Sustainable business means “doing things thoughtfully by thinking ahead and looking at how your actions impact the environment and surroundings” (business.govt.nz).
Founded in 1948 and incorporated in 1973, Foster Construction Group Limited (Fosters) celebrated their 50-year anniversary this year, an achievement guided by the conscious decision to be ‘more than just a construction company’. Specific fundamental values – leadership, relationship, passion and integrity – have provided a pathway for how Fosters chooses to operate in the communities it serves. And this is demonstrated daily.
‘Sustainability and resilience’ being a core pillar guiding the business, Fosters continue to build on their legacy through meaningful contribution, employee empowerment, purposeful business alliances and sustainable building practices. This is what they refer to as ‘the Fosters way’.
As early as 2009, Fosters was recognised with a Sustainable Business Network award. A decade later, they were the only construction company in New Zealand to hold both Toitū’s top sustainability certifications, carbonzero and enviromark diamond. Fosters still holds this unique position today.
Fosters are also NZGBC Green Star certified – offering the expertise to ensure green builds are adaptable and durable, meeting the requirements of future generations.
Fosters CEO Nigel Sun said “We act because we care. We’re conscious that the construction industry produces 40-50 per cent of the country’s landfill waste and, according to Thinkstep, construction is one of the primary contributors to climate change here too. We believe it’s important to change those stats.
“Maintaining our Toitū and NZGBC certifications means constant innovation and improvement in our operations to create healthy, sustainable places. It is a commitment to the community we operate in, demonstrating our environmental stewardship and social responsibility. And we believe that by continuing to live our values, maintaining our commitment to sustainability, Fosters will still be here in another 100 years.”
