Our Strategy
In Design and Sustainability
Onsite
Composting
Central
Hot Water
Liveable
Designs
Solar
Energy
Homestar
Housing
Productive & Native
Gardens
At New Ground, working with our housing partners, communities are designed with sustainability efforts at the forefront. With new communities reaching Homestar 7 and even Homestar 8 certification, you know your new home will be warm, dry and energy efficient.
Homestar Housing
Homestar is a rating system designed to assess and designate the energy performance of residential homes. It is an independent rating tool for assessing the health, efficiency, and sustainability of homes across Aotearoa New Zealand and provides a clear framework for a better design and build.
Homestar rates on a scale of 6 to 10 to better understand where the home or design fits over and above the standard building code.
Homestar 7 & 8
Homestar 7 and 8 signifies a high level of energy efficiency, with homes achieving a commendable standard in insulation, heating, cooling, and overall environmental impact. These properties typically boast advanced features and technologies that contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. As the industry standard is Homestar 6 which already sits above and beyond the New Zealand Building Code, homes that achieve a Homestar 7 or 8 rating demonstrates a commitment to environmentally conscious living and represents an outstanding choice for all seeking energy-efficient rentals to call their home.
The three apartment buildings at Moroki in Glen Innes achieve Homestar 7 with its Duplex homes gaining an astounding Homestar 8 rating.
Apartment living the way it should be at Moroki, built to Homestar 7.
Duplex homes achieve Homestar 8
Setting an exemplary standard for sustainable housing, the Duplex homes at Moroki go above and beyond in implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as the heat recovery system and structurally insulated panels (SIPs) while using environmentally friendly building materials. A Homestar 8 rating indicates a home that not only meets but often exceeds stringent energy efficiency criteria, making it a top-tier choice for individuals passionate about minimising their ecological footprint and enjoying the long-term benefits of a truly sustainable living space.
The energy efficient, warm and dry duplex homes at Moroki, built to Homestar 8.
Construction choices that make a difference
At New Ground, we strongly believe that the right choices for construction always translates to a better home to be enjoyed by you. Homes that use Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), such as the Duplex homes at Moroki, offer great insulation performance which in turn improves energy efficiency. By also making the conscious choice to only build with structural timber, this correlates to considerably less impact on the environment while increasing insulation performance and reduction of on-site wastage during the build.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) being stood up during construction of the Duplex homes at Moroki.
Solar Energy
Residents of Moroki now enjoy the dual benefits of cost savings and reduced environmental impact, as the solar system powers 50% of the overall water heating requirements for the 24 apartments in blocks B&C. This forward-thinking approach not only puts money back in the pockets of our residents but also contributes to a collective effort to minimise the community's overall energy footprint.
As Moroki and our future communities embrace a greener, more sustainable future, the solar system stands as a testament to our focus on innovation and environmental responsibility. The sun, once merely a celestial neighbour, has become an integral part of daily life, fostering a sense of harmony between technology and nature in this vibrant community.
Two central hot water plant rooms supply hot water to the 48 apartments at Moroki.
Central Hot Water
This system seamlessly integrates new technologies to meet the hot water needs of every resident while significantly reducing both energy costs and overall energy requirements. By employing advanced mechanisms such as a central thermostat control, while being supplemented by solar energy, the central hot water system is estimated to require 60% less energy to heat water compared to a decentralised system.
Residents of the three apartment buildings at Moroki and our future communities will reap the benefits of this sustainable approach through reduced utility bills and a diminished environmental impact
Solar panels mounted on block C at Moroki supplement the energy requirements of the central hot water system.
Onsite Composting
Moroki takes another step towards sustainability with the introduction of onsite composting bins, strategically placed within the community to address waste management in an environmentally conscious manner. These composting bins provide residents with a convenient and accessible means to dispose of organic waste, turning kitchen scraps and biodegradable materials into nutrient-rich compost. This initiative not only reduces the amount of waste destined for landfills but also transforms the discarded organic matter into a valuable resource that can be used onsite for the gardens and grounds to enrich the soil and promote local gardening initiatives.
Onsite Compost bins for residents use at our newest community - Moroki
Productive Gardens
Community productive gardens are a hub of sustainable living and neighbourly camaraderie. Residents tend to their individual plots using organic methods, fostering a commitment to self-sufficiency and reducing the environmental impact associated with food production and transportation. Beyond their ecological role, these gardens serve as a communal space, where neighbors exchange gardening wisdom, seeds, and stories. The shared effort of cultivating the gardens becomes a unifying force, strengthening the community fabric and transforming Moroki and our future communities into a place where sustainable living and interpersonal connections intertwine.
The first productive plant in the raised community planter boxes at Moroki, planted with care by one of our residents.
Native Planting
We prioritise native planting across all our projects. Native plants promote ecological balance, resilience, and sustainability in local ecosystems. Providing habitat and food sources for local wildlife, birds, bees and insects helps to support biodiversity and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems. Being well-adapted to the climate and environmental conditions of their native region makes them better able to withstand local challenges, such as pests and disease and decreases the need for harmful chemical pesticides. Requiring less water and maintenance compared to non-native species assists with water conservation and lowers landscaping demands. This is consistent with our overarching desire to deliver quality, healthy, affordable, and low maintenance communities. They can provide cultural significance to local communities, connecting people to their natural heritage and look great, further enhancing the beauty of our developments!
The vibrant Pohutukawa heralds the first bloom in our newest community - Moroki.
Liveable Designs
Moroki and future communities have revolutionised the concept of urban living by incorporating thoughtful and innovative design elements focused on enhancing the living experience for residents. Emphasising a communal spirit, these communities boast carefully curated common areas, fostering social interaction with neighbours and visitors. Artwork is seamlessly integrated into the living spaces, providing a visually stimulating environment that promotes creativity and cultural appreciation. The homes are designed to be warm, dry and energy efficient, prioritising the comfort and health of the inhabitants.
The common BBQ area at Moroki featuring a Tuatara mural by local artist - Gary Silipa.
Artwork by Locals
Moroki and future communities seamlessly integrate cultural artwork throughout communal spaces, creating vibrant visuals that reflects the rich tapestry of the local community with the most recent collaboration with esteemed local artist, Gary Silipa. Gary is the creator of the first Glen Innes art gallery - The Good The Bad, and founder of the Bradley Lane Project, Auckland’s longest running outdoor mural festival in Glen Innes. Gary and local artists promoted by him, contribute pieces that celebrate the area's cultural heritage. He was contracted to the Moroki project under Street Artearoa, a social enterprise he started in 2020 to promote street art and artists through walking tours, workshops, mural projects and merchandise. This infusion of local artistic talent not only adds aesthetic value but also fosters a deeper connection between residents.
One of many examples of artwork throughout our newest community - Moroki
EV Ready, Cycle Centric
Our new communities are at the forefront of embracing a sustainable and forward-thinking lifestyle by placing a strong emphasis on a cycle culture and environmentally conscious transportation. By providing ample bicycle storage both inside and out, we encourage residents to embrace cycling as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. This not only promotes physical well-being but also create a sense of community as residents traverse the area, fostering social interactions. Complementing this commitment to sustainable living, our communities are EV charging ready. With two 22kWh charging stations now installed at Moroki, we actively support the transition to electric vehicles, reducing the carbon footprint of our residents and contributing to the broader environmental goals of the community.
Resident bikes are racked and stored in a safe and secure room on request.