Set to raise the sustainability standards across New Zealand, the country’s first 5 Green Star hotel is gearing up to open its doors on 1 October 2020.

Part of TFE Hotels collection, The Hotel Britomart will be the first 5 Green Star hotel in the country, certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council.

The Green Star rating is based on the environmental impact of every decision made during construction.

The Hotel Britomart has recycling or reused 90 per cent of its construction waste, well above the industry benchmark of 70 per cent, while the hotel’s operational greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be 50 per cent lower than standard buildings.

“There are a lot of technical components, but everything has a clear intent and outcome that relates to a positive impact on the environment and human health and wellbeing,” said Matthew Cockram, chief executive of Cooper and Company, the company behind the development.

Inside, hotel’s sustainability credentials extend beyond removing plastic water bottles – each of the 99 guest rooms and five luxurious suites have been thoughtfully designed to reduce the hotel’s environmental impact.

The pillows and duvets are made from luxury microfibre derived from plastic bottles, the sheets are organic cotton by Eco-Linen and all mattresses are part of a Sleepyhead program that recycles them at the end of their use.

The slippers in each guest room are 99 per cent compostable and are encased in a craft paper bag, while the laundry and tote bags by Duffle and Co are made by local communities in Bali who offset their emissions by 120 per cent.

All staff uniforms are locally manufactured from natural materials, with the ability to be redyed to extend their life, recycled or composted.

Guest rooms are stocked with New Zealand brand Sans[ceuticals] with refillable bottles, while local artists Rachel Carter and Elena Renker have been engaged to hand make ceramics for the rooms.