Sustainability
Real action, real impact: How Southbase is setting new standards for construction sustainability
Real action, real impact: How Southbase is setting new standards for construction sustainability
Southbase is proud to be a leader in the construction sector in environmental responsibility. We are one of only a few Tier 1 construction companies certified as Toitū Net Carbon Zero; we go beyond compliance to actively reduce our environmental impact. With internationally recognised ISO certifications, smart carbon tracking, aggressive emissions targets, and Green Star project expertise, we’re committed to transforming the construction sector for good through sustainable building.
Southbase is ISO 14001 certified
Our environmental management systems are independently audited and confirmed to comply with internationally recognised standards. We are committed to maintaining best practices as well as seeking continual improvement.
Upstream
Southbase has proudly partnered with Upstream for the last 5 years. through partnering with Upstream and using suppliers within their network, Southbase has generated nearly $70,000 to support the mental health of the youth in the communities we work. Southbase actively encourages our supply chain to support upstream through signing up as a supplier or using upstream suppliers withing their own supply chain.
We’re proud to be Toitū Net Carbon Zero certified
We are the only construction company of our scale to include and offset emissions generated on site in line with ISO 14064-1. Our clients can have peace of mind knowing the emissions associated with their project are recorded and managed responsibly.
Sustainable Business Network
Southbase are an impact investor of the Sustainable Business Network and are actively involved in supporting the work they are doing. Southbase are proud to be a sponsor of the annual Sustainabile Business Awards.
NZGBC
As active members of the New Zealand Green Building Council, we have a strong working relationship with the NZGBC and have representation in both their waste management and contractors' groups. This provides us with the ability to have a say on how the Green Star and Homestar are administered and address any concerns over evidence requirements and collection processes. Southbase are currently working with the NZGB on resources to support industry standards.
Ongoing carbon elimination efforts
Achieving this certification is testament to our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector. We understand that offsetting is a short-term solution while we actively work to reducing our emissions. We have produced a carbon reduction plan in line with Toitū requirements and will establish a pathway towards a reduced carbon future — capture carbon associated with materials used on sites, track all on-site fuel use, collect all emissions associated with our use of data centres and 100% renewable energy by the end of 2026.
Reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 by revenue
Reduction in total emissions by 2050 by revenue
Sites using smart meters to automatically report data
Hybrid vehicle fleet by 2026
Robust carbon reporting
Southbase tracks carbon and social data through our OATAS reporting platform. This gives all sites the ability to visualise their overall carbon emissions, water use, fuel use, waste composition, electricity uses and more. Additionally, it can generate customised monthly reports to meet clients’ needs.
Waste reduction
On average nationally, construction and demolition waste makes up 40-50% of the waste sent to landfill every year. We work to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill through a range of initiatives on site and through the design stage — on-site waste and recycling separation, data collection and analysis for future waste forecasting, WasteMINZ members, and the use of prefabrication can reduce waste by up to 70%.
Well over North Island target diversion of 60%
Steadily gaining over 40% South Island target diversion
Nationally, we are smashing our target diversion of 50%
Green Star Sustainable Construction
We are experienced at delivering Green Star buildings across New Zealand, up to rating 6. Our team includes five Green Star Accredited Professionals and seven Green Star Practitioners. As well as this, we have our own internal competency to ensure all Southbase employees have a basic understanding of Green Star and how it is achieved, and we also induct subcontractors so they understand their requirements on a Green Star project.
In addition to delivering the As Built rating for Green Star projects, Southbase has the internal capability to manage and deliver Green Star Design and As Built projects from inception to completion. Southbase can also provide Green Star performance advisory services and/or credit management including project registration and submission.
Our Green Star Projects
New Zealand Green Building Council
As members of the New Zealand Green Building Council, we have a strong working relationship with the NZGBC and have representation in both the waste management working group and the contractors working group. This provides us with the ability to have a say on how the credits are administered and address any concerns over evidence requirements and collection processes.
Homestar sustainable building
Homestar is an independent certification tool that evaluates the standard of environmental performance of homes in terms of energy efficiency, health and comfort, water, waste, home management and more. We have several Homestar Designers, Assessors, and Practitioners located across the country and have a proven track record in delivering Homestar projects.
Other initiatives
Southbase partners with Workwear Recycled to recycle our old PPE and workwear. Textile waste is made into Retex. We are also a Sustainable Business Network Impact Investor, which gives us access to resources, training and sector groups to tackle complex industry-wide issues.
Positive community impact and social sustainability
What we do today builds a legacy for future generations. As industry leaders, we strive to transform the construction sector for good through the impact we have on people and communities.