A cold chain facility developed by Maersk at Ruakura Superhub has set a national precedent, earning a 6 Star Green Star NZ rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council. The 18,000-square-metre facility, opened in February 2024, is the first of its kind in New Zealand to reach the top sustainability benchmark.
The facility is located on a key trade corridor; the project leverages integrated logistics and private capital to improve both environmental and commercial outcomes.
NZGBC Endorses Industrial Sustainability at Scale
Andrew Eagles, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Green Building Council, said the Ruakura project demonstrates what’s achievable in industrial construction.
“This facility is a clear example of how high-performance, lower GHG industrial buildings can and should be delivered in New Zealand. It sets a strong precedent for the sector.” The rating acknowledges buildings that deliver top-tier environmental performance, particularly in logistics—where efficiency gains have been historically harder to secure.
Maersk’s Largest Infrastructure Investment in New Zealand
The facility is built by Apollo Projects and it sits on a major freight corridor and was designed for efficient road, rail, and ocean integration. The 18,000 m² development was shaped by a focus on energy use and emissions performance. It stands as Maersk’s largest infrastructure commitment in New Zealand.
Green Engineering in Cold Chain
The facility’s 6 Star rating is backed by tangible technological upgrades rather than aspirational targets. The key features include a transcritical CO₂ refrigeration system that captures and reuses waste heat, a condensate recovery system for cooling tower misters, and rainwater harvesting to reduce potable water use.
It also deploys lithium-powered reach trucks and forklifts to enable cleaner operations, and is topped by a rooftop solar array generating over 1.52 megawatts of renewable energy for onsite use—reducing dependence on external energy sources and limiting carbon output.
Industry-Led Emissions Reduction
The Ruakura facility demonstrates how logistics providers are applying decarbonisation principles within commercial frameworks.
“This achievement showcases our dedication to decarbonisation and innovation across both industrial development and supply chain logistics,” said Kylie Fraser, Managing Director of Maersk Oceania.
“Cold chain logistics play a vital role in global food supply chains and represent a significant opportunity to reduce GHG emissions.”