Funding to ensure new buildings in the capital are up to scratch when it comes to the environment

Applications are open for a 20-million-dollar Wellington City Council fund, which encourages construction of buildings that meet accredited climate-friendly standards.

The seven-year Environment and Accessibility Performance Fund supports the goal for a carbon-zero Wellington by 2050.

Green Building Council's Andrew Eagles says buildings make up 20 per cent of the country's emissions ... and policies like this incentivise builders to consider lower-carbon projects.