MEMBER-ONLY CONTENT
On Wednesday 16 March, the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released its whole-of-life embodied carbon assessment – technical methodology.
In short, the document sets out proposed methodology for assessing the embodied carbon of new buildings in New Zealand. The primary objective is to establish a consistent method of assessing the embodied carbon emissions of new buildings in New Zealand.
The proposed model for assessing embodied carbon of new buildings is below:

Although the embodied carbon assessments are currently voluntary, MBIE hopes that these can be tested before regulatory changes are expected to occur.
New Zealand's emissions reduction work
The Government’s work programme focuses on “reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate.”
Over the last few years, a significant number of reports have been released and consulted on in relation to establishing New Zealand’s first Emissions Reduction Plan.
In the emission reduction space, so much is going on that it can be hard to keep up. From many different agency reports (e.g. from the Productivity Commission, Climate Change Commission, Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment) along with Government responses via way of the Environment Select Committee and the introduction of new legislation. It’s no wonder our members look to us for information.
The reduction of emissions within the built environment is crucial to reducing New Zealand’s overall emissions. That being said, private sector involvement is paramount in ensuring that the future system is achievable.
Below we have summarised a timeline of reports.

If you are interested in having your voice heard in future discussions, please contact Katherine Wilson to join Property Council’s Environmental Member Working Group.
Author | Katherine Wilson
As Property Council’s Head of Advocacy, Katherine is tasked with leading our advocacy campaigns at both a regional and national level.
Level-headed and engaging, Katherine has both a law degree from Otago University and an arts degree (majoring in politics) from Auckland University. With solid experience as a policy analyst and advisor in Wellington and Auckland, she has extensive networks and solid analytical skills.
Katherine is hugely dedicated, highly intelligent and committed to ensuring the voice of our members is heard at all levels of governance. She’s also relentlessly positive and enjoys a good chat.
