While sustainability is undoubtedly a central focus across the architecture and construction industries these days, it wasn’t always so. Even as recently as a few years ago, many businesses were struggling to find the balance between the ideological (and practical) need to be more environmentally conscious, and the costs of doing so. And while it would be incorrect to say that the problem has completely disappeared, the scales have tipped dramatically in the right direction. The number of Green Star-rated buildings has increased by a staggering 70% since 2018, now collectively saving an estimated $1.4 billion in energy costs each year. On top of that, where once sustainability was only focused on the reduction and recycling of waste, it has now expanded to include the use of recycled content in production, cradle-to-grave impacts including end-of-life redeployment or recyclability, and a focus on the reduction of energy consumption.
One of the big shifts has been towards a focus on carbon reduction across the whole supply chain in the push to net zero emissions, something leading insulated panel manufacturer Bondor Metecno is leaning into with gusto. “For Australia, to achieve net zero and reduce carbon footprint, it will require a significant change in the way we live,” says Geoff Marsdon, Executive General Manager at Bondor Metecno. “To date, a lot of the talk has been about alternative energy generation and reducing fossil fuels, which is important, but this will not be enough to achieve sustainable change.”
Even alternative energy sources have environmental impacts and providing government subsidies to ease the pain in energy costs, while welcomed, does nothing to change underlying behaviour. “We need to think differently about energy consumption and what drives it,” Geoff adds. “Nothing short of a long-term adjustment in attitude and philosophy is required.” Geoff notes that the built environment and construction industry can play an important role here – after all, the construction industry is responsible for 39% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. While there is already a groundswell of support for better building design and construction processes, it’s important to continue translating it into action.
To that end, Bondor Metecno has been busily cementing its position as an innovator where sustainable manufacturing and building practices are concerned. They have aligned their methods to the best practices set out in the Sustainability Leadership Framework outlined by the Plastics and Chemical Industry Association (PACIA). Bondor Metecno products are created using non-ozone-depleting substances, 100% recyclable steel, and other materials that are either recyclable or reusable. Their operations are optimised for emission reduction, with multiple facilities located close to their various market centres (reducing transport emissions), and passive energy techniques including rainwater harvesting and aligning production with off-peak energy demand periods employed across the board.
The company maintains an active leadership position in the industry by partnering with associations and peak bodies like the Australian Institute of Architects and the Urban Development Institute of Australia; to educate the industry on their diverse range of code compliant, energy efficient building products. And, of course, they continue to find ways to improve their own footprint through initiatives focused on recyclability and reusability as well as optimising energy consumption in manufacturing.
Looking to the future, Bondor Metecno shows no signs of slowing down, with a range of initiatives and projects planned that will continue to move the needle on sustainability. “As a manufacturer we continue to invest in modifying our sites to be more sustainable,” says Geoff. “Changing the design for new sites and investing in R&D that not only assists us but also industry and society in general.” When it comes to their operations, this includes a commitment to further energy efficiency at their office. In their products, they’re exploring the use of photovoltaic cells with their insulated panel. And in partnership with the University of Melbourne, they’re working on creating greater opportunities for plastic recycling. Across these, and all their other initiatives, Bondor Metecno are continuing to embrace and strive for leadership in a world where sustainability is not just an idea, but a reality.
