Climate change stories
Occupants in Wellington’s Aorangi House are seeing lower energy use and better comfort after a 1970s block was refurbished for efficiency.
Motu warns uncertain carbon pricing is delaying investment and slowing emissions cuts, and says a redesign could avoid billions in future costs.
Safety and environmental concerns will see methyl bromide captured at Ports of Auckland by year-end, after Green Party pressure.
Demand for sustainable buildings in New Zealand is surging, with five more major organisations joining the Green Building Council.
The funding will help keep freight and commuter services reliable, while supporting recovery works and safety upgrades across KiwiRail’s network.
Unexpectedly hot water at depth could make Westland a significant clean energy source, with temperatures rivaling volcanic zones despite no volcanoes.
New Zealand could face higher rail costs and more breakdowns after KiwiRail was warned diesel replacements may be pricier and less reliable than electrics.
Downstream landholders and river habitats face fresh risk as Green Party says proposed forestry rules are too weak to stop debris and sediment.
New Zealand could hit net zero only by changing land use, as the report says a clean power grid and more electric transport are not enough.
A new report may reassure buyers that sudden battery failure is rare and most EV packs should last well beyond their warranty.
European asset owners are the global leaders on managing climate risk but Australia and New Zealand are now beginning to rival Europe.
Thousands of coastal homes could become uninsurable as sea levels rise, shifting climate costs on to homeowners and government.
Households could get relief from power bills as the Greens propose NZD $112 million in winter payments and a 2030 renewable target.
Flood-hit communities are being urged to plan for rising sea levels and more frequent extremes as experts warn current rules lag behind climate risk.
The group’s Auckland office has lifted its NABERSNZ tenant score to 5 stars, underscoring lower energy use for occupiers and landlords alike.
Restoration could be faster and cheaper for disused mine sites, with researchers saying whole ecosystems can be moved intact and recover immediately.
Growing demand for greener buildings is pushing New Zealand firms to prove the environmental impact of materials, researchers say.
Embedding Māori cultural values has helped the Auckland rail project secure only the second top sustainability rating awarded in New Zealand.
Broad reform of planning and resource laws is needed to unlock growth, curb frustration and protect the environment as New Zealand expands.
Experts say better planning of homes and streets could cut health costs and improve liveability in future cities.
