How To Get Involved

In a world of increasing populations and finite resources, sustainability is crucial for continued growth and the benefits it brings for humanity. This reality sits at the heart of the international shift to more sustainable outcomes.

Within New Zealand, two core factors, in addition to social pressure, will increasingly drive demand for sustainable construction. The first is our Paris Climate Agreement commitments. The second is the political consensus that our waste management framework needs to drive more efficient use of resources.

The message is clear – knowledge of the sustainability challenge and the tools available to meet this challenge is essential for everyone within the construction industry.

With the passing of the Zero Carbon Act, all aspects of government need to plan for net carbon neutrality by 2050. MBIE is proposing changes to the building performance system to take into account whole of life embodied carbon at the consent stage. More specifically, the construction industry is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of cement by 16% by 2030 – posing a significant challenge.

The government’s proposals will put the onus on asset owners and engineers to embed sustainability in the design. It helps to be ahead of the game and have a toolbox full of products that are proven, meets structural integrity requirements, and sustainability targets.

Green Star is a tool that helps the property/construction industries design, construct and operate projects in a more sustainable, efficient and productive way. It provides tenants with a trusted mark of independent verification to support decision-making.

The IS Rating Scheme (ISCA) is Australia and New Zealand’s only comprehensive rating system for evaluating sustainability across the planning, design, construction and operational phases of infrastructure programs, projects, networks and assets.

The Greenroads Rating System is an instruction manual for measuring and managing sustainability on infrastructure projects like streets, highways, bridges, rails, trails, and more! Greenroads provides critical guidance for cities, counties, states, and countries seeking a resilient and sustainable future.

Over time there will always be changes to sustainability regulations. Here are some sources that will keep you up to date on what the government is planning.

• Ministry of Environment Publications
• MBIE (Building and Construction)
• MBIE (Energy and Natural Resources)

Envirocon captures high strength, high-quality surplus concrete before it cures. Through great product design, we turn that concrete into flexible, durable, and engineered concrete products.

Great Product Design:

Established in 2004, Interbloc is a large modular precast concrete mass block. Although primarily a gravity system, the block design incorporates a number of features that allow the wall to be reinforced vertically [for cantilever walls] and with geogrid [for MSE walls]. Over the past 16 years we’ve built over 4200 structures across NZ and Australia. The secret to Interbloc’s success – great design.

Timeless Retaining:

Stonebloc is a gravity retaining wall system that combines the durability of concrete with the speed of precast, and delivers unparalleled sustainability. Stonebloc is being used on some of New Zealand’s largest residential developments to unlock land faster, and deliver superior aesthetic value.

• 600mm solid concrete block.
• Precast concrete construction system with a unique interlocking key.
• Blocks can be unstacked with ease and moved for reuse, or on sold when no longer needed.
• All our premium blocks come with comprehensive warranties, we even offer a unique Buyback Guarantee.
• Feature

• 400mm solid concrete blocks.
• Precast retaining wall system with a unique interlocking key, designed specifically for walls up to 2m.
• Provides 90 degree vertical retaining on the boundary.
• All blocks come with comprehensive warranties.
• Varying types of blocks and facades.