9 Sovereign’s green building rules

NEWS RELEASE

2 July 2009

Sovereign’s green building rules

Sovereign House at Smales Farm Office Park in Auckland reigned supreme in the Green Building Award category winning Excellence – the top honour – at the 2009 Property Council Awards.

The building, which opened in August 2007, is home to Sovereign - one of New Zealand’s leading financial services companies and part of the ASB Group.

As construction business partner, Mainzeal’s involvement has been rewarded with a string of accolades including the RMB National Award 2008 and the Property Council Gib Commercial Office Award 2008.

The building, which has been described as both revolutionary and experimental, is widely recognised as being a leader in state-of-the-art working environments. Sustainable features include rainwater recycling and chilled beam energy-efficient air conditioning.

Mainzeal chief executive Peter Gomm is delighted with the win and his organisation’s involvement, which comes hot on the heels of a recent Green Ribbon Award for Mainzeal’s contribution to a sustainable construction industry in New Zealand.

“The Sovereign project is evidence that sustainable construction is fast becoming a core focus for the industry.

“As a construction business partner, Mainzeal is committed to delivering solutions with real, measurable benefits both from a building user and a sustainability perspective,” says Peter Gomm.

Peter Burley, Head of Corporate Real Estate at ASB says the award is further recognition of the ASB Group’s success at becoming more sustainable through innovative design and energy efficiencies. 

“We are delighted to be able to create a superior working environment for our employees against which future workplaces will be judged,” he says.

Brett Laurent, Head of Property Services at ASB says the Sovereign building challenges conventional thinking.

“It challenged us to deliver an innovative and cost effective energy-efficient environment focused on the occupants’ needs. 

“The process has been a journey of discovery for all involved and our learning continues as we aim to improve on the12 per cent reduction in energy consumption achieved last year,” says Brett Laurent.

Sustainable construction is a key driver of Mainzeal’s business.

“As one of New Zealand’s largest construction companies, we are committed to maintaining a leadership position in sustainable construction and utilising cutting edge innovations that contribute directly to affordable, comfortable, healthy and sustainable buildings,” adds Peter Gomm.

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