74 | NZGBC: Argosy Property Focus on environmental, social values Karen Phelps to page 76 BUILDING Sustainability is at the forefront of Argosy’s aim to deliver financial, environmental and social value to all of its stakeholders. “We understand that the way in which we engage with, and impact on stakeholders is critical to the continued sustainable success of our business. “To manage this we have established an Environmental, Social and Governance Framework which sets out a number of aspirational goals for the company,” explains Argosy head of sustainability Saatyesh Bhana. With regards to the built environment, Argosy is committed to minimising its impact. Notably it is converting a number of its buildings to Green Star rated under the New Zealand Green Building Council system. Argosy environmental engineer Nathan Herbert says obtaining the rating for what is built, rather than just the design, from the outset demonstrates Argosy’s true commitment to sustainability. “It’s about improving the experience of the people in the building and the impact of the building on the environment,” he says. Argosy has focused on refurbishing existing buildings rather than demolish and rebuild type projects recognising that it is the more sustainable option if possible. It has completed six green building projects since 2014 with a further three projects underway. “The benefit of a major refurbishment is the reuse of the main structural materials; it is more sustainable to reuse rather than demolish and rebuild a building. This provides a lower carbon solution and is more sustainable,” he explains. Argosy has just completed two projects in Wellington – an office building at 8 Willis Street, which is targeting a six Green Star rating, and a building at Stewart Dawson’s Corner, targeting five stars. Under construction is another building in the Argosy portfolio at 105 Carlton Gore Road, which is targeting a six star rating once complete. Argosy is in the design and implementation process for solar electric generation, rainwater harvesting to supply to bathroom fixtures and irrigation of properties in parts of its portfolio in order to reduce dependence on the grid and minimise carbon emissions. Saatyesh says that Argosy generally aims to use low global warming potential refrigerExclusive representative of Swegon on the New Zealand market. Our mission is to supply high efficient and environment friendly HVAC solutions for commercial building industry. Proud to support Argosy Property PO Box 8042, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150 +64 9 368 1454 021 710 726 Fax +64 9 368 1455 info@green-solutions.co.nz
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