New Zealand

The New Zealand Ministry for the Environment is hoping to bring more structure to green building developments by introducing green leases1.  This green lease requires an environmentally sustainable design schedule (ESD) which includes:

• ESD outcomes - measurable targets relating to environmental performance (including any assumptions made).  These should be reviewed annually
• requirements to ensure that the fit-out is consistent with the principles of the building
• ESD outcome calculations allowing for factors (e.g. climate effects) which are beyond the control of the lessor and lessee
• Obligations of the lessor and lessee relating to the ESD outcomes
• A dispute resolution mechanism

1. Sustainable Government Buildings: Beyond Design: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/sus-dev/sustainable-government-buildings-jun07/html/index.html.