First Light Capital secures three more outstanding NABERSNZ ratings for commercial buildings in 2025 – supporting tenant wellbeing, energy efficiency, and consistent investor returns.
At First Light Capital, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a commitment embedded into our investment and asset management strategy. We’re pleased to share that in 2025, three more of our properties have received exceptional NABERSNZ energy efficiency ratings, further demonstrating our focus on building performance, tenant wellbeing, and long-term investor returns.
The latest results include:
- 22–24 Cabernet Crescent, Westgate – 5-star NABERSNZ energy rating
- 328 Great South Road, Papatoetoe – 5-star NABERSNZ energy rating
- 490 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn – 4-star NABERSNZ energy rating
These ratings reflect the care and expertise invested in each asset – ensuring that tenants benefit from healthier, more comfortable workplaces while investors benefit from resilient, well-performing assets.
NABERSNZ (the National Australian Built Environment Rating System – New Zealand) is the leading energy efficiency rating tool for commercial buildings. Managed by the NZ Green Building Council, it measures actual operational energy use – not just design intentions – providing investors, owners, and tenants with an accurate assessment of building performance.
The rating system assesses a building on a 6-star scale:
- 4 stars = Good performance
- 5 stars = Excellent performance
- 6 stars = Market-leading performance
A NABERSNZ rating provides a clear, independent benchmark, giving tenants confidence that they are occupying a healthy, efficient building – and giving investors confidence that the asset is well-managed.
Achieving and maintaining high NABERSNZ ratings is no easy task. It requires meticulous data collection, energy performance optimisation, and a dedicated team ensuring building systems are running as efficiently as possible. We’d like to thank Smartpower and ASB, and especially David Annan, whose consistent effort and expertise across our portfolio have been key in securing these outstanding results year after year.
For First Light Capital, NABERSNZ ratings are more than a certification – they’re a reflection of our long-term value strategy. Efficient buildings provide better temperature control, ventilation, and lighting – factors that contribute to better occupant wellbeing and productivity. In a tight labour market, quality work environments are a competitive advantage for our tenants.
They also reduce power bills, delivering financial benefits to tenants while lowering exposure to rising energy prices. This makes our properties more attractive to long-term tenants and improves tenant retention. Ultimately, stable occupancy leads to stable cashflow. By providing energy-efficient, healthy buildings, we reduce tenant churn, vacancy rates, and leasing costs – delivering sustainable, long-term returns for our investors.
As investor expectations continue to evolve, environmental performance is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s essential. At First Light Capital, our proactive approach to asset management means we’re not only protecting asset value, but positioning our portfolio for future performance. Whether it’s through NABERSNZ ratings, building upgrades, or ongoing tenant engagement, we are committed to doing the work today that ensures lasting value tomorrow.
First Light Capital is a commercial property syndication and asset management company based in Auckland, New Zealand. We manage a diverse portfolio of industrial and commercial properties, delivering long-term income returns and capital growth for our investors. Our investment philosophy focuses on sustainable returns, tenant wellbeing, and future-focused asset performance.
If you’re looking to invest in commercial property backed by transparent management, sustainable performance, and proven results, we’d love to talk.
For more updates on our sustainability initiatives and asset management approach, sign up to our NZ Property Market Update.
