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Transition to a zero-carbon built environment

The programme supports industry, government and the public so that, by 2050, the building and construction industry is delivering net-zero carbon buildings in an affordable way.

About the programme

For over 20 years, BRANZ has contributed to research about climate change and its impacts.

BRANZ established the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment research programme in 2019 to support an industry-led transition to reducing emissions. The programme aims to provide the science, knowledge and guidance on how we can cost-effectively decarbonise new and existing buildings and building stock in Aotearoa New Zealand.

To help enable industry to assess the environmental impact of building designs, the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment research programme provides:

Working closely with key decision makers and industry leadership, the BRANZ-led programme encourages decision making to help manage climate change mitigation.

The main goal for the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment programme is underpinned by two key objectives and four themes.

Research

Many of our ongoing and past research projects can be found on the Low carbon economy section of the BRANZ research portfolio.

Collaborate with us

We are always seeking to collaborate with more people along the building supply chain. For those with knowledge across the building life cycle - from design, product manufacturing and construction to demolition and waste reduction - we’d love to hear from you on new ways to collaborate.

BRANZ is also interested in collaborating with research, education, policy or industry communities on what can be done in partnership to support capability growth. This could include but is not limited to supporting joint-curriculum development or student scholarships.

Our current research partners

  • Concrete NZ
  • Kāinga Ora
  • Massey University
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  • Ministry for the Environment
  • Auckland University of Technology
  • WSP
  • SESOC - Structural Engineering Society New Zealand
  • University of Canterbury.

Programme Advisory Group

Our Programme Advisory Group for the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment research programme:

  • provides specialist advice to the programme, supports research quality and helps develop research capability
  • provides guidance on industry issues, concerns and experiences to help turn research solutions into practical action.

Representatives on our Programme Advisory Group include:

  • Massey University
  • Victoria University of Wellington
  • University of Otago
  • Naylor Love
  • New Zealand Green Building Council
  • Kāinga Ora
  • Warren & Mahoney
  • Christchurch City Council
  • Building Better, Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge.

Contact us

For more information or if you are interested in collaborating with us, please email us at zerocarbon@branz.co.nz.

To receive quarterly programme updates, subscribe to our email newsletter Zero-Carbon Research News.

Updated: 12 February 2024