on and do it

Success factors

• Need to be more prescriptive – a list of ‘must haves’ for every building.

• Decide priorities for each project.

• Need more information about ventilation systems and acoustics.

Review of the Better Building Code

www.waitakere.govt.nz