Chalmers Properties’ green initiatives
Chalmers Properties’ award-winning RML Machinery build includes a green aspect – harvesting rainwater from its 2900m2 warehouse roof.
Completed in October 2024, the building is within Hamilton’s Te Rapa Gateway development and was specifically built for RML Machinery.
Chalmers Properties Asset Manager Dan O’Sullivan says the rainwater initiative was driven by Chalmers Properties and cost $32,000 (including GST, product and installation).
During the first three months of the building being occupied, 98% of water used onsite for toilets and hose taps was rain-harvested water.
Dan says the 98% figure may be a red herring. “It was a particularly wet season. However, we do expect this roof-collected rainwater to meet the vast majority of toilet/tap use, ongoing.”
Meanwhile – also at Te Rapa Gateway – the IAG RepairHub building is reaping the benefits of solar installation.
“RepairHub was in the process of installing solar at its Onehunga site, when they asked if solar was also possible at their new Te Rapa site. Consequently, Chalmers Properties incorporated 172 solar panels into the purpose-built warehouse.”
The installation cost $198,000, under an agreed financing arrangement with the tenant.
Over the three rainy, cloudy months of April to June 2025, 27% (18.4MWh) of the total energy consumed (67.8MWh) was generated by solar, down from an average of 44% in the first month of operation (March 2025).
Dan: “This number is expected to be much higher in summer months. Regardless, it accounts for a considerable energy cost saving for a tenant with intensive power needs.”
Since July 2025, Chalmers Properties has been using BraveGen Utility – a software platform that collects and analyses electricity, water and gas data to generate a clear view of a property portfolio’s utility use and associated emissions.
Dan says that, for Chalmers Properties, the software allows the company to record its green initiatives, quantify the financial benefits for tenants, and quickly identify any water leaks or power inefficiencies within individual properties.
