Sustainability is important to the Environment Solutions team and more generally for Sharp Tudhope, so we are very pleased to announce that plans have now been finalised and the construction of our new ‘green’ office building is due to commence in August this year.
From the outset the objective was to build a first class contemporary building with at least a 4 star green rating. Not only to improve Sharp Tudhope’s working environment and to attract young, talented staff to the firm, but also to encourage new businesses to consider Tauranga as a key location outside of Auckland.
Significant investment has been made to ensure that appropriate sustainability measures and design features are in place, such as rain water recycling, use of low flow tapware and sanitary fittings, lighting and energy use monitoring and sensors, as well as bike storage, showers and lockers. In addition, the development team are taking action to recycle the waste from the demolition of the existing building on the site.
As well as the environmental benefits, Sharp Tudhope believe that the building will bring benefits to the productivity of the firm. By having all the legal staff on one floor it is hoped that there will be greater collaboration and sharing of knowledge, which will increase the efficiency of the workforce.
The design and construction of the new site has already had far reaching environmental impacts, with individuals within our contractor and architect becoming green star accredited in the process. It has encouraged them to look at their own businesses and identify the areas in which they can introduce sustainable practices.
Craig Henderson of Matrixx Consultants Limited says, “Achieving Green star accreditation will be an important step for our business. We have been involved in a number of sustainable buildings and by becoming accredited we enhance our commitment to green building practices. It is particularly exciting to be part of the Sharp Tudhope project. We hope that it will become a benchmark for sustainable building within the Bay of Plenty.”
It is intended that the Tauranga public will all be able to experience the benefits of the new building. With a café on the ground floor and an attractive pavement area, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the environment.
Sharp Tudhope hope to move in to the new building in October/November 2011.
