Sustainability
Smart Materials. Smart Living.
Built to last. Designed to care.
At Russell Properties, we focus on building homes that combine quality and functionality with thoughtful material choices and smart design. By partnering with trusted New Zealand suppliers and selecting sustainable, durable products, we help reduce environmental impact while creating homes that stand the test of time.
Long-lasting exteriors
At Russell Properties, exterior materials are carefully selected to ensure longevity while minimising environmental impact. From weatherboard to roofing and windows, we partner with trusted suppliers that share our commitment to eco-friendly practices and long-lasting quality.
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At Russell Properties, we choose Niagara weatherboard for the exteriors of our homes. Made from responsibly managed, New Zealand-grown Radiata pine, this timber is a 100% renewable resource that reduces carbon emissions and contributes to energy-efficient, durable homes. Niagara’s focus on whole tree utilisation ensures minimal waste, and the timber’s natural thermal mass helps regulate your home’s temperature.
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For our roofing, we use Colorsteel products which are made locally to withstand New Zealand’s unique climate. These products are durable, low maintenance, and designed for long-term performance. Made from recyclable steel, Colorsteel supports a sustainable future by contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste. With a focus on renewable energy and water recycling in production, we’re proud to offer Colorsteel as our roofing solution.
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At Russell Properties, we proudly partner with Atlus for our window solutions. Atlus sources low-carbon aluminium from the Tiwai Point Smelter, where the energy used is largely derived from renewable hydroelectric power. Atlus prioritises efficiency in its manufacturing processes, reducing energy use and waste while ensuring product durability. They also focus on using a significant amount of recycled materials in their products. By choosing Atlus, we ensure our homes feature high-quality, sustainable windows that support environmentally friendly building practices.
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Russell Properties uses the Tasman35 system by Vistalite for our window and door joinery because it balances strength, functionality, and sustainability. Our aluminium joinery is double-glazed, incorporating a thermal break in the frame and a Low-E coating on the glass, significantly enhancing thermal performance. Engineered with durable materials and sliding mechanisms, the Tasman35 offers long-lasting, low-maintenance performance. Its use of recyclable aluminium also reflects Vistalite's commitment to eco-friendly building practices.
Structural integrity
At Russell Properties, sustainability is integrated into the structure of our homes. From responsibly sourced timber to energy-efficient insulation and recyclable plasterboard, we prioritise materials and processes that reduce environmental impact while enhancing durability. Below, we highlight key components that embody our commitment to building sustainable homes.
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Russell Properties’ frames are built with Red Stag Timber, which is FSC® Certified, ensuring the timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests. Red Stag Timber uses wood-waste as bio-fuel to generate energy, significantly lowering its carbon footprint. By absorbing CO2 during its growth, this timber acts as a long-term carbon sink. With Red Stag Timber, we ensure our frames meet the highest environmental standards.
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All Russell Properties houses feature a plywood rigid-air barrier fixed to the framing timber, providing enhanced protection against moisture while bracing the structure for improved durability. We use CHH Plywood products, manufactured from sustainably-grown New Zealand plantation pine. Their manufacturing processes at the Tokoroa Mill prioritise sustainability, using renewable plantation resources to create durable, versatile, and high-performance plywood products.
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At Russell Properties, we recognise the environmental impact that comes with every new build — and we believe it’s our responsibility to reduce that impact wherever we can. One way we do this is by choosing insulation products that prioritise both performance and sustainability.
We work with trusted New Zealand suppliers such as GreenStuf® and Pink® Batts, who share our commitment to reducing waste, conserving resources, and improving long-term energy efficiency.
GreenStuf® insulation is made from a minimum of 50% recycled PET plastic and is fully recyclable at the end of its life. It’s designed to support healthier indoor environments, lower carbon footprints, and contribute to a circular economy through initiatives like their on-site waste takeback programme.
Pink® Batts are manufactured in New Zealand using over 80% recycled glass and renewable electricity. They’re built for long-lasting thermal performance, helping to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer while reducing overall energy use.
By choosing products from environmentally conscious manufacturers, we ensure each home is built with materials that are better for your comfort — and better for the planet.
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At Russell Properties, we use GIB plasterboard to ensure our homes are built with sustainability and performance in mind. Made locally in New Zealand from natural gypsum and 100% recycled paper, GIB plasterboard is a non-toxic and compostable material. GIB is certified under multiple sustainability standards, including Global GreenTag and GECA, supporting green building certifications such as Green Star and Homestar. Additionally, the plasterboard offcuts can be recycled, with gypsum repurposed for compost and agricultural products, helping to divert waste from landfills.
Energy-efficient systems
Hot Water Systems: Rinnai
Russell Properties partners with Rinnai for its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. Rinnai’s hot water systems have up to a 6-star energy rating which reduces both carbon emissions and energy bills for our customers. Additionally, Rinnai is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an ambitious 50% emissions reduction target by 2030. Rinnai also leads smaller-scale sustainability initiatives, such as polystyrene recycling, packaging reuse, and supporting urban beekeeping.
Cooking appliances: Bosch
For appliances, Russell Properties uses Bosch for its high-quality, energy efficient products. As part of its sustainability goals, Bosch is focused on reducing its CO₂ emissions by 15% by 2030 and has achieved carbon neutrality in scopes 1 and 2 since 2020. These initiatives reinforce our shared focus on enhancing energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and supporting cost savings for homeowners.
Responsibly sourced flooring
At Russell Properties, we source our flooring from a range of trusted suppliers who are committed to sustainability. From recycled materials to renewable resources, these flooring options are designed not only for long-lasting durability but also to minimise environmental impact.
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Torlys flooring is made from up to 100% recycled materials like cork, leather, and wood. Torlys is committed to reducing environmental impact by ensuring its products meet the strictest indoor air quality standards and contribute to LEED® certification. The flooring is designed for durability and long-term use, which helps reduce the need for frequent replacements, further minimising waste.
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Quick-Step laminate flooring has a commitment to using 100% recovered wood from sustainably managed forests. The company meets stringent environmental standards, earning certifications like PEFC and EU Ecolabel. Their production is powered by green energy, utilising biomass plants and other renewable sources to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, their use of lifecycle assessment ensures continuous improvements, further reducing the ecological footprint of their products.
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Feltex is committed to sustainability by achieving carbon neutrality and offsetting CO2 emissions each year. Feltex prioritises sustainable materials in their product range, including triexta carpets which incorporate 37% renewable plant-based ingredients. Their wool carpets offer a natural, renewable, and biodegradable option. Feltex also holds the highest environmental certification under the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme’s Environmental Certification Scheme.
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Godfrey Hirst operates locally in Australia and New Zealand, manufacturing carpets with a commitment to responsible resource management and product circularity. The company prioritises sustainable materials, such as wool sourced from local farms in New Zealand and innovative, eco-friendly fibres like Triexta and Solution Dyed Nylon. Additionally, Godfrey Hirst invests in new technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact across its manufacturing and distribution operations.
Eco-friendly paints and materials
Paint: Resene
At Russell Properties, we proudly use Resene Eco Choice-approved paints, which have been independently verified to contain no added VOCs, ensuring minimal environmental impact. These paints provide high-quality protection for surfaces while minimising harmful emissions. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their PaintWise recycling program, ensuring unwanted paint and packaging are responsibly recycled. By choosing Resene, we enhance the longevity of our home's surfaces while supporting greener living environments.
Building materials: Placemakers
PlaceMakers is committed to reducing waste by 10 tonnes off customer sites, achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and ensuring 70% of waste is recycled or reused by 2027. Their efforts also extend to supporting local communities, with over $250k donated annually through the PlaceMakers Foundation. These initiatives ensure that we are contributing to both environmental and social progress in every project.
Carbon footprint
At Russell Properties, we are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our homes by optimising their size and design. Over the past two decades, we have reduced the average size of our houses from 245m² in 2000 to 214m² today. Smaller homes not only require fewer materials to build but also consume less energy to heat, cool, and maintain. Additionally, our houses are designed to exceed Building Code minimums, ensuring enhanced energy efficiency.
The form of a house also plays a critical role in its environmental impact. Our designs emphasise regular, compact floor plans with square or rectangular shapes, which significantly improve thermal performance. Research by BRANZ shows that homes with regular shapes can reduce heat loss by up to 60%, lowering energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Through thoughtful design and responsible building practices, Russell Properties is taking meaningful steps to create homes that are more sustainable for the future.
Designed for future energy transition
Supporting the switch from gas to electricity
At Russell Properties, we future-proof our homes with the capability to switch from gas to electricity, should homeowners choose to make the transition to more sustainable energy sources. This flexibility allows for easy upgrades as renewable electricity options become more widespread and cost-effective.
Electric vehicle points
As electric vehicles become more popular, having the infrastructure to support them is essential. Our homes are equipped with the necessary pre-wiring for electric vehicle charging points. By including this feature, we provide added convenience and support the transition to a greener, more sustainable future in transportation.
Built to Last. Better for the Planet.
At Russell Properties, we prioritise durable, sustainable materials that stand the test of time. By choosing to build with us, you’re investing in a home designed for longevity — offering long-term benefits for both your lifestyle and the environment.
Curious to see what that looks like in action? Take a look at our current homes to see sustainability in practice.