Sustainability

What sustainability means for BRANZ research

Sustainability is about taking a circular construction approach, reducing the environmental impact of buildings across their full life – from materials and construction through to operation, reuse and end of life.

BRANZ uses the Building Research Levy to invest in research that reduces the environmental impact of buildings while maintaining performance, durability and value.

Through the sustainability focus area, BRANZ supports research that helps the building and construction sector adopt low‑carbon and circular construction practices that are practical, evidence‑based and workable at scale.

Why sustainability matters

Reducing the impact of buildings on the climate and environment is a long‑term challenge for Aotearoa New Zealand, and the building and construction sector has a critical role to play.

Buildings account for a significant share of emissions and waste, and these impacts are shaped by everyday decisions. This includes how buildings are designed, what materials are used, how they are constructed, how they perform over time and how they are demolished at the end of their life. To make meaningful change, solutions must be practical, affordable and usable across the sector.

What BRANZ is working to change

Levy‑funded research helps industry transition to practices that support New Zealand’s zero‑carbon goals while still delivering buildings that meet expectations for cost, performance and durability.

Research in sustainability focuses on two connected research goals:

• Low‑carbon and circular construction practices.
• Building sector capability to apply those practices confidently.

Together, this work helps industry reduce emissions and waste, manage risk and make better informed decisions about materials, construction methods and building systems – without compromising long‑term value.

The goal is to support a transition to more sustainable buildings that can be delivered consistently across the sector, not just in niche or high‑cost projects.

Types of research BRANZ supports

Under the sustainability focus area, BRANZ may invest in research that supports:

• low‑carbon and circular construction methods
• evidence to support material selection and whole‑of‑system impacts
• tools, data and methods to measure and reduce emissions
• research that builds sector capability and supports adoption at scale.