Green Star certified waterfront building to inspire Auckland

Auckland’s new ASB North Wharf building - owned by Kiwi Income Property Trust (KIPT) and tenanted by ASB Bank - has gained a ‘five Green Star’ rating for excellence in sustainability from the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), setting the bar for the city’s waterfront development.

The building was developed with high standards of sustainability in mind. Features that earned it the five-star rating include water-efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting for irrigation and toilet flushing; a high-performance facade with external screen for solar and wind control; and windows that open to allow natural ventilation.

The building will use substantially less artificial light due to the giant reflector or ‘Helioflek’ on its roof. This reflects natural light from different angles, which is dispersed throughout the structure. Around 5000 steel louvres will also help collect heat and light for the interior without obstructing views of the harbour.

Activity-based working has been embedded in the design, with quiet and collaborative spaces scattered through the work floors. Most of the workforce will be mobile, with no assigned desks. This system aims to reduce paper and electricity use and free up the ability of colleagues to meet, collaborate and boost creativity.

NZGBC CEO Alex Cutler says the building is almost a textbook case of how sustainability features and excellent design can combine to create commercial buildings fit for the future.

“This building provides a template for other developers and tenants looking at how to create liveable, sustainable buildings that will stand the test of time,” she said.

“We hope it inspires other corporates to make the effort to go green early in the planning and building process - because it pays off in many ways down the track.”

KIPT says the investment in creating a sustainable building - and having it certified by the NZGBC - was well worth it. Chief Executive Chris Gudgeon explained, “Achieving excellence in sustainability was part of creating a world-class working environment.”

Waterfront Auckland CEO John Dalzell says the NZGBC certification is great news and all involved should be applauded for setting the bar for others to follow.

“We need more buildings like this on the waterfront and in Wynyard Quarter in particular, where we have a strong vision to create an area that will demonstrate a new paradigm of environmentally sustainable mixed-use development for New Zealand. Whether it’s green building techniques or renewable energy, we all have a vested interest in creating a sustainable Auckland waterfront that is resilient to change.”