Reach for the stars

Landscaping is more than just curb appeal – it’s a powerful tool in achieving a more

sustainable environment

One area in which landscaping is having a measurable, sustainable impact is through its incorporation into the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) Homestar rating programme, New Zealand’s benchmark for sustainable, healthy and efficient homes.

Achieving a 6 Homestar rating can have a significant impact on homeowners' wallets, potentially incentivising them to pursue certification. New research conducted by Infometrics, paid for by the NZGBC, shows that owners of a 6 Homestar rated home could save $62,000 in electricity and mortgage costs over a 30-year period.

Under the Homestar framework, landscape design can contribute significantly to a home’s

environmental performance, comfort and long-term liveability. Points are awarded for measures that reduce environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and improve the home’s microclimate.

Native planting and biodiversity

Incorporating native vegetation is a straightforward way to earn Homestar points. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance, and they support indigenous wildlife. The Homestar Technical Manual encourages designs that restore or enhance local ecosystems, rewarding projects that include native planting schemes.

Stormwater management

Effective stormwater management is another area, where landscaping contributes to Homestar ratings. Implementing features such as rain gardens, permeable paving and swales help manage runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and water pollution. These solutions not only earn points under Homestar but contribute to the resilience of the home and surrounding environment.

Urban heat island mitigation

Strategic landscaping can mitigate the urban heat island effect, where built-up areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. By incorporating shade trees and green spaces, landscaping reduces heat absorption by buildings and pavements, improving comfort and reducing cooling energy needs.

Homestar recognises these benefits, awarding points for designs that address thermal comfort through landscaping but contribute to the resilience of the home and surrounding environment.

Urban heat island mitigation

Strategic landscaping can mitigate the urban heat island effect, where built-up areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. By incorporating shade trees and green spaces, landscaping reduces heat absorption by buildings and pavements, improving comfort and reducing cooling energy needs. Homestar recognises these benefits, awarding points for designs that address thermal comfort through landscaping.

Sustainable material use

Selecting sustainable materials for landscaping – such as recycled-content pavers, sustainably sourced timber, and low-impact finishes – aligns with Homestar’s emphasis on reducing embodied carbon. Using local materials further minimises transportation emissions. These choices contribute to the home's overall sustainability profile, earning additional points under the Homestar framework.

Practical implementation

For landscape professionals aiming to contribute to a 6 Homestar rating, early collaboration with architects and builders is crucial. Understanding the Homestar criteria allows for integrated design solutions that maximise point accumulation. The Homestar Design Guide and Technical Manual provides detailed guidance on meeting specific requirements.

For the 6 Homestar-rated Fairy Springs housing development in Rotorua (pictured), landscaping was a key consideration, with fruit trees mixed with resilient native plantings to soften hard surface areas.

The NZGBC has a separate certification for commercial buildings called Green Star. One

example of how landscaping helped a building achieve Green Star accreditation is Tāwharau Lane in Auckland, a multi-warehouse development, including warehouses and office facilities totalling 8,315m2 with associated canopies, yards, car parks and a common access-way.

To achieve a maximum 6 Green Star rating, the development incorporated extensive landscaping, including 3,512m2 of native vegetation and 9,287m2 of lawn areas, exceeding the Gross Floor Area of the development and positively enhancing the site’s ecology.