Latest news with #GreenBuildingCouncil
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Australia Could Be About To Leapfrog NZ On Climate Targets
A conservative Australian politician turned climate leader has told New Zealand ministers it is in their interests to do more on climate change. Australian climate change authority chair Matt Kean - a former top minister for the New South Wales Liberal Party - met with Resources Minister Shane Jones and Energy and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts while he was in New Zealand to attend the Green Property Summit. "My message to them was we want to encourage them, we want to support them and we want to share ideas about how we could lower cost of living pressure for New Zealand households and business, how we could create new jobs and opportunities for New Zealand at the same time as reducing emissions," he said. "My message to conservatives both in Australia and abroad is when it comes to taking action on climate change, if you do it in an economically rational way there is also a political dividend to be gained." Australia could be about to leapfrog New Zealand on the ambition of its climate targets, as it bids to win the right to host the COP31 global climate summit in 2026. New Zealand's international climate target for 2030 - cutting emissions by 50 percent - is currently ahead of Australia's 43 per cent target, with both countries using 2005 as a base year. But New Zealand has adopted a target for 2035 of cutting planet-heating gases by 51-55 percent, only slightly above its 2030 target, while the Australian climate change authority has consulted on a target of between 65 and 75 per cent. Kean described New Zealand's ambition as "largely static". He could not divulge where Australia would land on its 2035 target but he said beating New Zealand - and then some - should be achievable and good for Australia. "Obviously Australia wants to do its bit to meet this challenge, but we also think it's in our economic interests to grab the capital that is available internationally to build the industries and opportunities that Australia wants to realise for the future," Kean said. "Our national interests as a country on the front line of the impacts climate change are to be part of a global effort to reduce emissions, but it's also in our national interests to build industries, attract investments and create jobs as a result of this global economic transition." He said the same applied to New Zealand, and he hoped to see more competition between the countries on climate action. "There's always been a healthy and friendly rivalry between our two countries on the sporting field and hopefully that expands to meeting climate challenges." 'Good meeting' Kean said he was grateful for the chance to meet Jones and other government ministers and MPs. He was supportive of a proposal for government subsidies for New Zealand homeowners to replace their gas and inefficient heaters with heat pumps, which the Green Building Council said would save the country $1.5 billion a year. Australia had its own challenges with gas availability, but unlike New Zealand it had subsidies for alternatives such as residential solar panels, electric storage batteries and hot water heat pumps. Building Council chief executive Andrew Eagles told Morning Report that although New Zealand households were making progress in the adoption of heat pumps and decreasing purchases of gas hot water systems, commercial and residential natural gas/LPG consumption was still climbing - leaving some gas-reliant businesses facing closure. "It's a huge talking point in Australia as well, we've got more gas than pretty much anywhere else on Earth but because it's all contracted offshore there's a shortage of gas for Australian businesses and families and that's putting enormous pressure on household bills," said Kean. "We were trying to share some of our learnings from our time in government and how we addressed it and also to hear where the New Zealand government was coming from as well." He said governments had a role to play in the energy market. "In Australia, my preference was always for less government intervention but we had to look at what government not being involved could look like, and certainly in the energy transition the private sector wouldn't always take on the risk that was required," he said. "The government putting the policies in place that facilitated the private sector meant savings for business, savings for households and a better outcome." RNZ has approached Jones' office for comment. Australia has overtaken New Zealand for EV sales on the back of more supportive government policy and has long been ahead on rooftop solar with almost a third of households having solar panels. However its electricity sector as a whole still burns much more coal and gas than New Zealand's. Export challenge Australia's international climate targets do not cover its fossil fuel exports, because the coal and gas it produces for export are burned elsewhere. That's in contrast to New Zealand's export dairy sector, which produces most of its emissions inside New Zealand. (However international flights for tourism are excluded from New Zealand's targets). As one of the world's biggest coal and gas exporters, Australia's fossil fuel exports produce around three times as much climate-heating gases as activities within Australia, according to one study. A landmark opinion from the International Court of Justice has declared major fossil fuel producers could be liable for reparations to countries damaged by climate change. Kean said Australia needed to be ready to replace its fossil fuel exports. "The reality is the fossil fuels we are exporting are not going to be at the same level of demand as is currently the case, so we need to prepare for this transition and start to build other exports that can continue to grow Australia's GDP," he said. He said Australia had "periodic table" of elements in its ground to draw on. "We recognise that China, Korea, Japan, some of our big takers of Australia's fossil fuel, are changing the things they want to use to power their economies and the reality is we're really well placed to meet their new needs, because of our abundant renewable energy resources." Kean said his message of saving money and energy while cutting emissions received a good reception from Jones, a minister who has previously described climate concern as "hysteria". Kean was a member of the conservative Liberal Party and former New South Wales Treasurer and Energy minister before chairing the climate change authority. He said his message to conservatives in Australia and New Zealand was that there were political dividends to be gained from progressive action on climate change. "In the state of New South Wales where I hail from, the forward-thinking climate policies that the conservative government put in place have now been adopted by the progressive government, so the policies are surviving political cycles, and what we have been seeing at a national level is the party that advocated for stronger action on climate change get a huge and thumping majority, whereas the conservative party that looked to backslide when it came to climate action lost a whole lot of seats in their traditional heartland to climate friendly independents." The climate authority's final recommendation on Australia's 2035 target is due to be provided to Australian Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen within the next month.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Government subsidies to replace gas heaters with heat pumps could save $1.5b, NZGBC says
