Maersk Ruakura Cold Store Achieves New Zealand's Top Green Star Rating

Hamilton, New Zealand – A.P. Moller - Maersk’s integrated cold chain facility located at the Ruakura Superhub has made history by becoming the first facility in New Zealand to attain the prestigious 6 Star Green Star NZ Design & As-Built rating, awarded by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) on October 15, 2023. This significant achievement underscores Maersk’s commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in the logistics and supply chain industry.

The 6 Star Green Star rating signifies ‘World Leadership’ in sustainability, marking a milestone in New Zealand’s efforts to enhance the environmental performance of its buildings. The NZGBC, which governs the Green Star rating system, aims to promote sustainable building practices that prioritize both environmental and economic benefits.

According to Dr. Rebecca Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Green Building Council, “This achievement not only reflects Maersk’s commitment to sustainability but also sets a benchmark for the logistics sector in New Zealand and beyond. It demonstrates that ambitious environmental standards can be met without compromising operational efficiency.”

The Ruakura facility is equipped with advanced technologies designed to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions. For instance, the facility utilizes energy-efficient refrigeration systems and renewable energy sources, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Additionally, it has been designed to optimize the use of natural light, thus enhancing the working environment for employees.

In the context of New Zealand's broader environmental goals, this achievement aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The cold storage facility will play a vital role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector by providing temperature-controlled storage solutions that enhance food safety and reduce waste.

Experts anticipate that the success of Maersk’s Ruakura facility could inspire other companies in the logistics and warehousing sector to adopt similar sustainability initiatives. “As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, the example set by Maersk could be pivotal in driving change,” noted Dr. James Thompson, an environmental sustainability expert at Victoria University of Wellington.

The award ceremony held on October 15, 2023, was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates. Among them was Minister for Climate Change, Hon. James Shaw, who remarked, “The achievement of the Ruakura Cold Store showcases the potential for public-private partnerships in advancing New Zealand’s sustainability agenda. We must continue to support innovations that align with our climate goals.”

The implications of this achievement extend beyond the immediate operational benefits for Maersk. As the global logistics sector increasingly shifts towards greener practices, the Ruakura facility stands as a model for integrating sustainability within the supply chain. The facility is expected to enhance Maersk’s competitive edge in the market, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and partners alike.

Looking ahead, Maersk plans to expand its sustainability initiatives across its operations in New Zealand and globally. “The success of the Ruakura facility is just the beginning,” said Lars Jensen, CEO of Maersk’s Asia-Pacific region. “We are committed to scaling our green initiatives and sharing our learnings with the industry.”

In conclusion, the 6 Star Green Star rating awarded to Maersk’s Ruakura Cold Store not only marks an important achievement for the company but also represents a significant step forward in New Zealand’s journey towards a more sustainable future. As other companies take note of this landmark achievement, the logistics industry may well be on the precipice of a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by innovation and a commitment to environmental stewardship.