Use
Third-party ratings / Certification
Salvaged/reused product
Many materials can be salvaged from existing structures for reuse in new projects. Salvaging products provides two primary benefits: first, reusing existing materials reduces landfill; second, making use of salvaged materials saves the resources and energy used to create new materials. Some materials are easier to reuse than others – timber floorboards, window frames, weatherboards and structural elements; bricks, tiles and pavers; and metalwork, fencing and balustrades.
Locally made
Specifying locally produced materials and products offers both economic and environmental advantages. Use of locally made products and materials minimizes transportation and shipping costs, as well as reducing the amount of energy used in transportation and any pollution that may result. In regard to natural resources – timber or stone, for example – locally sourced products can be better suited to a particular region’s climate and conditions. Further, choosing locally made products supports regional economies and local producers.
Post-consumer recycled content
Consumer goods that have served their purpose, been recycled and reprocessed are considered post-consumer recycled content. This includes products used by households, industry and commerce that, after recycling, can be reused as parts of new products or materials. Examples of post-consumer recycled content include recycled rubber tyres transformed into roofing and flooring products, and old newspaper processed into cellulose insulation.
Post-industrial recycled content
Post-industrial recycled content is essentially scrap material – waste products generated during manufacturing processes that has not been used and will not be reused in the production process. As with post-industrial recycled content, reusing these materials reduces consumption of virgin resources and stops usable industrial by-products from becoming landfill.
Made from rapidly renewable material
Rapidly renewable materials regenerate more quickly than their typical harvest demand – for example, grown and harvested in 10 years or less. Popular rapidly renewable materials include bamboo, cork, wool, straw, natural linoleum, soy bean composites, sugarcane bagasse, kenaf and hemp. Rapidly renewable materials should be produced naturally and quickly, without significant environmental or air-quality impact or increased erosion.
Made using renewable energy
Many manufacturers now make use of certified renewable energy – energy produced using natural resources such as sun, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat. Eco-conscious companies choose renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint, to offset emissions and to fulfil stated environmental objectives. Renewable energy is estimated to supply around 18% of global energy consumption, with biomass (wood burning, for example) the most popular, followed by hydroelectricity and wind power.
Biodegradable
Where a product cannot be reused or recycled, biodegradability may be the next best thing. Typically, biodegradable products and materials can be decomposed into basic elements within a short period. Biodegradation of organic materials can occur with or without oxygen (aerobically/anaerobically).
Recyclable
Recyclable products and materials can be reprocessed and transformed into new goods at the end of their useful life. Materials composed of a single substance (for example, aluminium or concrete) are generally easier to dismantle and recycle than those composed of multiple substances. Employing recyclable materials offers several benefits – reduced use of new resources, reduced landfill, reduced costs for manufacturers.
Production waste is recyclable
Manufacturing processes inevitably produce waste; environmentally responsible manufacturers ensure this waste is minimized and recyclable. Production waste can sometimes be reprocessed for reuse in the same production process. Alternatively, production waste may be reused in the manufacture of other products or materials (post-industrial recycled content).
Designed for disassembly
Design for disassembly is a manufacturing strategy that anticipates the future reuse of individual components or materials, enabling a product to be broken into its constituent parts for reuse or recycling. Design for disassembly can make recycling easier, resulting in less use of new resources, less energy consumption and less landfill. In economic terms, design for disassembly gives further value to products beyond their original life. Disassembling a structure rather than demolishing it can also reduce impact on the environment by reducing dust released during demolition, reducing land degradation and reducing transport costs of disposing of materials to landfill.
Supported by take-back program
A take-back program sees the manufacturer accept used products from consumers, before recycling or refurbishing them for future use. The philosophy underlying a take-back program is that manufacturers should be responsible for their products throughout their entire life, also known as a “cradle to cradle” approach to manufacturing. Reclamation programs streamline recycling for consumers and encourage manufacturers to produce recyclable products and materials.
