Sustainability
We help organisations achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes through circular waste systems, biodiversity programmes and community‑driven environmental education.
What we offer
Practical sustainability design solutions
Sustainability design is a core part of what we offer. If you’re leading a workplace or public space and working toward certification or wider sustainability goals, we can guide you. With composting systems, edible gardens, rainwater collection, beehives and practical education around sustainability and biophilic design, we help organisations create nature‑positive spaces with measurable environmental benefits.
Composting Services
We design composting programmes that help organisations close the loop on organic waste — transforming what was once discarded into nutrient-rich compost that supports on-site planting and soil health. Through thoughtful system design, education and operational support, composting becomes a practical and visible part of everyday sustainability.
Composting in action: Sylvia Park
At Sylvia Park, food waste from hospitality tenancies and green waste from our landscape maintenance team are processed on‑site to create high‑quality compost. This circular system reduces off‑site waste, cuts fertiliser use, nourishes soil and delivers measurable sustainability outcomes.
In its first two years, the programme has diverted over 11 tonnes of food waste and two tonnes of green waste.
Vege gardens and orchards
Our horticulture team designs, installs and maintains productive veggie gardens and orchards for commercial sites, schools and community partners. From soil preparation to seasonal planting and ongoing care, we create edible landscapes that bring people together.
Community partnerships: Sylvia Park
As part of the precinct’s wider sustainability programme, a thriving community garden supports local school children known as the Eco Warriors. They visit regularly to learn where food comes from and build hands‑on gardening skills, and attendance even increases on garden days.
This programme builds environmental literacy, strengthens community connection and demonstrates the social value of sustainable design.
Beehives and pollinator support
In partnership with local apiarists, we introduce managed beehives to commercial sites, including our newest installation at Sylvia Park. These hives support local biodiversity and give children and community groups a unique window into the world of bees.
Live hive‑health data becomes a powerful tool for learning about ecology, plant biology and biodynamic gardening, deepening people’s connection to natural systems.
Our horticulture team designs, installs and maintains productive veggie gardens and orchards for commercial sites, schools and community partners.
Sustainability education
We offer sustainability education programmes for workplaces, schools and community groups — from composting and food‑growing workshops to pollinator education and biophilic design guidance.
These sessions help people understand natural systems, build practical skills and take meaningful action in their own environments.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting allows landscapes to operate more sustainably by reducing reliance on mains water and making productive use of natural rainfall.
At one of our recent projects, rainwater is collected from the building roof and stored in a 25,000-litre tank, before passing through a filtration system and being used to irrigate on-site vegetable gardens. The harvested water also supports surrounding landscape areas, with a mobile 1,000-litre tank allowing it to be transported across the precinct where irrigation is needed. Systems like this help reduce potable water use while supporting productive, resilient landscapes.
Biophilic design education
Biophilic design is central to our sustainability philosophy. As our in‑house expert David Frew explains:
“Biophilic design is the practice of connecting people with the natural world within our private spaces, work spaces and communities. It turns to nature for inspiration and solutions. It is more than just what a space looks like; it is how it feels and how we respond to it.”
We share these principles with architects, designers and property managers, helping them apply biophilic thinking across projects and places.
"Working with Outside In was an absolute pleasure. They were incredibly easy to collaborate with, always open to ideas, and brought an innovative approach to every stage of the project."
We can functionally change how a space works based on how we reorganise and re-orientate these planters. It’s a flexible system that allows the space to adapt over time. That doesn’t really exist in any other product I’ve seen.
“Working with Outside In has been an incredible experience. The greenery has transformed our space. We’ve noticed a genuine boost in energy and creativity since the installation!”
“Outside In delivered exceptional service. They collaborated closely with the design team, refined integrated planting elements and ensured seamless delivery, maintaining the highest quality standards.”
"This is a company that delivers on their promise, and has added immense value to the businesses I've been working in. They exceeded my expectations."
"Outside In took a beautiful space and made it even more beautiful. The addition of lush planting with a complimentary design element has added so much softness and colour to the interior of an industrial design."
