8. Question No. 8—Building and ConstructionJAN LOGIE (Green) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionQuestion No. 8—Building and Construction8. JAN LOGIE (Green) to the Minister for Building and Construction: Is she satisfied that carbon emissions in the building and construction sector are being reduced fast enough to meet the Government's emission reduction goals?Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister for Building and Construction): As a Government we are committed to improving the quality of our built environment. That's why the Government's Building for Climate Change programme is undertaking work to drive long-term change in the building and construction sector to meet the challenges posed by climate change. The policies and measures being developed will ensure that the sector makes a significant contribution to meeting our emissions reduction and other climate change goals.Jan Logie: Will she amend the building code to have a higher standard for energy efficiency and create a trajectory to near zero - energy buildings by 2030?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: The upcoming changes to the New Zealand building code's energy efficiency requirements will lift the minimum levels of insulation for new buildings. These changes are expected to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling by about 40 percent for new homes and by about 23 percent for new large non-residential buildings. This will make new homes and buildings easier to heat and cool healthier and more comfortable. The changes will also provide clearer requirements for energy efficiency of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems in new commercial buildings.Jan Logie: Will she provide incentives for those building to higher than code such as faster building consents and energy performance information for potential buyers?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: We are looking at a whole programme of works including our Building for Climate Change programme our Carbon Neutral Government Programme and also the consultation we're currently undertaking around our emissions reductions plans. All of these things are designed to build better build more efficiently and more energy efficient homes and buildings.Jan Logie: Why has the Government not made it a mandatory requirement to publish an energy rating for any office building public or private as they've had in place in Australia for more than a decade?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: There are tools available for people to understand to reduce their buildings emissions. One such tool is the National Australian Built Environment Rating System New Zealand (NABERSNZ) which is a voluntary tool to measure and compare energy efficiency and carbon performance for commercial buildings. While the Government does use NABERSNZ to reduce emissions in cases where it's appropriate there are a range of other available tools to help us reduce buildings' emissions.Jan Logie: Does she recognise the increased urgency to changing rules to provide for lower emission buildings when we have record construction and new urban density laws about to come into force?Hon POTO WILLIAMS: I recognise that we have a programme of work to undertake. The building and construction sector is a key contributor to our emissions reductions plans. We are also key contributors through the Building for Climate Change programme. This Government is looking at all the levers it can pull to ensure that we reduce our emissions.