Changes to the use of steel and concrete could slash carbon emissions from the construction industry.

A report commissioned by the Green Building Council revealed building work is responsible for around one-fifth of the country's emissions.

Barbara Nebel is the technical director at global sustainability group Thinkstep ANZ and she told Mike Hosking the recommended changes would have significant impact.

"We look at the material that are used, and in New Zealand we have opportunities to reduce those emissions by forty percent."

She says one change can be made from mixing up the approach to concrete.

"If we replaced cement with volcanic ash, that has the potential to bring cost down long term."

The recommendations include using local materials instead of imports, and more sustainable and efficient building designs.

The report is part of a submission for the Government's Zero Carbon bill, and will be submitted to a parliament select committee this afternoon.