Investing in Our Environment: DStevens Donates 100 Additional Trees in 2024
At DStevens, our commitment to the Gisborne community and the environment continues to flourish.
In 2024, we are excited to announce the donation of another 100 native trees to local planting projects through our valued partnership with Trees That Count. This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.
We are thrilled to support local planting projects in Tairāwhiti, contributing to the preservation of our unique biodiversity and creating habitats for native wildlife.
Alongside our tree-planting efforts, DStevens is also reclaiming timber from construction projects, upgrading our facilities with energy-efficient lighting, investigating solar power, and investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet. These initiatives reflect our broader commitment to sustainability and our passion for building a greener, more resilient Aotearoa.
Continuing Our Partnership with Trees That Count
Building on the success of last year, we are delighted to continue our partnership with Trees That Count. Trees That Count is a conservation charity which has been championing native tree planting for over 20 years. They work with businesses, communities and everyday Kiwis with a vision to help plant 200 million native trees across our country which will restore native bush, waterways and help combat climate change. The organisation has been instrumental in co-ordinating nationwide planting projects, ensuring every tree contributes to New Zealand’s ecological well-being.
Every new native tree in the ground counts
More than 4,000 New Zealand native plants and animals are threatened or at risk of extinction in New Zealand and in need of our protection. By supporting native tree planting, we can help create more habitats for threatened wildlife and build ecosystems that are more resilient to threats and diseases.
“Investing in local native planting projects is crucial for preserving our unique biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand and ensuring a sustainable future for the next generations,” says Peter Stevens, Managing Director of DStevens. “These efforts not only enhance the natural beauty of our region but also support the overall health of our wider ecosystem.”
80% of our trees, ferns, and flowering plants are endemic (found only in New Zealand). Our unique native trees such as the kōwhai, pōhutukawa, kauri and tī kōuka (cabbage tree) are embedded in our national identity.
Our Broader Commitment to Sustainability
From using eco-friendly building materials like low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and reclaimed timber to implementing energy-efficient designs and building renewable energy sources, sustainability practices are transforming the construction industry.
Our support of native plantings are just one aspect of DStevens’ comprehensive approach to sustainability. We have long-embraced strategies and technologies that minimise the negative impacts construction can have on our planet. We have developed several green initiatives to, such as:
Reclaiming Timber: We reclaim timber from our construction projects for reuse, reducing waste and giving this valuable resource a second (and even a third) life.
Recycling Programme: Our established recycling programme diverts construction waste from landfills, ensuring that materials are reused or repurposed wherever possible.
Energy-Efficient Facilities: We are upgrading our workshops with energy-efficient lighting and investigating solar photovoltaic panels, significantly reducing our energy consumption.
Efficient Fleet: By investing in newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles, we are reducing our carbon footprint and improving the overall efficiency of our operations.
These initiatives reflect our deep-rooted belief in the importance of environmental stewardship and our commitment to leading by example in the construction industry.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite our clients, project partners, and the wider community to join us in supporting local planting projects by donating to Trees That Count.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Learn more about how you can contribute to local planting projects and make a donation through Trees That Count.
By continuing to prioritise environmental responsibility, DStevens is not just building homes and commercial spaces; we’re building a sustainable future for Gisborne and beyond. Learn more.
About Trees That Count
Trees That Count mobilises businesses, planters and individuals to restore Aotearoa's unique biodiversity, take action on climate risk and grow a brighter future through the planting of native trees. Trees That Count is managed by the Project Crimson Trust, a charity that has been at the forefront of community restoration in New Zealand since 1990.
Visit the Trees That Count website to find out more.
