Budding Tree FernMy new (unofficial) mentor Leanne Beard– project manager of the residential rating tool at the NZGBC - says there are no accidents in life. In reviewing the last few years of my life, I am inclined to believe her.
First, a trip long ago to beautiful New Zealand where I discovered that the only thing that left me disenchanted with the country was the state of its homes. Cold and damp due to insufficient heating and insulation, I frequently complained that I, a hardy Canadian, had never been colder. No one should have to wear a toque to bed! Now, a return to the country I love to work a fantastic internship position and the task that is assigned me? Help develop the residential rating tool that will transform the way New Zealanders think about their homes by making them drier, warmer and more comfortable.
Though I’ve already spoken about this project in an earlier post I feel it is necessary to revisit it as it has provided me with more ‘Aha!’ moments than I can count.
The most exciting aspect of this project to me was the breadth of stakeholders needed on board to make it a reality. To move an entire country’s population towards renovating their homes means engaging everyone, from the government to industry players to retailers, interior designers and real estate agents.
Early on I was told my task would be to focus on “stakeholder engagement”. I had never heard this expression before. It was while attending Business Model development meetings with chief executives along with technical framework meetings with the core technical team and Marketing Managers meetings with partner representatives that I truly understood the meaning of the two words “stakeholder” and “engagement”. If we are to truly change the way we make and do things in order to create a more sustainable society it is crucial that all actors be involved in the creation of this new system. If one needs to be convinced or tricked into doing something, commitment will last no longer than the lifespan of the trailblazer who started it all. However, involve everyone in setting the new direction and all will have a stake in seeing it succeed. The wide-spread adoption of Homestar, the Residential Rating Tool, will serve to illustrate this.
I'd been desperately looking for my missing link, now, thanks to this experience, my research has veered into a new direction and with a new and exciting purpose: collaboration is now the name of my game. I even have an external supervisor willing to support me. This internship could not have been more successful! My only regret is of leaving New Zealand before the grand public unveiling of the tool, set for mid-October. I eagerly await New Zealand’s reaction and eventual transformation. Can’t wait to visit in another 5 years!
Typical cottage style house in Auckland's Ponsonby neighbourhood
The Whangamomona Pub - off the Forgotten World Highway (jurassic park anyone?)
The Old Sofrana House, downtown Auckland - Home of the NZGBC
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