The New Zealand Government has released a new Procurement Guide, helping organisations reduce carbon emissions generated by the construction of new buildings. 

The new Procurement Guide is said to help government agencies, private sector suppliers, designers, and construction and industry representatives make the right decisions on public projects. 

‘I encourage the wider building and construction industry to use the new Procurement Guide issued by MBIE, to get a practical understanding about the way to approach tenders for public projects,‘ Minister for Building and Construction Poto Williams said. 

‘A number of private sectors and industry groups have contributed to the development of the Procurement Guide, and while it is not designed to be a technical document it does give helpful guidance to support the transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.’ 

Minister Williams said the Procurement Guide is consistent with the goals of the Construction Sector Accord and is aligned with the aims of the Building for Climate Change programme. 

The Building for Climate Change programme aims to lower emissions in the construction sector, preparing buildings for the future effects of climate change. 

‘I have long been a champion of greater use of low-carbon materials like timber in building and construction projects, and want that embedded in decision-making and design thinking across the wider public sector,‘ Minister for Economic Development Stuart Nash said. 

‘Agencies that are required to apply Government Procurement Rules must now apply the Procurement Guide to decisions about new buildings with an estimated value of $9 million or over.’

Under the new Procurement Guide, government agencies are mandated to clearly record their decisions on their buildings’ design options. They must identify their reason for choosing certain designs and must have their decision signed off by their Chief Executive. 

The Guide is a reflection of the New Zealand Government’s goal to transition to a carbon-neutral public service as the procurement practices of public service agencies can influence private and community sectors to lean towards carbon-neutral and low-emission technologies. 

‘It is also in line with the recommendations of the Climate Change Commission’s final report issued last week. The Commission has confirmed we are making good progress to reduce emissions, but a ‘step-up’ is now required,’ Minister Nash said.

‘The transition to a low emissions future will create jobs and new opportunities for Kiwi businesses and signalling our direction now will provide business with certainty to invest in new technology or processes.‘

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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