In a first-ever dual-city Green Building tour, two award-winning buildings – one in Auckland the other in Christchurch – will offer limited escorted public tours during World Green Building Week.

Te Hononga, the award-winning Christchurch Civic Centre, will open its doors at 4.30pm on Friday 20 September. Te Hononga is the highest-rated Green Star building in the country, having scored a ‘trifecta’ of 6 Green Star Design, Office and Built ratings. Among its sustainable features is a double-skin façade and a unique tri-generation renewable energy system.

The tour of the Geyser Building in Auckland’s Parnell will begin at 11am on Saturday 21 September. The Geyser Building achieved New Zealand’s first Green Star – Office Design rating. Among its sustainable features is a system that delivers 100% fresh air to occupants. Geyser uses state-of-the-art technology to heat and cool the building by trapping warm air between its walls in the winter, while in summer the entire outer skin opens electronically for full ventilation.

Places are available on each tour for around 100 members of the public. To register, visit www.nzgbc.org.nz.

“These buildings are truly inspirational, and exemplify the very best in green building. Aside from being amazing to be in and around, they cost less to run and deliver better comfort and productivity, and a wonderful space to inhabit, every day,” says New Zealand Green Building Council chief executive Alex Cutler.

“The great thing for New Zealanders is that green building is becoming more mainstream, as increasingly developers and owners realise the benefits of building for the future.

“Around New Zealand, there are more than 95 Green Star-rated buildings delivering lower costs, higher efficiency and more pleasant environments for owners, tenants and occupants.”

“The NZGBC would like to sincerely thank Christchurch City Council and Ngai Tahu Property for their support for the Te Hononga – Christchurch Civic Centre building tour, and Patterson Architects and Samson Corporation for supporting the Geyser Building tour.”

From 16-20 September, Green Building Councils in 98 countries representing more than 25,000 organisations will host events, run campaigns and celebrate World Green Building Week under the theme: Greener Buildings, Better Places, Healthier People.

“Green buildings play a fundamental role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. World Green Building Week showcases how green buildings are reducing the global carbon footprint, saving money and improving productivity, creating jobs and improving the lives of millions of people,” says WorldGBC CEO Jane Henley.