When Green is gold

With any new technology or construction method, there's a need for individuals and companies to take the initiative to pioneer new ways of working that will have ramifications for the future of the entire industry.

Mainzeal Property & Construction has always been at the forefront of such change, particularly as it relates to eco-friendly building practices. This year, the company's ongoing commitment to sustainable construction has been recognised by judges in several prominent national competitions.

Mainzeal is the first construction company in the 19-year history of the Green Ribbon Awards to receive an award in the Business Making a Difference category. The company also won a coveted Excellence Award in the Green Buildings category of the PCNZ awards, for the construction of Sovereign House, Smales Farm. Mainzeal earlier received the RMB National Award and the PCNZ Gib Commercial Office Award in 2008 for the same project.

The Sovereign House building, which has been described as both revolutionary and experimental, features chilled beam energy-efficient air conditioning and rainwater recycling.

As a project partner for the construction of Te Kopahou Reserve Interpretation Centre at Owhiro Bay in Wellington, Mainzeal also received a Merit Award in the PCNZ Special Purpose Category. This award follows two awards for the same project in 2008, including the Wellington Civic Trust Award for the Best Environmental Project.

In addition, Mainzeal won an award in the Large Projects category of the IPENZ Arthur Mead Award for the Environment and Sustainability, with the new Visy Material Recovery Facility (MRF) the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Mainzeal chief executive officer Peter Gomm says the company is committed to building sustainability into the business case for construction, and delivering solutions with real, measurable benefits.

"Over the past year we have taken a number of steps that will ensure the business remains at the forefront of sustainable construction. These developments significantly reduce the embodied and operational energy of buildings, and will contribute directly to affordable, comfortable, healthy and sustainable buildings."

To contact Mainzeal Property & Construction, phone (09) 375 2100, fax (09) 375 2101. Email: mzakl@mainzeal.com. Website: www.mainzeal.com.

Story by: Trendsideas