Photo: 123RF A government subsidy scheme for homeowners to replace gas and inefficient heaters with heat pumps would save the country $1.5 billion a year, the Green Building Council (NZGBC) says. It comes amid a major decline in gas availability across New Zealand, with the council proposing gas in residential homes be phased out to free it up for major industries. A 50-page report dubbed Protecting industry, jobs and household budgets as the gas runs out released by the council on Tuesday outlines eight recommendations to combat the "energy crisis". NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles told Morning Report there was a solution to allay a major decline in gas availability. "That's leading to a hollowing out of communities as employers go under, and major losses across the motu," he said. The country's manufacturing sector had endured a difficult period over the past year that saw the closures of Penrose's OFS Mill, Winstone Pulp International's Tangiwai Sawmill and Karioi Pulpmill, and Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill. According to the NZGBC report, households were making progress in the adoption of heat pumps and decreasing purchases of gas hot water systems, but commercial and residential natural gas/LPG consumption was still climbing. It said only minor decreases in commercial and residential use of natural gas over the next decade would occur under existing policies. Feedback from Morning Report listeners challenged the council on the idea, with one person claiming heat pumps were getting more expensive. Another person said they were paying similar winter power costs for solar panels as they were previously paying for gas. Eagles said a wide-spread switch to electric would not only be good for employers, bur would slash the living costs for New Zealanders. Accelerating heat pump adoption would save households alone up to $1.5b a year in reduced electricity and gas bills, the report said. "Heat pumps really help switch over from inefficient resistance heaters so you get a drop-off in electricity use as well," Eagles said. "The electricity grid is under pressure." Most OECD countries were providing some form of energy subsidy or tax incentives, including Australia, UK, France, United States and Canada. Homeowners and businesses were facing volatile energy prices and would save more long-term by electrifying, Eagles said. "If people are connected up to gas they have a standing charge every day that they're paying. That's a real cost that they have to pay, no matter how much gas they use." Eagles said some new home builds were still being connected to gas suppliers. "It's really shocking to us, at a time when we are literally having to decide between whether we have enough gas for our homes, or whether we have enough gas for our industry," "It's heartbreaking. Ruapehu, the largest employer has gone under, 200 jobs are lost because they can't access gas. "And at the same time we have thousands of homes connecting up to a gas network which they probably wont be able to access in 10 years time." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tarshid achieves LEED Platinum certification
The National Energy Services Company (Tarshid) announced that its headquarters building in Riyadh has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) under version 4 by the U.S. Green Building Council, in the Operations and Maintenance – Interiors recertification category. The building earned an impressive 96 points, making it the highest-rated project in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, and the second-highest globally, further strengthening Tarshid's position as a national leader in sustainability and energy efficiency. This accomplishment marks a new milestone in Tarshid's journey, following last year's achievement of receiving a LEED Platinum Certification in the Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) category for commercial buildings. These certifications reflect the company's ongoing commitment to applying the highest global standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. The design of the headquarters building embodies Tarshid's vision and mission to promote sustainability in the Kingdom, support the expansion of renewable energy, and enable smart infrastructure solutions for buildings and cities. Situated on King Abdullah Road in Riyadh, the building stands out as an architectural icon, featuring façade structures that help reduce thermal load and maximize the use of indirect natural daylight. The interior incorporates numerous sustainability and environmental standards, supported by advanced smart systems for energy management—such as motion sensors, daylight sensors, CO₂ detectors, a building management system (BMS), and solar panels. On this occasion, Mr. Waled bin Abdullah Al Ghreri, Board Member and CEO of Tarshid, stated: "This achievement comes as a culmination of Tarshid's ongoing efforts in implementing energy efficiency standards and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. Our headquarters embodies our mission and vision, which aligns with the national sustainability goals." It is worth noting that the LEED Platinum certification is the highest global rating for energy, sustainability, and design standards. It is an internationally recognized certification in the field of sustainability leadership and achievement. Tarshid was established in 2017 by the Public Investment Fund as a result of collaboration between the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC). The company is dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency within the Kingdom and is committed to building a sustainable future. As a pioneer in energy efficiency, Tarshid supports the energy sector's strategic national sustainability goals, achieving significant energy savings, fostering a prosperous energy efficiency industry in Saudi Arabia, and contributing to the creation of thousands of job opportunities.
