Intelligentbuildingtoday.com has reported on a BCI Economics survey that indicates that sustainability measures in Australia and New Zealand are being integrated into mainstream building practices.

 
The report surveyed over 200 architects, developers, builders and subcontractors in both countries from March to May 2014.

Aspects of green building had been included in most jobs between 2008 and 2014.  New Zealand practitioners reported 80 per cent and Australian practitioners reported roughly 90 per cent.

Australian figures have had a significant increase as levels have hovered between 83 and 85 per cent since 2006.

Different states in Australia had different green building participation rates ranging from 100 per cent in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Queensland and ACT to 75 per cent in South Australia.  Figures in South Australia fell in 2014 from 89 per cent in 2008.

Industry professionals in both industries opted for green building principles largely for economic reasons such as reductions in lifestyle costs and increasing the building value.  Environmental awareness and a desire to reduce the effects of climate change were also mentioned.

Only a quarter of respondents from New Zealand and a third from Australia had pursued green building certification for projects from an accredited agency.  Despite the benefits of accrediting such products, certification levels remain fairly low.

60 per cent of Australian respondents who did seek a Green Star rating went to the Green Building Council of Australia, while the remainder looked to various overseas and domestic ratings such as Green Mark, BREEM and LEED.