Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to target net-zero emissions by 2050 aligning with the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. A 2018 Think Step report suggests that approximately 20% of NZ’s gross carbon footprint comes from the built environment. To address this, MBIE launched the Building for Climate Change programme in 2022, focusing on reducing embodied and operational carbon in buildings. Currently MBIE are evaluating possible measures for evaluating carbon in our buildings with projections that certain measures and targets may be introduced into our building consent requirements for 2025.
What is Embodied Carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions associated with building materials throughout their lifecycle. For instance, while a tree absorbs carbon as it grows, it releases this carbon when cut down and used as timber in your home, continuing through extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and installation, as well as during maintenance, refurbishment, and disposal. All these stages contribute to the total embodied carbon of your home.
To manage embodied carbon, choose materials with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). An EPD provides transparent data on a product’s lifecycle impact, including resources used to manufacture the product and its carbon footprint. Opting for products with low embodied carbon can significantly reduce your home's carbon footprint.
What is Operational Carbon?
Operational carbon comes from the energy and water used to run your home. This includes carbon emissions from electricity for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances, as well as the impact of treating and transporting potable water and wastewater.
To lower operational carbon, select appliances with good Energy and WELS Rating labels. The Energy Rating indicates a product’s energy efficiency and running cost, while the WELS Rating shows water consumption and efficiency. These labels help you to choose products that use less energy and water, reducing your home’s operational carbon and costs.
What changes are coming?
In 2022, MBIE proposed mandatory carbon reporting for all new commercial and residential buildings to be declared in 2025. The proposal is to set emission caps for both embodied and operational carbon, which will decrease progressively each year from 2026 to 2030. All new buildings constructed after 2030 will be expected to have minimal or near-zero carbon emissions.
How can we help?
At Cook Costello, our Architectural team is equipped to help you calculate and report embodied and operational carbon in your project to meet these proposed regulations. As Licensed Building Practitioners and certified Homestar Designers and Assessors, we can assess your energy usage and recommend solutions for a more energy efficient home. We can also assist and model data to establish embodied carbon emissions during the design stage to then provide data to reduce the projected emissions.
Let’s Talk
Cook Costello provides a complete design process tailored to your project’s needs.
Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation to start your journey towards sustainable future.
By Abyl Nieves
Architectural Technician, NZDAT, Homestar Designer and Assessor
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