Construction sector leads sustainability charge

Author: Ben O'Connell
Construction sector leads sustainability charge

The construction sector has emerged as the biggest source of sustainability innovation in the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards. Despite ongoing economic challenges, 22 of the 119 finalists on the Next List 2025 come from the Built Environment, which is more than any other sector.

The Next List is an annual showcase of New Zealand’s leading sustainable innovators and the finalists in the Sustainable Business Awards. The list highlights the people, projects and organisations driving bold, potentially transformative change.

“I’m really thrilled to see such an uplift in the built environment space, especially in a sector that’s been under real pressure,” says Rachel Brown ONZM, founder and CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN).

“It shows that when conditions are tough, innovation doesn’t slow down – it gets going!”

The Next List has grown from 95 in 2024 to 119 in 2025. Within this list lies the blueprint for a better future: radically reduced emissions, elimination of waste, resource reuse, and a natural world restored to abundance. These ventures position Aotearoa as a global beacon of sustainable business.

“The leap in companies on the list this year isn’t just a signal of growth – it’s momentum for a new economy,” Rachel says.

“These people and ventures aren’t dreaming about a better future; they’re building it in real time. They’re confronting the toughest challenges we face – from climate disruption to waste to deep inequality and proving that transformation comes from bold ideas backed by action and finance.”

There’s also strong regional diversity among entrants with many entries coming from smaller towns and regions, showing that sustainable innovation is not limited to the main centres.

The Sustainable Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, focus on just two powerful categories:

  • Disruptive Innovation – for bold, scalable products, services or technologies embedding sustainability and circular economy thinking
  • Transformational Leadership – recognising individuals and organisations driving system-level change through strategy, influence and action

Innovation for more than the sake of itself

Commenting on the increase in businesses recognised for their outstanding sustainability solutions, Rachel says this wave of solutions signals something bigger than innovation for its own sake.

“It’s evidence of a mission-led shift in how we design a brighter economy — one that backs ingenuity, regenerates our natural systems and creates a thriving Aotearoa New Zealand for everyone.”

The benefits of innovation to businesses

From new solar farms and zero-waste textile breakthroughs to international expansion and stronger food rescue networks, many 2024 finalists have gone on to scale their solutions, deepen their community impact, and unlock major partnerships. Their success stories highlight the real-world momentum behind Aotearoa’s shift toward a low-emissions, regenerative economy.

2024 Awards winners – where are they now?

Lodestone Energy (Winner – Disruptive Innovation)

  • Three solar farms are now fully operational (Kohirā, Rangitaiki, Te Herenga o Te Rā) with two more under construction,
  • Became a registered electricity retailer in early 2025,
  • FY25 milestones include generating 118 GWh of renewable energy, planting 5,500 native trees, displacing an estimated 14,600 tonnes of COe, and raising $50 million in new equity,
  • Signed a 20-year customer partnership with Inghams NZ and continues strong community investment.

Mike Casey – Rewiring Aotearoa (Winner – Transformational Leadership)

  • Continued on-orchard innovation and community engagement through a successful “Adopt a Tree” initiative.

Adaptable Structures

  • Founder relocated to the US to accelerate adoption of low-carbon aluminium in construction,
  • Engaged with two U.S. government agencies (Department of Energy and HUD),
  • Continues advocacy for sustainable building alternatives at a systems level.

Untouched World

  • Renewed B Corp certification with score increased from 83.5 to 107.3
  • Celebrating 30 years in 2025,
  • 70% of fibres now sourced from regenerative farms; goal is 100%,
  • Repaired 593 garments in the past year; 99% of textile waste diverted from landfill,
  • First NZ company to launch Brewed Protein™ by Spiber – an innovative bio-based yarn.

Lanaco

  • Filed a patent for a biodegradable wool-based filter — an industry first,
  • Gained Mandatory Federal Purchasing status via USDA BioPreferred® Programme,
  • Formed new international partnerships and preparing for a major public announcement.

Deborah Manning, NZ Food Network

  • KiwiHarvest rescued and redistributed over 3 million kgs of food (14% YoY increase),
  • Launched nationwide “Satellites” coordination service and grew food donor network from 270 to 370,
  • Maintained financial stability despite reduced government funding through diversified revenue,
  • New Zealand Food Network now supports around 500,000 people per month via Food Hubs,
  • Expanded bulk food procurement to improve affordability and consistency for communities.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge (Debbi & Paul Brainerd)

  • Launched Night Skies Program alongside Glenorchy’s recognition as an international Dark Skies Sanctuary.

EV Maritime (Michael Eaglen)

  • Launched and proven first of two electric ferries for Auckland Transport,
  • Secured product development contracts and consultancy work in the US,
  • Cemented a second build partnership in Australia.

Spout Milk

  • Benefited from award exposure and expanded reach through SBN connections,
  • Continued growth in brand awareness and network collaboration.