PMG zeros in on greener future with Toitū carbonzero certification

PMG has now achieved Toitū carbonzero certification, moving the organisation and its property portfolio closer towards a carbon zero future.

The certification requires measuring the carbon footprint of the entire organisation – across its Auckland, Tauranga, and Christchurch offices, then setting targets to reduce emissions which are measured annually. PMG Chief Executive Scott McKenzie says he’s proud of the effort put in by the team to achieve the certification.

“It was a significant undertaking, but it’s vital for our investors and tenants that the organisation sets itself up for long-term sustainability. Being able to measure our impact means we can make meaningful changes to manage our resources well,” says Scott.

“Maintaining a financially sustainable funds and management business is PMG’s priority for the benefit of our clients, tenants and partners. We know investing in our environment and addressing social challenges helps us to build trust and support a sustainable future for us all. We also know it makes good financial sense for our properties and tenants, as it supports investor returns and boosts our long-term partnerships.”

The certification sits alongside other initiatives the organisation has implemented across the properties PMG manages, such as piloting a central Building Management System within several of its properties to measure energy and waste.

The built environment accounts for around 20 per cent of New Zealand’s carbon footprint. Greenifying existing buildings by retrofitting, upgrading and better supporting tenants’ businesses to be more sustainable is something the sector can do that will make a real impact002E

“Greener buildings can be more than for the good of the planet, they minimise operating costs and support a healthier workforce, so they also play a key role in business sustainability in a more holistic sense too.”

Earlier this year, PMG released its inaugural Sustainability Report detailing the actions it has taken over the last three years to reduce its portfolio’s impact on the environment and create long-lasting value for all its stakeholders and McKenzie says he hopes this will encourage others in the unlisted property sector to do the same.

“As an unlisted company we aren’t mandated to provide a sustainability report. But given how integral our sector is in creating a sustainable, less polluted and lower-emissions future for New Zealand, we’re aiming to lead and encourage through embracing greater transparency and accountability.”