Low Carbon Buildings

Israel Holmes unpacks the game-changing electric arc furnace project at Glenbrook and its impact on local steelmaking. Alex Hawthorne shares practical joinery solutions for medium density housing, from daylighting to low-cost ventilation. Dyann Stewart explores upfront carbon in fenestration systems and the role of EPDs and local sourcing in reducing emissions. These talks offer practical tools and insights to help you build smarter, lower-carbon projects.

10.15am - 11.15am

Dyann Stewart - Facade Consultant - Technoform

Talk Topic: Carbon Analysis in Fenestration Systems

Join us for an illuminating journey into the world of upfront carbon analysis in fenestration systems, specifically tailored for New Zealand's unique landscape. This presentation is designed to equip architects, designers, and building professionals with the crucial knowledge needed to enhance sustainability in their projects. We'll explore how the entire lifecycle of windows and doors—from material extraction to end-of-life—affects carbon emissions, and how informed choices can drastically improve building performance. Discover the power of local sourcing, the importance of transparent carbon accounting using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and the need to surpass current building codes that primarily focus on operational carbon. As we navigate the complexities of carbon emissions, you'll be inspired to take actionable steps towards contributing to a more sustainable built environment in New Zealand. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the change!

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding Upfront Carbon Emissions: Gain the ability to identify the full spectrum of carbon emissions associated with fenestration systems, extending beyond operational usage to include the entire lifecycle—material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and end-of-life. This holistic view is essential for making informed, sustainable design choices.
2. The Value of Local Sourcing: Develop an understanding of the environmental and economic benefits of choosing locally manufactured products, such as low-carbon aluminium from New Zealand. Learn how these choices reduce upfront carbon emissions and support local sustainability objectives.
3. Navigating Carbon Accounting Complexity: Improve your ability to interpret and utilise Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to access transparent carbon emissions data. This skill will empower you to select less environmentally impactful materials and make decisions grounded in standardised metrics.
4. Implications of Building Codes and Legislation: Acquire a critical perspective on current building codes, which often emphasise operational carbon emissions. Learn the importance of incorporating embodied carbon considerations throughout material lifecycles to achieve a more sustainable approach in construction practices.
5. Call to Action for Industry Stakeholders: Be equipped to champion greater transparency in carbon emissions data and advocate for the use of local EPDs and manufacturing. Through collaboration with fellow industry stakeholders, contribute to the creation of a sustainable built environment and support New Zealand's journey toward meeting its emissions reduction targets.

11.15am - 12.15pm

Alex Holly - National Sales and Marketing Manager - Omega Windows and Doors

Talk topic: Designing Windows and Doors for a Medium Density Housing Application.

In this CPD presentation Alex will explore design choices around windows and doors that can reduce the impact of the weather on joinery and supporting flashings.

Learning outcomes:

1. How to maximize natural lighting in medium density units.
2. Low cost ventilation strategies to maximize airflow for cost effective medium density housing.
3. How to specify glazing units in order to minimize solar heat gain in summer. Window placement and building orientation as an effective strategy for solar control.

12:15pm - 1.15pm

Israel MacDonald, Sustainability Manager for New Zealand Steel and Pacific Steel

Talk topic: Electrifying Local Steelmaking

Steel made in New Zealand is going through its most significant improvement through the installation of an electric arc furnace (EAF) at the Glenbrook steel mill in south Auckland. This step change will reduce site emissions by up to 1,000,000t of CO2-eq annually once it is fully operational early 2026, becoming NZ's single largest decarbonisation project reducing national emissions by ~1%. This talk will cover what is involved in this change, the impact on steel products and what this means for the broader construction & infrastructure sector in NZ.

Learning outcomes:

1. Understand the challenge of decarbonising steelmaking, and the meaningful impact of the installation of an electric arc furnace in NZ.
2. Identify opportunities to decarbonise building projects through use of lower emission steel products
3. Learn about the relevant tools and certifications that support more sustainable steel products.