An Overview of Integrating Instruments to Achieve Sustainable Construction and Buildings

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to contribute to the objective of the sustainable development process. A factor that may be hindering progress towards sustainable building in many developed states is the sheer complexity of the instruments available and the convoluted nature of policy. Acknowledging this difficulty, this article questions whether a simplified, integrated structure to coordinate policy and instruments is feasible. Compared with many developed nations, New Zealand’s approach to sustainable construction and buildings is de minimis. The New Zealand Government is, at present, reviewing building legislation and policy in order to incorporate, inter alia, the objective of sustainable development. Design/Methodology/Approach – The article employs a literature review. Findings – This article proposes a simple, practical structure for integrating policies and instruments that are aimed at facilitating sustainable construction and buildings. It concludes that New Zealand is in a prime position to develop this structure within which to propel industry and consumers forward, towards achieving sustainability in building. Practical implications – This paper aims to stimulate discussion and development of the proposed structure. Originality/Value – The article draws upon the experience of European states, in particular, and acknowledges that existing instruments, carefully coordinated, can maximise the progress towards sustainable buildings. The resulting concept could be used by any state.