The Role of Policies and Regulations in Promoting Climate-friendly Construction Practices in New Zealand

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of policies and regulations in promoting climate-friendly construction practices in New Zealand, where the building sector contributes approximately 22% of national energy consumption and 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of existing regulatory instruments in driving decarbonisation and sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods design was used, combining document analysis (n = 16), including the Building for Climate Change Programme and the Emissions Reduction Plan, with eight semi-structured interviews (n = 8) involving key stakeholders from government, industry and academia. Thematic analysis and data triangulation were used to enhance analytical reliability.

Findings Current frameworks have improved energy efficiency standards, raised sustainability awareness and initiated low-carbon transitions. However, significant barriers remain, including financial constraints, slow regulatory updates, weak enforcement and fragmented stakeholder collaboration, limiting transformative change.

Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the New Zealand context and a modest interview sample. Future research could incorporate quantitative performance data and comparative international analyses to strengthen generalisability and policy evaluation.

Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need for stronger regulatory coherence, improved enforcement mechanisms, expanded financial incentives and integrated governance approaches to accelerate sector-wide decarbonisation.

Social implications Strengthened climate-responsive construction policies can reduce emissions, improve building performance and enhance long-term environmental and societal resilience.

Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of New Zealand’s climate-related construction policy landscape, offering transferable insights for similar regulatory contexts transitioning towards low-carbon development