Sustainability

As a company, we strongly value sustainability as a core business principle in everything we do.

SP Blinds’ commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in our everyday activity both with our monitored carbon footprint reduction and in promoting sustainable products to the construction industry. Below are some of the ways in which SP Blinds contributes towards making this world a better place.

Green Star Product Offer

Since 2008, as a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), SP Blinds has long-standing expertise in supplying fabrics that support Green Star certification pathways. The SP Blinds Fabric Specifier highlights fabrics that may contribute to points under the relevant Green Star credit categories.

Green Star aligned fabrics

The SP Blinds Fabric Specifier groups commercially available fabrics that align with current Green Star rating tool requirements and can be used to support project documentation for potential points. These fabrics are selected for properties such as low VOC emissions, appropriate visual light transmittance and recognised environmental certifications that are referenced in Green Star guidance.

Evidence and test reports

SP Blinds can supply independent laboratory test reports and certification documents to demonstrate how nominated fabrics meet the technical criteria for the applicable Green Star credits and to support point claims. This documentation can be provided as part of the project submission package to confirm eligibility across the relevant credit categories.

Download a product brochure for more information:

Green Star Performance Criteria

Blinds play a significant role in enhancing a building’s energy performance and achieving Green Star certification. They act as a thermal buffer, reducing reliance on HVAC systems through improved insulation (minimising heat loss and gain) and glare control (reducing the need for artificial lighting). When manufactured using sustainable fabrics such as Ecoview, View, or Thermal Block, blinds also contribute to better indoor air quality and daylight performance — all of which are key criteria under NZGBC.

Alignment With Sustainability & Green Star Goals

Responsible Finishes (RPV – Responsible Products Value(): The building’s internal finishes are comprised of responsibly manufactured products.
Light Quality: The building provides good daylight and its lighting is of high quality

Energy Efficiency & Thermal Performance

Heat Gain Reduction (Summer): High-performance fabrics such as Ecoview and View — especially Ecoview Met with reflective aluminium coatings — effectively block solar radiation, significantly reducing heat entering the building and lowering cooling demand.
Heat Loss Prevention (Winter): Thermal Block blinds trap a layer of warm air against the window surface, creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss and lowers heating costs.

Green Star Buildings NZ v1.0

(Non-residential buildings, effective June 2025)

Credit Code 9 – Responsible Finishes (Initiatives)

PVC-free
NZGBC-listed third-party certifications
Other recognised third-party certifications
EPD: Product-specific Environmental Product Declarations

Credit Code 11 – Light Quality

External Glare Control → Glare Reduction

OF ≤ 5% (Openness Factor)
VLT ≤ 10% (Visible Light Transmittance)

Green Star Interiors NZv1.1

(Residential buildings, effective April 2022)

Note: Green Star Fitouts will replace Green Star Interiors as a simplified certification pathway for sustainable interior projects.

Credit Codes 20.2A, 21D &21C – Responsible Finishes

PVC-free
NZGBC-listed third-party certifications
Other recognised third-party certifications
EPD: Product-specific Environmental Product Declarations

Credit Code 11.1B – Light Quality

External Glare Control → Glare Reduction

OF ≤ 5% (Openness Factor)
VLT ≤ 10% (Visible Light Transmittance)

Toitū net carbonzero Certification

SP Blinds achieved Toitū carbonzero certification in April 2012 and since then has undergone an annual audit for certification renewal. We are the first, and to date the only, blind manufacturing company in NZ that is a Toitū carbonzero certified organization.

Our Environmental Policy

SP Blinds constantly strive to operate on a sustainable basis in all aspects of business activity. For more information please download a copy of our Environmental Policy below.