Better Building Frame and Foster presenting James Griffin!
The event, held on the 26 June, was the first in a series of events focusing on better building. The first event took place in Dunlop Builders’ stunning new building, the first certified Passive House office in New Zealand. The aim behind the Better Building Banter events is to bring together those in the building industry as well as community, to discuss sustainable business practices and the future of building.
The speakers included Donnelle Dunlop from Dunlop Builders and James Griffin, General Manager of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN).
Speaking to a packed room of over 30 people in attendance, Donnelle Dunlop gave an inspiring insight into the design and procurement journey of the build phase of the Dunlop Hub. She explained how carefully all of the materials were selected, from the cork-based floor and recyclable carpets to non-plastic products, with a focus on health, longevity and end-of-life re-use.
James Griffin then entered virtually from his base in Auckland. From Dunlop’s real life example, to a higher overview of the sector, James covered the circular economy, waste reduction techniques and some exciting new innovative resources, products and services. Following the interactive presentation, Jason Watkins (Trade General Manager from Wānaka's Mitre 10) had a solid 1-on-1 with James. Much of what Jason asked, and James answered, were relevant and pertinent to those in the room.
Key takeaways from the discussion was the transition from theory to practice. There were a number of companies that both Donnelle and James touched on who were creating sustainable, circular products for the building industry. The importance of designing out waste from the beginning, using an integrated multi party approach at the design phase, the use of non-toxic materials, and the importance of extending our life expectancy from decades to centuries was touched on.
For materials, a good place for anyone to find a list of innovative and healthy materials can be found on the SBN Circular Economy Directory or the Declare website. These websites are a quick, free, go-to for anyone from designers to builders to those looking to build a home. They provide a directory for building products in New Zealand ensures transparency and circularity become the norm. James gave a great overview of the other resources and education modules that SBN had been developing, which you can check out on their website.
You can view his presentation here. And have a look through some of SBN's newly released resources here.
The audience then had the opportunity to ask the floating head on the wall questions of their own. The Wizard of OZ-like atmosphere was thrilling, exciting and ultimately knowledge-giving.
