Going Green: Sustainable Design to Protect What Matters to You

Climate change resilience

Power cuts and water restrictions are becoming more common across New Zealand. For a storage facility, these disruptions can affect climate control, security systems, and basic operations. That’s why we have built resilience through inclusion of on-site renewable energy generation and efficient resource management.

Roof-mounted solar panels will reduce our reliance on the electrical grid. During disruptions, this independent power source will still maintain critical systems. We’ve also designed dedicated parking for low-emissions vehicles, with EV charges. 

Rainwater will be collected and reused for non-potable (non-drinking) needs like toilet flushing in office spaces, and the truck wash outside. During water restrictions, the building will continue to operate normally, so your storage access and services will continue uninterrupted.

These aren’t just environmentally-friendly features. They’re practical solutions that ensure a reliable service for you, regardless of water or power restrictions.

Built to Last 

When we talk about sustainability, we’re also talking about supporting long-term durability. A facility built with quality materials and smart design that reduces operating and maintenance costs contributes to improved long-term building performance. Meaning we can serve our customers better for decades.

The project team has selected a shallow foundation solution to help reduce upfront embodied carbon while meeting seismic design requirements for Wellington. Green Star has requirements for all concrete and steel used, making sure they meet specific emission standards and be from a responsible source. At least 95% of timber must come from certified sustainable or reused sources.

Why does this matter? Because a building made with higher quality materials and good construction practices is more reliable. It can help lessen the risk of weather-related issues, reduce downtime for maintenance, and protect your valuables more consistently year after year.

Lower Operational Costs, Stable Pricing

Green Star buildings typically use significantly less electricity and water than conventional facilities. Solar power generation, efficient water systems, all contribute to reduced operational costs.

For customers, this matters because lower operational costs help us maintain competitive, stable pricing. We’re not passing on escalating utility costs—we’re investing in infrastructure that makes good business sense for everyone.

Green Star Requirements

Becoming certified with Green Star isn’t easy. Key requirements include:

• A comprehensive Environmental Management Plan – this guides on-site environmental activities throughout construction.
• Employee training and site inductions focused on environmental practices.
• Mandatory minimum 10% decrease in upfront carbon emissions compared to a standard benchmark version of the same building.
• Robust independent assessments at key project stages.
• Meeting specific Green Star credit requirements and minimum requirements in areas such as: materials used, clean air, energy use and sources, water use, and improving the health of people using the building.
• Targets for construction waste, installing meters and monitoring energy & water use, testing and tuning of building systems, and clear handover information for business owners and/or occupiers.

This voluntary certification process holds us accountable to standards that matter, not just for the environment, but also for customers who need to trust that their storage partner operates with integrity.

Reflecting your sustainability values

More businesses are evaluating partners based on sustainability practices. If your company has environmental commitments, you need suppliers and service providers who take those same commitments seriously.

Our Porirua facility demonstrates Crown’s alignment with these values: not by greenwashing, but through measurable, certified sustainable practices. From selecting building materials to running our daily operations, we’re building sustainability into every decision.

This means you can confidently include Crown in your supply chain, knowing we’re positively contributing to your sustainability goals.

What’s Next

The Porirua facility is taking shape, and sustainability is woven into every element – from the solar panels on the roof, to the foundation beneath your feet. However, environmental features are just one part of what makes this facility unique in the Wellington region.

In our next update, we’ll introduce you to the teams who are working hard to bring you a facility that has been designed to protect your most valuable items. We’ll also touch on some of the advanced features you can expect. 

Construction continues on schedule for completion in August 2026. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way as this facility becomes a reality for our current and future customers.