Foreword

As part of my role as Chairperson of the New Zealand Institute of Architect’s Environment Committee (Auckland Branch), I was involved with the review and subsequent authorship of the NZIA Environmental Policy. The following text became the basis for the New Zealand Institute of Architect’s Policy of the early and mid 2000’s.  Recent searches for an environmental policy on the NZIA website were unsuccessful and thus could not be referenced directly.  Consequently the original document is offered below.

PDA subscribes to the following environmental  policy, and will attempt to follow its principles.


Environmental Policy


The worldwide architectural profession is committed to environmental and social sustainability. Such a commitment will contribute to preserving and restoring the ecological processes on which life depends, thereby providing the opportunity to maintain or improve the quality of life for current and future generations, and maintain the intrinsic values of the natural environment.

The following principles should be considered in relation to this commitment:

        1. Encourage Ecologically and Socially Responsible Architecture.

        2. Encourage the Design of Healthy Buildings.

        3. Preserve Biodiversity

        4. Preserve Architectural Diversity and Heritage

        5. Minimise Consumption

        6. Minimise Pollution

        7. Raise Awareness of Environmental Issues through Education and Advocacy

Ecosystems are affected by decisions the architect makes regarding the use of resources: materials, energy, amenity and waste. In making design decisions, the architect should consider the effects, both long term and short term, on ecosystems over the entire product life cycle; from materials extraction, processing and transport through to possible retrofit, demolition and disposal. These effects may range from the local to the global.

The architect should ensure that professional advice offered is based on all relevant, current and available information. To assist in making appropriate design recommendations, the following principles should be considered: