Unison awarded for sustainability design

Unison’s Windsor Substation switchroom has become the first Landscape and Infrastructure project in the world to receive Living Building Challenge Vs 4.0 Petal Certification through the International Living Future Institute.

Serving approximately 3,500 residential and commercial accounts in Parkvale, Hastings, this substation is an essential part of Unison’s electricity supply system.

The Windsor Substation, the first of its kind in New Zealand, has been designed and built to reduce its carbon footprint and utilise eco-friendly materials.

What sets this substation apart is its ability to generate its own electricity, capture and store water, and be completely carbon neutral.

Substations like this one are an essential part of how Unison supplies electricity to the community. They transform voltage from high to low (or the reverse), as well as performing other important functions.

They are traditionally built for operation, often utilising materials that aren’t environmentally friendly. 

Unison manages and maintains 25 substations in Hawke’s Bay.

Windsor Substation has been operational in its current state since January 1, 2022.

Unison will monitor how the building responds to the demands of the network and the environment in the years to come, to inform future decisions on how to approach the redevelopment and replacement of substations in the future.

Unison Group’s CEO, Jaun Park, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments. 

“Unison’s Windsor Substation is a game-changer in the world of sustainable infrastructure. By setting a new standard and sharing our expertise, Unison is accelerating progress in the industry towards a sustainable energy future, which we hope to inspire further advancements in the field,” he said.

“The collaboration between our team and trusted partners Tricia Love Consultants and Architect Charissa Snijders has resulted in a significant feat for Unison. The certification is testament to our commitment to the electricity sector’s move towards sustainability and highlights Unison’s role in helping the country transition to a zero-carbon future. The construction of this sustainable and modular substation also brings us closer to achieving our decarbonisation goals.” 

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