"This company is bringing sustainability to the forefront and inspiring people of all ages. Seeing the figures was a highlight. Well done!"
"With their specialist expertise in selecting the right plants to thrive in internal environments, and technical expertise in delivering the design concept to perfection, Outside In have brought the vision for this garden to life."
"The team really took the time to understand our vision, delivering beautiful greenery that has completely transformed our spaces. Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail have made them a valued partner."
"Outside In's creativity and innovation with our planting design was outstanding. Their team did a tremendous job with the installation, making it seamless and on time."
The Biophilic Design Playbook
A modern guide to reconnecting people with nature across workplaces, hospitality, retail, and later-living environments.
Design
We start by fully understanding your unique requirements and writing a detailed design brief. We then present a proposal including floorplans, visuals and all-inclusive pricing.
Install
Our trained team will install your greenery safely and on time. As a SiteWise Gold certified supplier, we prioritise health and safety. We work seamlessly with your contractors.
Maintain
Our experts will care for and guarantee the health of your plants. You’ll enjoy superb service and the convenience of your own Outside In account manager.
Why sustainability design matters
Embedding sustainability design into your organisation isn’t just good practice — it creates long‑term value for people, place and the environment. By integrating circular systems, biodiversity support and community education, organisations build spaces that are more resilient, more efficient and more engaging for the people who use them.
Key benefits
- Reduces waste and resource use through composting, rainwater collection and smarter material choices.
- Improves environmental performance and supports progress toward certifications and sustainability targets.
- Strengthens biodiversity by introducing pollinator habitats, edible gardens and nature‑positive planting.
- Builds community connection through hands‑on programmes that involve staff, tenants, students and local groups.
- Enhances wellbeing and experience by creating greener, healthier spaces people enjoy spending time in.
- Lowers long‑term operating costs through efficient water use, healthier soils and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs.
- Grows internal capability by educating teams, designers and property managers on sustainable and biophilic design principles.
Why
WORK WITH
US ON YOUR
Sustainability
?
Our thoughtful, award-winning design team brings over 12 years of experience shaping commercial interiors.
Every project is entirely bespoke, from detailed floor plans and planting schemes to custom greenery panels created exclusively for your space.
We offer a seamless, end-to-end experience that includes design, sourcing, installation and ongoing expert care, ensuring your greenery continues to thrive long after day one.
Our work is grounded in biophilic design principles and supported by post-occupancy wellbeing data, allowing us to create spaces that look beautiful and perform exceptionally.
We provide nationwide service across New Zealand, with teams in Sydney and Melbourne, and the capability to deliver special projects around the world.
Sustainable design integrates environmental responsibility with long-term performance. At Outside In, sustainability design considers plant suitability, material durability, lifecycle impact and operational efficiency to reduce waste and ensure lasting value within commercial environments.
Our sustainability solutions prioritise durable planter systems, recyclable materials and plant selection suited to each environment. By designing for longevity and operational efficiency, we reduce replacement cycles, minimise material waste and lower the overall lifecycle impact of each installation.
Yes. Our sustainable design framework aligns with recognised green building principles. Outside In is Toitū carbonreduce certified and actively tracks emissions, resource use and operational efficiencies, supporting clients seeking measurable sustainability outcomes across their built environments.
Biophilic design strengthens the connection between people and nature within the built environment. When combined with responsible plant selection, durable materials and efficient maintenance models, it supports healthier spaces while contributing to long-term environmental performance.
Sustainability is supported through structured internal oversight and operational practices. Our Sustainability Team manages emissions tracking and reduction targets, while our Green Team drives practical improvements across operations — ensuring sustainability principles are actively embedded throughout design, installation and maintenance.
Sustainability design programmes create practical opportunities for organisations to reduce waste, support biodiversity and engage people with environmental outcomes. Initiatives such as composting systems, vegetable gardens, rainwater harvesting and sustainability education help organisations translate environmental goals into visible, measurable impact.
Talk to our team
If you have a project you’d like to discuss or simply wish to enquire about commercial plant hire or another service, we’d love to hear from you.
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