Rubix - Going beyond neutrality

Organisation overview

Rubix is a project management consultancy operating across Aotearoa, delivering infrastructure and property projects across the built environment. Sustainability is embedded through whole‑of‑life thinking and guided by their ambition to journey with clients to realise projects that improve lives and landscapes.

The challenge

As expectations around climate leadership increased, Rubix recognised the need to move beyond intent and demonstrate credible and measurable action. Their involvement in NZGBC Green Star projects pointed to a future where sustainability would become a baseline expectation rather than a point of difference. They needed an independently verified framework to evidence their commitment, set reduction pathways, and provide confidence for clients, regulators, and the wider market.

Formal certification aligned strongly with their long-term business strategy and brand positioning. Crucially, sustainability needed to be embedded as a business discipline – not treated as an add-on.

Choosing a partner

Rubix chose Toitū for its credibility, scientific rigour, and alignment with their values. The Toitū programme provided a practical and recognised basis to measure, manage, and reduce emissions with confidence. It also reinforced Rubix’s position as a trusted partner to clients who take sustainability seriously.

Actions taken

Rubix achieved Toitū Net Carbon Zero certification in 2017 and progressed to Toitū Climate Positive certification in 2023. They embedded carbon measurement and management into their operations, transitioned away from fossil‑fuel vehicles, reduced air travel, and adopted lower‑emissions practices across the business. Staff engagement was central, with their team understanding the “why” behind their goals and taking ownership of delivery. Beyond certification, Rubix supports environmental initiatives including long‑term contributions to Matuku Link and WAI Wānaka – projects focused on wetland restoration, waterway health, and biodiversity – extending their impact beyond their direct emissions footprint.

The impact

Rubix now offsets 125% of their emissions, demonstrating leadership that goes beyond neutrality. Transitioning to electric vehicles and reducing air travel has lowered operating costs while cutting emissions, contributing to verified year‑on‑year reductions in both absolute emissions and emissions intensity. Certification has strengthened stakeholder trust, particularly with clients who value independently verified sustainability credentials.

Internally, their people take pride in working for an organisation that acts on its commitments. Staff‑led initiatives and volunteering have reinforced a strong sustainability culture, while externally, certification supports client confidence and tender competitiveness. Together, these outcomes position Rubix as a credible, values‑led partner in a low‑carbon future.

What's next

With Climate Positive certification achieved, their focus is on continual improvement beyond compliance. They are engaging more closely with suppliers to better understand and reduce supply chain emissions. Rubix is also exploring the use of AI‑enabled tools to enhance carbon data quality and decision making. These actions support their long‑term goal of sustained, measurable emissions reduction.

Peter Sewell, National Sustainability Lead at Rubix, on working with Toitū:

“Partnering with Toitū gave Rubix the credibility and discipline we needed to turn ambition into action. It’s a practical and trusted framework that supports real emissions reduction, and I would strongly recommend it to any organisation that is serious about climate leadership.”