Packaging is reduced
The aim is to reduce the amount of packaging required to effectively house and transport products and materials, resulting in less waste material destined for landfill, lower manufacturing costs for producers, and reduced transportation costs. Some manufacturers implement returnable packaging systems or heavily in recyclable packaging. Paper, glass, metal and board packaging can be readily recycled.
Low embodied energy
Like embodied energy, embodied water is the water used to create and distribute a product or material (as distinct from water used during its operation). Reducing the amount of embodied water in a product’s manufacture and distribution can lessen its impact on the environment.
Low embodied water
Embodied energy refers to the energy consumed in producing and distributing products and materials. This spans the extraction of resources, processing and manufacturing, and distribution of the final product. Products and materials with low embodied energy generally require simpler manufacturing processes – for example, natural resources such as timber require less processing than aluminium and other metals. Specifying products with low embodied energy can reduce pollution, depletion of resources and degradation of the environment.
Reduces energy consumption
Making use of materials and products that reduce energy consumption can have a major influence on the environmental impact of a building project. Teaming passive design strategies (orientation, building shape, natural lighting and ventilation) with low-energy lighting, thermally efficient insulation and low-e glass can reduce a project’s reliance on heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy consumption. Likewise, use of energy-efficient appliances, alternative energy systems (solar, hydro) and building management systems can also reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
Reduces heating or cooling load
Heating and cooling load is the amount of energy consumed to maintain a desired temperature within a building. Project design – and the materials and products employed – plays a significant role in optimizing the performance of heating and cooling systems, to reduce the energy expended on internal climate control. Elements that affect heating and cooling load include heat transferred through glass windows and doors, infiltration of outside air, and the impact of people, lighting and electronic equipment.
Reduces waste or pollution
Streamlined production processes can reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. Environmentally responsible manufacturers focus upon reducing emissions, minimizing waste created during production, and ensuring energy-efficient operation. Waste-reducing production can also reduce costs, as manufacturers can make better use of resources.
Reduces water consumption
Products that reduce water consumption can make a valuable contribution to managing natural resources. There are several types of products that reduce water consumption – products that actively save water (water tanks, for example); products that enable the reuse of water (grey water recycling systems); and products that consume minimal water in operation (water-efficient tapware and appliances, self-cleaning glass).
Emits low VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emissions from carbon-containing compounds that pollute the air. VOCs are released from many common building products including solvents, paints and lacquers, adhesives, fabrics, carpets, printed paper, board products and composite timber. Rating schemes often categorize VOC content as low, very low, ultra low and zero.
Energy Star rated
Energy rating schemes evaluate the energy efficiency of common household appliances – refrigerators and freezers, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers and airconditioners. Energy Star is an international standard that promotes low-energy-consumption products. Compliant products use automatic “sleep” modes or low-energy standby settings.
WELS rated
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme rates the water efficiency of showers, taps, flow controllers, sanitaryware, toilets, urinals, whitegoods, clothes washers and dishwashers. By identifying the water consumption of these products, the WELS scheme enables consumers and specifiers to compare the relative efficiency of products. The criteria used for WELS ratings are explained further in Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 6400:2005 Water-efficient products – Rating and labelling.
ISO 14001 compliant
The international environmental management standard ISO 14001 assists manufacturers with the management, control and reporting of their environmental performance. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, the standards enable manufacturers to develop a streamlined environmental management system (EMS) to minimize the impact of their operations on the environment. Compliant companies can seek certification from accredited auditors.
GECA rated
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ) are eco-labelling organizations that rate the environmental performance of products over their entire life cycle. Developed in accordance with international eco-labelling standards, GECA and ECNZ help consumers to understand the environmental impact of the products they specify by providing independent third-party assessments.
ECNZ rated
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ) are eco-labelling organizations that rate the environmental performance of products over their entire life cycle. Developed in accordance with international eco-labelling standards, GECA and ECNZ help consumers to understand the environmental impact of the products they specify by providing independent third-party assessments.
