Sustainability upgrades deliver tangible gains for commercial property investors

Sustainability initiatives are increasingly showing tangible returns for commercial property investors, with PMG Funds’ latest report outlining significant reductions in emissions, energy use and costs across its portfolio.

Thursday, August 21st 2025, 9:00AM

by PMG Funds

PMG owns and manages 50 properties nationwide and began measuring portfolio-wide emissions in 2021. Their FY25 Sustainability Report shows that targeted improvements – from solar panels to AI-powered building management – are not only reducing environmental impact but also enhancing property values, tenant satisfaction and retention.

One example is a five-level Christchurch office building where an Intelligent Maintenance system was introduced – the first of its kind in New Zealand for a multi-tenanted property. The AI-driven approach cut energy waste by more than 76,000kWh, reduced carbon emissions by 73.5 tonnes and delivered nearly $12,000 in energy cost savings.

Across the wider portfolio, the installation of EV chargers in partnership with ChargeNet and Hikatron has saved a further 80,000kg of CO₂, while a waste diversion programme with Reclaim has kept more than 40% of waste out of landfill. Their solar partnership with Sunergise is also delivering results, with two Auckland childcare centres achieving a 35% reduction in energy costs since 2023.

PMG’s Head of Facilities and Sustainability, Simi Mukherjee, says the evidence shows that environmental and financial performance are increasingly intertwined.

“Large commercial buildings can struggle to balance efficiency, comfort and asset longevity. By redefining maintenance through AI, and making small, practical changes across the portfolio, we’ve been able to show how sustainability directly supports both investors and tenants,” Mukherjee says.

With global estimates suggesting that 80% of the buildings standing in 2050 have already been built – and most falling short of carbon zero standards – Mukherjee says investor-led upgrades will play a crucial role.

“Two-thirds of New Zealand’s commercial property is owned by investors. That means the sector has both the responsibility and an opportunity to lead. Investing in sustainability is ultimately investing in the long-term strength of your portfolio.”

Read PMG’s FY25 Sustainability Report HERE

Disclaimer can be found HERE

Tags: PMG