The likes of Westpac, Jasmax, Christchurch International Airport, the University of Canterbury and Hawkins Construction along with local developers have pledged their support for Legacy, a new industry campaign. By doing so they have undertaken to design, develop and occupy healthy, efficient, and sustainable buildings that create a lasting legacy for the region, in the hope that more businesses will do likewise, leading to a critical mass of sustainable building for Christchurch.

Business leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of Legacy at the C1 Heritage Building in Christchurch's Tuam Street tonight.

Developed by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) and Christchurch City Council with support from Property Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) and the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce (CECC), Legacy has attracted the cream of companies and organisations seeking to build a sustainable future in Christchurch.

Ngāi Tahu Property Limited is one of the founding supporters, pledging to undertake design and construction of high-performing, healthy and sustainable working and living spaces in their own developments.  CE Tony Sewell, who is also Chair of PCNZ, says the organisation is enthusiastic about coming on board with Legacy.

"Legacy is a chance for businesses to showcase their green building commitments and achievements," he says.  "It's an opportunity to say 'we want to build a Christchurch that works for future generations'."

New Zealand Green Building Council CEO Alex Cutler says industry has the ability to deliver a sustainable city that offers long-term benefits for the whole community.

"The building and construction sector plays the most important role in developing a new Christchurch that retains the flavour of the past but also looks to the future.  We're excited to see so many leading businesses looking to how they can help deliver liveable, efficient and enduring spaces so the rebuilt city is sustainable and prepared for the future," she says.

"These businesses see the direct benefits to their own organisations as well. Energy efficient design reduces operating costs; sustainable buildings offer better productivity, and higher occupancy as well as positive brand association. These are tangible returns for business."

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker joined Tony Sewell in laying out the case for signing up to Legacy.

"One of the key messages that came through from the Share an Idea project was the desire from the community for a more environmentally friendly city," says Mayor Bob Parker.

"The Council welcomes the Legacy campaign which will help capture and promote the long-term benefits of more sustainable buildings," Mayor Parker says.

"There is an unprecedented opportunity in the rebuild of our city to make the most of latest knowledge and technologies to create a Christchurch fit for the future, one that we can all be proud of."

"If we can create a city with buildings that are better-looking, cheaper to run and that use fewer resources as well as being healthier to live and work in, that will be a worthy Legacy for future generations," says Mayor Parker.

Various advisory services, support tools and incentives are available for Christchurch businesses aiming to make commercial buildings more sustainable. The NZGBC offers a suite of tools - including the BASE (Building a Sustainable Environment) tool developed specifically for Christchurch. The City Council's Target Sustainability offers free advisory services and some government support is also available through EECA.

Legacy Campaign Founding Supporters

Westpac

Ngai Tahu Property

Hawkins Construction

Christchurch International Airport Limited

The University of Canterbury

John Ryder, local developer of Knox Plaza

Beca

Jasmax

RDT Pacific

Christchurch City Council

Hereford Holdings

More information about Legacy is available at www.ourlegacy.co.nz.

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