Mail & Guardian
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Social housing is essential, but should it be rental-only?
Housing: Leeuloop Precinct Development in Cape Town, along with two other proposed mixed-use projects, will provide much needed affordable rental accommodation in the innter city. Photo: Supplied Protesting for social housing across South Africa has been a long-standing, contentious issue. I recently wrote about the first inner-city affordable housing development announced by the Western Cape government in Cape Town's city centre. The Leeuloop Precinct Development will have about 840 residential units and consist of two towers on a 3 000m2 erf owned by the city. The towers will have 18 to 20 storeys with retail on the ground floor. Tower One will consist of 490 open market units, while Tower Two will have about 350 social housing units. Funding for this project is a mix between private and public. Completion of this project is expected to be in 2027-28. As far as sustainability goes, the plan is to have a four star green building, and level one (construction waste) net zero carbon certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa. Leeuloop is one of three mixed-use developments that will tackle the issue of affordable housing in Cape Town. The other two are Founders Garden and Prestwich Precinct. With more than 7 000 apartments and 3 300 businesses in the inner city, these developments, with an almost 50/50 split of social housing units, should make quite an impact. This got me thinking about a thought-provoking question I was recently asked: 'What's your opinion on the fact that social housing is rental only?' It's a simple question on the surface, but the answer digs deep into issues of policy, economics, empowerment and our country's painful history of inequality. It brings into sharp focus the delicate balance between accessibility and opportunity, between preservation and progression. First things first: social housing in South Africa is intentionally rental-based. It's part of the policy framework designed to address a huge and ongoing housing shortage for low- to middle-income households. People who qualify for social housing subsidies live in households that earn R3 000 to R22 000 a month. They are too 'rich' to qualify for RDP housing but are not earning enough to qualify for bonds in the traditional property market. This group has long been squeezed out of ownership opportunities and quality rentals. Social housing aims to fill that gap, providing safe, dignified, well-located accommodation at below-market rentals. And here's the key: if these units were made available for purchase, they'd probably be flipped. Imagine someone buys a unit at a subsidised rate, holds it for a short period and then sells it at market value. This is great for the seller, but it's not so for the next buyer, who now has to fork out more for what was meant to be an affordable unit. Especially in areas such as Cape Town's inner city, where property prices offer potential capital growth and promising yields that will soar far beyond the stipulated social housing rates. This is what's known as the 'honeymoon period problem'. Ownership might be the dream, but without strong controls in place, it opens the door to speculation and profit-making. Before long, what was meant to serve the working class becomes unaffordable again. We have also observed that when people receive their RDP houses, many choose not to move in. Instead, they live in more affordable accommodations and rent out the property. I don't have an issue with this entrepreneurial approach to creating an income stream — the money is still circulating in the South African economy — but I do have concerns about this flaw in the RDP housing system. So, yes, when it comes to social housing, rental-only keeps the asset in the social housing ecosystem. It ensures long-term affordability. It allows the units to cycle through tenants who need them, instead of disappearing into private hands. But here's the catch. Ownership equals empowerment. As much as I understand the logic behind rental-only housing, I can't ignore what ownership represents, especially in South Africa. It is still one of the most powerful tools for wealth creation. It allows people to build equity, borrow against their assets, and leave something behind for the next generation. It's also psychological. Owning property gives people a sense of stability, control and dignity that renting doesn't always offer. And, more importantly, it helps people move out of the social housing system. If we want social housing to be transitional and not permanent, we need to give people a pathway to progress. That path usually includes ownership. So now we've got a problem: on one hand, we need to protect affordable stock. On the other, we need to create a system that doesn't just house people, but also uplifts them. Is there a middle ground? Yes, this doesn't have to be an 'either-or' debate, but it's tricky. What we need is a tiered model — a more nuanced approach that accommodates both access and advancement. Over the years, I have familiarised myself with a few ideas that have been