Abstract:
© 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. In recent years, there has been a radically growing attention for optimizing the sustainable design of built environments towards tackling the large-scale environmental concerns of cities. This contribution holistically explores the current status of the construction industry in Auckland, New Zealand, and critically argues the lack of adequate attention to core sustainability principles. Auckland, with its subtropical climate, has been internationally well known for its natural beauty, liveable and walkable urban spaces, and accessible recreational zones. Nevertheless, there are existing challenges with regards to the sustainable energy performance of built environments in Auckland from a construction perspective. Given the need for more widespread green buildings, findings propose moving beyond the conventional targets of sustainable development and suggest urban-scale visions for a sustainable design implementation. The analysis demonstrates the need to incorporate healthy design, smart technologies, emerging digital systems, affordable design concepts, and existing sustainable design endeavors for more promising solutions towards creating liveable urban areas. Referring to the Auckland Plan’s 30-year target developed by Auckland Council, aiming to become the most liveable city in the world, it is of importance to shed light on the multifaceted roles of professionals and academics in the interrelated fields of architecture, sustainable construction, building science, and urban planning.
