Reaching for the Stars

The $40m, 6000 m2, Auckland  building’s design goes above and beyond New Zealand building standards garnering five stars under the Green Star Building Council.  

EDM parts and distribution service general manager Douglas Blair wanted the new facility to be a benchmark for automotive parts and service distributors in the country and it certainly ticks a lot of sustainable boxes.  

“We always try and lead the industry and be world class, that’s just how we operate,” says Douglas.  

“The building is 6000 m2 of warehousing and we still have 3000 m2 of the old building next door, so we are now a 9000 m2 facility.  

“Six stars is the best globally and we are at five stars. Earning stars all starts at the beginning of the development,” Douglas says.  

Low CO2 concrete and cement was sourced from manufacturers that use alternative fuels (non-fossil fuels) in the manufacturer of their cement and waste materials from the building process saw 79.5 tonnes of concrete reused.  

Construction waste was diverted from the landfill and only 17.1 tonnes of clean fill dumped.  

There are a number of sustainable features: the water on the expansive roof is harvested, filtered for use in the building. If you take a shower, flush the toilet, wash your hands or make a coffee, it’s all recycled water.  

“A large screen in the lobby constantly monitors the buildings performance, from power usage in specific areas to water usage, temperature control and adjustments can be made if they are needed. “