Advocacy in a Minute | March 2023

Proposed Building Act overhaul imminent

In this instalment of Advocacy in a Minute, Advocacy Advisor Sandamali Gunawardena talks about improving sustainability and resilience in the property industry and explains our position on the proposed amendments to the Building Act.

This year, the Government is taking action to reduce waste and lower emissions from the building and construction sector via changes to the Building Act.

The proposed changes will:

  • Amend the principles and purposes of the Building Act to clarify that climate change is a key consideration.
  • Make it mandatory for new and existing public, industrial and large-scale residential buildings to hold energy performance ratings.
  • Require waste minimisation plans during certain building/demolition work.

Once the Bill is released, we will meet with our Building System Taskforce to help shape Property Council’s position. If you are interested in joining this Taskforce, please contact Sandamali Gunawardena.

Author | Sandamali Gunawardena

Sandamali arrived at Property Council with a Bachelor of Arts and Law, and experience as an advisor with the Employers & Manufacturers Association.

Conscientious and detailed, Sandamali leads our advocacy in the South Island and Wellington regions. She is also leading our work on the reform of the resource management and building systems and sustainability / seismic strengthening.

An excellent listener, Sandamali is in her element when facilitating stakeholders and members to develop our advocacy positions.

sandamali@propertynz.co.nz

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