New Council initiative to raise profile of eco buildings

Christchurch City Council has launched a new initiative as part of its Eco design service where buildings that meet recognised energy efficiency standards can have their certified ratings added to building consent records. 

Council Head of Building Consenting Steffan Thomas says the initiative will bring a number of benefits to people looking to buy, sell or invest in energy-efficient buildings. 

“It will help property owners to add visibility to their buildings’ energy efficiency ratings and also help more people to understand the added value of such buildings when it comes to performance, comfort, quality and sustainability. 

“This aligns with the Council’s climate objectives and supports residents who are looking to buy or renovate homes or commercial buildings, or make the most of sustainable finance from banks in the form of lower interest rates and other ‘green loan’ incentives.” 

Mr Thomas says buildings in the Christchurch district that are certified Homestar, Green Star (commercial), Passive House or Superhome are all eligible for the Council’s service. 

Property owners who already have a code compliance certificate can email their building’s energy efficiency rating certificate to the Council at ResidentialProcessingTeam@ccc.govt.nz.

The Council will then add the rating against the property’s building consent, so that any future requests for the property’s Land Information Memorandum (LIM) will have the rating included. 

A LIM is a summary of information about a property – at the point in time at which it is requested – held by the Council. It can be requested by anyone and can include building permits, consents and activity licences information, as well as property-related information and services.