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Introduction to NZMRM Sustainability

Submitted by Alex Taylor on Thu, 22/01/2026 - 3:19pm

Globally the application of “Sustainability” was taking off during the 1990s, and specifically for building industries.

  • In Australia the GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia) was started in 2002/3 and the Green Star system invented (created from existing international systems, such as LEED).
  • In 2004 the NZ Building Act referenced “Sustainability”.
  • In 2005 the NZGBC (NZ Green Building Council) was started and adopted the Green Star system) from Australia (as did South Africa) in 2007.
  • In 2005 LCANZ (Life Cycle Association of NZ) started. HERA (Heavy Engineering Research Association) discussed sustainability.

NZMRM Sustainability Sub Committee

In 2006 the NZMRM set up its own Sustainability Sub Committee and initially used the Brundtland statement (of 1987!)

Sustainable development is development which meets the needs of the " present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

, as its target. (See tag form Brundtland Report later).

This appears in the early meetings, to be replaced by -

Purpose of the MRMSSC

To ensure MRM members are forewarned of any sustainability or environmental issue that may impact the acceptability or desirability of metal roofing. This should occur early enough so that appropriate proactive actions can be taken to avoid any significant negative impact on MRM members.
To identify opportunities to promote sustainability of metal roofing, cladding and rainwater systems through articles in Scope and other PR opportunities.

This subcommittee of NZMRM has continued to meet for the last 20 years.

  • In 2008 the NZ Sustainable Steel Council was set up to promote the sustainability of steel as used in the NZ building industry. In 2015 this was suspended for lack of activity.
  • In 2010 Metals NZ was set up as a more umbrella organisation to undertake promotion of all aspects of all steel in building. In theory this umbrella included sustainability as promoted by NZSSC.
  • In 2019 NZSSC was resuscitated as SSCNZ Inc and is currently running accreditation programmes which help projects created by members apply for Green Star credits. It is also contributing to the “Road to Carbon Free 2050” being worked on by several organisations.

This Section of the NZMRM Website provides background articles as published by Scope and elsewhere and links to relevant other websites.