Case Studies

Mighty Ape

Written by NZGBC | 08 November 2019

Argosy and the New Zealand Green Building Council were very pleased to announce in September 2019 that the industrial property owned by Argosy at Highgate, Silverdale tenanted by Mighty Ape, was awarded a 5 Green Star Industrial Built v3 rating. This is only the third Green Star industrial built rating in New Zealand, and represents New Zealand Excellence.

Peter Mence, Chief Executive Officer of Argosy said "The rating continues to endorse the quality of our properties and our focus on greening the portfolio.

"We initially targeted a 4 Star Rating but by employing some creative thinking in our approach to design and build, we obtained the additional credits to allow us to get to 5 Stars. I’m really pleased for the Argosy team, our investors and especially our tenant. Without Mighty Ape’s commitment to the proven benefits of green buildings, none of this would be possible."

"Operating a facility built to this standard illustrates our commitment to aligning ourselves with the sustainability goals of our customers" said Alastair Burns, General Manager of Mighty Ape.

"We are humbled by the recognition of this commitment and proud to be the third company to operate a facility of this standard in New Zealand. This award is just the beginning for us. We will continue to develop new sustainable business practices with the goal of protecting our country and its environment for generations to come."

New Zealand Green Building Council CEO Andrew Eagles said "This is great collaboration between Argosy and Mighty Ape. All of New Zealand’s homes and buildings need to be significantly lower carbon-emitting and more sustainable. Leadership like this shows the sector and others what is possible. Exemplary work here to achieve a 5 Green Star."

Project Summary

The building has two main parts: a large warehouse used for storage and distribution, and a two-story office annex used as the retailer’s head office. The building has a sole tenant.

The industrial building has no services beyond large high-bay lighting and domestic hot and cold water for shower and changing facilities. The office building is conditioned via Variable Refrigerant Flow Fan Coil Units (VRF FCUs). Domestic hot and cold water are provided, along with lighting, an elevator for service and disabled access.

The key sustainable features include a reduction in expected energy consumption through minimisation of solar gain and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and lighting. Materials have also been targeted to reduce waste and environmentally harmful products.

Location: Highgate Parkway, Silverdale, Auckland

Building owner: Argosy Property Limited

Rating achieved: 5 Green Star Industrial Built

Architect: Design Group Stapleton Elliot

Project Manager: Kevin O’Connor Associates

Service Engineer: Ensor Consulting

Main contractor: Aspec Construction

GSAP: eCubed Building Workshop, Patrick Arnold

The following sustainable features have been recognized under its Green Star rating:
  • Enhanced Commissioning and Environmental Management practices adopted
  • Energy efficient HVAC systems
  • Good levels of daylight in industrial areas
  • Energy efficient LED lighting
  • Good lighting levels in offices to improve visual comfort
  • Respite space
  • Electrical sub-metering
  • Peak energy demand reduction
  • Car parking minimisation
  • Provision of carparking for small vehicles and motorbikes
  • Reduced potable water consumption
  • Water efficient fixtures and fittings
  • Water metering
  • Low environmental impact applied coatings, wall linings, insulation and floor coverings
  • Low VOC flooring, applied coatings and adhesives and sealants.
  • Responsibly sourced timber
  • Recycling waste storage
  • Zero ODP refrigerants
Innovation Points Awarded

INN-3 Environmental Product Declarations

One point awarded for significant quantities of two “Type 1” materials which have ISO 14025 compliant EPDs.

INN-3 Contractor Education

One point awarded for the Contractor Education Innovation Challenge.