Media Release
World Environment Day - 05 June 2009
Mainzeal nails elusive Green Ribbon for environmental excellence
Mainzeal broke ground in the construction industry last night, receiving an award for ‘Businesses Making a Difference’
at the Green Ribbon Awards in Wellington.
The building construction company – one of New Zealand’s largest – is the first in the industry to receive an award in
this category in the 19-year history of the Green Ribbon Award.
Presented by the Minister for the Environment Hon. Dr Nick Smith, Mainzeal received the highly commended award for its
contribution to a sustainable construction industry in New Zealand.
Mainzeal’s newly appointed chief executive officer Peter Gomm was delighted by the win and says the award provides a
benchmark for the company’s achievements against what other organisations are doing.
“Winning this award will further inspire our innovative staff to implement even greener building techniques as we
contribute to a sustainable industry,” says Gomm.
Mainzeal has chosen to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to the environment. Examples include implementing
the principles of its ISO 14001 accredited Environmental Management System, which reduces the potential for
environmental spills and incidents, reducing waste and emissions, and sees Mainzeal exceed industry environmental
benchmarks and regulations. An environmental management plan is also produced to guide every construction project
undertaken.
As recognition of the importance of specialist environmental skills to the company, Mainzeal appointed a sustainability
manager in 2008 and had five staff graduate as Green Star Accredited Professionals in the same year. This allows
Mainzeal to work alongside clients and architects on Green Star projects at an early stage in the design.
Sustainability manager Ross Copland has taken the company’s sustainability initiatives beyond the building site. “While
our staff are very much behind sustainability practices at every step of the construction process, we have also made it
a priority to extend energy efficiency programmes within our office spaces too.”
-Ends-
About the Green Ribbon Awards
The Green Ribbon Awards are presented by the Minister for the Environment to recognise the outstanding contributions of
individuals, organisations and businesses to sustaining, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment. As a
nation, New Zealanders are committed to environmental sustainability. 2009 marks the 19th Green Ribbon Awards.
Nomination categories in 2009 reflect the many different areas in which New Zealanders contribute to reducing the
impacts we have on our environment.
About Mainzeal
Mainzeal Property and Construction Limited, has operated in New Zealand since 1968 and is one of New Zealand’s largest
and most successful property and construction companies specialising in commercial and industrial construction. Modern
construction practices require high standards of management, technical competence and leadership to deliver successful
projects. Mainzeal’s staff are well trained and hard working people who enjoy the challenges that construction provides.
With over 2,300 projects successfully completed, Mainzeal has a wide range of experience in all sectors of the
construction industry.
ENDS