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Green building practices and products from sustainable resources. By Rod Percival, 23 July 2007 Al Gore said it right – "we are entering a period of consequences". It is an undeniable fact that our way of life has had devastating environmental costs for our planet, but of late there has been an awareness to begin minimizing our environmental impact on natural systems and other living organisms. Green building principles, spearheaded by industry leaders, are part of this movement and is slowly changing the way New Zealanders construct homes. Rod Percival, owner of Rod Percival Builders Limited believes the future is green and focuses on building healthy homes using green building principles and sustainable resources. “It irks me that we are cutting down rainforests when there is sustainable plantation timber available, when there are recycled products available. I’ve always been into recycling; I built my first Bach 37 years ago which was made almost entirely out of recycled materials. I am now dedicated to green building and intend on being “green” when and where we possibly can.” According to the Rod Percival Builder’s website, green building is essentially about being aware of the environment and materials around us, sensitive to the products and services we use, with the aim to reduce fossil fuels and non-renewable resources. Located in Whitianga, Rod Percival Builders Ltd. have been receiving House of the Year Awards since 1993 and evidently developed a nation-wide and international reputation for quality, servicing and innovation. Lately, Rod Percival Builders has increased its business capabilities in order to continue constructing architecturally designed homes as well as producing their own individual, custom-built homes for clients. As Rod points out, architects are an important part of implementing the green building transition. A green “mind-set” is needed from the start of development decisions and needs to involve the whole team – the owner, architect, designer, builder and sub-contractors. “The change will happen fast – New Zealand is a small country with a small population. We’re going to have to move fast. Our global position makes us very vulnerable to the effects of global warming.” A burgeoning market for green building is already established in the United Kingdom and Australia, and even though the United States may be the biggest polluter on the planet, Rod says in terms of green building technology, “…..they’re streets ahead.” Rod has recently returned from the United States where he researched green building techniques. “Their building methods and energy saving ideas, like pumice-crete homes and recycled timbers were a huge inspiration. Building isn’t about putting up a house; it’s about creating homes that are safe, our environment protected and our families healthy.” He and his team are currently adapting these ideas to suit our environment and resource capability, and will very soon be available to view in a unique show home in Whitianga. “Site waste, toxic products and chemicals, unsustainable materials – there are alternatives to all these things. Double glazing and solar energy ensure houses stay cool in summer, and warm in winter. Organic gardens and compost bins reduce waste; low to zero VOC paints are healthier for your family. Even kitchen cabinetry can now be “green”. It makes sense, and it also means savings in electricity and water.” The show home in Whitianga uses natural wool insulation, tap ware products that reduce water use, smart flush toilets and compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar energy for hot water and under floor heating. Carbon miles have been reduced by using local businesses where possible, rather than outsourcing products and services. Rod is a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council, an organization that has been formed to lead New Zealand’s focus on green building. “I think there is going to be a huge demand for this sort of housing. Already we are fielding inquiries to build green and have encouraged some of our architects’ clients to change products. It’s such an amazing and positive movement! At the end of the day, why wouldn’t you?”
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