Corporate suppliers launch new b2b retail approach
Corporate suppliers launch new b2b retail approach
Article from NBR
Suppliers to the property industry are switching on to "one stop shop" retailing strategies to target developers and builders.
State-owned enterprises Meridian and Solid Energy have set up new retailing divisions to promote energy saving devices and other large corporates are participating in energy efficiency trials that incorporate their products.For example, Meridian Energy is wooing energy-conscious developers with its launch of a new subsidiary called Right House.
This month the company is launching three branches of Right House - at Botany Downs and Albany in Auckland and another in Christchurch.Right House will offer advice on installing energy- saving products for developers and builders.The company's consultants look at the building plans and assess the building's aspect and design, best use of sun, comfort, heating, shading, cooling, water heating, and electrical use of appliances.
The New Zealand Green Building Council has endorsed Right House and is introducing a Green Star rating system for homes.Right House chief executive Hamish Sisson said comfort and energy-efficiency were major concerns for homeowners.
Patrick Fontein, chairman of the Green Building Council, and managing director of Kensington Properties, said he was engaging the services of Right House for all new houses built on his company's development in Orewa, Kensington Park.The Kensington Park development in Puriri Ave, Orewa is currently under construction, with a Right House show home ready to view around May this year. For more information, visit www.kensingtonpark.co.nz
An advertising and marketing programme is promoting Right House, including a giant billboard on the corner of the Westfield precinct in downtown Auckland.A television advertising campaign is also in the offing.Right House does not build the homes but its consultants work with customers, their architects, designers and builders to develop the best "energy solutions."
The Department of Conservation has entered into a partnership that involves Right House giving advice about energy-efficient products and services, plus small scale off-grid renewable power generation for DoC's buildings, houses, huts and remote sites.
Solid Energy has launched its Switch subsidiary and has opened a showroom on the corner of Blenheim Road and Watts Road in Christchurch.The business was set up last year to supply equipment, advice and heating systems for businesses, homes, and public buildings.
Switch has the New Zealand agency for Apricus solar hot water heating, a type of European central heating boiler that runs on wood pellets, as well as other control systems.The corporate sector is also in on the energy and water conservation drive with the Beacon Pathway trials of its Waitakere NOW Home where a function was held last week to announce details of the energy efficient home's first year of operation.
Beacon's shareholders include the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, Building Research, Scion, New Zealand Steel, Waitakere City Council and Fletcher Building.The first couple of projects has paved the way for a project involving 100 new homes and 1000 renovations.
Key findings from the Waitakere home reveal 40% water savings compared to the average in surrounding Waitakere City (thanks to a rainwater tank and low-flow, dual-flush toilet), a solar hot water system providing 55% of water heating (a saving of about $275), contributing to 33% energy savings overall for an average four-person household with school-age children.