Toka Tu Ake EQC has announced it will fund a new research project exploring potential solutions to reduce embodied carbon within seismically resilient housing.  

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Lecturer at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Charlotte Toma, will head the study to evaluate the carbon cost of seismically resilient structures and “whether it can be justified in medium to high-density buildings across New Zealand”. 

Dr Toma says her team has begun exploring structural and non-structural estimations of the impact that seismic protection objectives have on embodied carbon emissions.  

“The study allows us to explore how lower embodied carbon alternatives could be implemented, while still achieving a higher seismic performance target,” Dr Toma said.  

“Our aim is to provide evidence that improved seismic resilience can be achieved alongside a shift to embodied carbon considered design, and that sustainable design is not mutually exclusive of seismic resilience – providing a strong argument for legislation so we can start to see change happen.”  

She noted that climate change mitigation in the building industry “is happening, just not fast enough,” which she says is concerning given the sector is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions.   

“We really need to push this kind of research or New Zealand won’t meet its net carbon zero targets by 2050,” Dr Toma said.  

Toku Tu Ake EQC says the project aims to find a “sweet spot” for what it describes as “one of the greatest challenges in the construction industry”.   

“We need to address future disaster resilience challenges, while also contributing towards a net-zero carbon New Zealand, so we are excited to watch Dr Toma’s project unfold,” Toka Tu Ake EQC’s Head of Research Natalie Balfour said.  

Toka Tu Ake EQC says Dr Toma is one of 13 researchers who has received funding through its most recent Biennial Grants program.