INTRODUCTION
Meet Árbol, a locally owned and operated construction company that is making waves in the industry with their commitment to sustainability. Located 50-minutes east of Queenstown, Árbol specialise in energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, prefabricated homes.
Frustrated with the current building standards in New Zealand that have led to cold, damp, and expensive to run homes, co-owner Marcus Allen saw drastic room for improvement.
Árbol have witnessed firsthand the negative impact of a changing climate on build quality, leading to increased energy consumption and soaring costs of living. However, rather than succumbing to these challenges, they have embraced pre-fabrication techniques to regain control over their environment.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
We caught up with Sales & Marketing Manager Todd Couper who provided valuable insight into Árbol’s operations.
“By utilising pre-fabrication, we can have more workers on-site simultaneously, resulting in less mess and noise pollution. We also take control of recycling materials such as soft plastics, metals, and timber through indoor processing, helping to reduce costs and minimise waste”, Todd said.
Árbol’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond construction practices. They implement technology such as grey water reticulation systems, allowing them to reuse water in gardens, particularly in arid areas facing water restrictions. Additionally, they strive to bring the whole ecosystem together, considering not only energy use but also the overall impact of their projects on the environment.
CASHFLOW MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS GROWTH
Despite facing challenges such as rising interest rates, they have witnessed strong growth in their business. “We recently hired a new bookkeeper and sought assistance from Moore Markhams in managing cash flow and identifying opportunities for business growth”, Todd said.
Heath Copland, Director at Moore Markhams Queenstown, said “Marcus was having some cashflow issues which we quickly identified. We then implemented some key strategies which resulted in a quick turnaround for the business.” Areas of improvement included being successful in increasing their margin by negotiating better rates with suppliers and strategically pricing their contracts to reflect true market value.
BEACON OF CHANGE
Sustainability is at the core of their mission, and Árbol are actively working towards reducing waste and landfill contributions. The construction industry in New Zealand is responsible for approximately sixty percent of landfill waste. To combat this alarming statistic, Árbol have implemented eight streams of waste management, aiming to recycle materials and return metals back into production. They consistently seek ways to grow their business and make a positive impact on the environment.
In a construction industry that often overlooks sustainability, Árbol stands out as a beacon of change, paving the way for a greener future. The company is actively trying to secure funding for internal research to further enhance their sustainability initiatives. “We are constantly evolving our prefabrication techniques and sustainable practices which allow us to place well-ahead of the current New Zealand building code. We are the only company that brings the whole lot together like an ecosystem”, Todd said.
GET IN TOUCH
To get in contact with Árbol to discuss your next energy-efficient and environmentally responsible home click here.
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