Raphaela Rose & Jimmi O'Toole become Greenstar Accredited Professionals

This achievement demonstrates our continued commitment to creating environmentally responsible and high-performing buildings. Their knowledge of Green Star principles, alongside our holistic Impact framework, will significantly benefit our clients looking to minimise their environmental impact.

Why Green Star Certification is Beneficial to Our Clients:
Green Star is New Zealand's comprehensive, voluntary rating system for green buildings and communities. Achieving Green Star certification for your project provides a robust framework for sustainability and delivers a wide array of advantages for building owners, developers, and occupants:

Enhanced Environmental Performance & Reduced Footprint:
• Lower Operational Costs: Green Star certified buildings are designed for superior energy and water efficiency, leading to significant reductions in utility bills over the building's lifecycle.
• Reduced Carbon Emissions: Certification drives down both embodied carbon (materials) and operational carbon, aligning projects with global climate goals and future-proofing against carbon pricing.
• Sustainable Resource Use: Projects are encouraged to use responsibly sourced materials, reduce construction waste, and implement efficient waste management strategies, contributing to a circular economy.

Increased Asset Value & Market Appeal:
• Higher Property Values: Green Star certification is a strong market signal of quality and sustainability, often resulting in higher valuations and stronger rental returns for certified buildings.
• Competitive Advantage: In an increasingly environmentally conscious market, Green Star buildings stand out, attracting discerning tenants, buyers, and investors who prioritise sustainability.
• Future-Proofing Your Investment: As green building standards become more prevalent and regulatory requirements tighten, certified buildings are better positioned to meet future market demands and retain long-term value.

Improved Occupant Health, Wellbeing & Productivity:
• Healthier Indoor Environments: Green Star prioritises excellent indoor air quality, thermal comfort, access to natural light, and reduced exposure to harmful materials, leading to healthier and more comfortable spaces for occupants.
• Increased Productivity & Morale: Studies show that occupants in green buildings experience enhanced productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher levels of satisfaction due to the superior indoor environment.
• Attracting and Retaining Talent: Companies located in Green Star certified buildings can leverage this as a benefit to attract and retain top talent, demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing.
Stronger Brand Reputation & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
• Demonstrated Leadership: Achieving Green Star certification showcases a client's commitment to environmental leadership and corporate social responsibility, enhancing their brand image and public perception.
• Stakeholder Engagement: It provides a tangible way to communicate sustainability efforts to investors, shareholders, employees, and the wider community.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactive engagement with Green Star principles can help mitigate risks associated with future environmental regulations, resource scarcity, and reputational damage from unsustainable practices.

Access to Green Financing & Incentives:
• Preferential Lending: A growing number of financial institutions offer 'green loans' or favourable financing terms for Green Star certified projects, recognising their lower risk and higher value.
• Potential Incentives: Some local councils or government bodies may offer incentives or fast-tracked consent processes for highly sustainable developments.

With Jimmi and Raphaela as Green Star Accredited Professionals and Greenstar Architects, we can expertly guide your project through the certification process, ensuring that your building not only meets but exceeds sustainability benchmarks, delivering exceptional value and performance. Get in touch for our specialty Greenstar Architecture service.