floated in policy circles, and that I believe deserve more airtime. Rent-to-buy schemes allow tenants to rent a unit for a fixed number of years, with the option to buy after that period, often at a discounted rate. This gives them time to build financial stability while creating a clear pathway to ownership. Then there is the shared equity ownership model. This is when a housing institution retains part ownership of the property, while the resident buys a share. This limits resale profits and keeps the unit partially in the public domain, while still allowing residents to build some equity. We could also look at the concept of capping resale prices. This solution is slightly more controversial, but worth exploring. Some developments internationally allow owners to sell — but only at a capped return (linked to inflation or a fixed formula). That way, people benefit from ownership, but can't exploit the system. Last, maybe the core of social housing stock stays rental-only, but adjacent units or pilot schemes within a development are made available for sale under stricter rules. Essentially, this would be ownership of non-core units. This creates a dual system that caters to both short-term needs and long-term growth. The goal with social housing should always be to give people the tools to move forward, not to keep them stuck in a system that only meets their basic needs. We have to think long-term when it comes to social housing. We have to find ways to protect affordability and create opportunity, to keep the public good intact, and to support private growth. It's not easy, but it's not impossible either. I understand why social housing is rental-only. It makes sense. But we also need to keep asking the tough questions: are we just housing people, or are we helping them build a future? If it's the latter, then ownership — even if limited, delayed or carefully managed — has to be part of the conversation. Because real transformation isn't just about where people live, it's about what they can build from there. Ask Ash examines South Africa's property, architecture and living spaces. Continue the conversation with her on email (
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Vodacom reopens Cape Town HQ 2 years after fire
Vodacom South Africa has reopened its regional headquarters in Century City, Cape Town, nearly two years after a fire on 9 July 2023 caused extensive damage to the building. The fire, which Vodacom said was caused by an electrical fault, was not linked to the building's solar panel installation, which was offline at the tim. 'The reopening of Century City is more than just returning to a building - it's a testament to resilience, partnership, and purpose. From the swift response of the City of Cape Town's emergency services to the collaborative effort that rebuilt this space, we've seen the power of unity in action. This facility now stands as a symbol of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment. We are proud to continue our journey alongside the City, using technology to connect people, uplift communities, and build a better future for all,' explained Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa.'' The fully refurbished office features: - A new four-level cascading terrace replacing the original water feature - A functional atrium and upgraded seating with integrated power points for flexible working - Refurbished gym facilities with new equipment to enhance employee wellness - Accessibility features designed for all employees The building, originally rated five-star by the Green Building Council of South Africa, has been re-registered with the goal of achieving a six-star rating, thanks to sustainable construction materials and processes used during the rebuild. 'While the physical structure suffered significant damage, the spirit of Vodacom, rooted in resilience, innovation, and collaboration, never wavered. Image supplied 'Rebuilding the offices has not been without its challenges, but we are reminded that in adversity, there is opportunity to reaffirm what we stand for as a company, that damage to walls and wires could never erode our commitment to our customers and that our foundation at Vodacom has always been our people,' said Carol Hall, managing Executive: Vodacom Western Region, at the reopening event, which was attended by the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis and other local officials. During the reconstruction, staff were accommodated in temporary facilities just a kilometre away, as well as at other Vodacom offices in Bellville and Cape Town's CBD. 'We are extremely excited to welcome back our Century City workforce, who have been patient while we completed reconstruction and ensured their safety since the event. The refurbishment has been specially designed to offer them more amenities within a state-of-the-art, sustainably conscious facility. We also look forward to sharing this space with local communities and businesses, such as SMEs, with opportunities to host interactive sessions at the offices as part of our purpose to empower people through technology,' added Hall. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
