From his roots in industrial design to his leadership at DECO Australia, Richard Hamber's journey has been defined by an evolving commitment to sustainability. Here, Richard explains how his background shaped his approach to environmental practices, what DECO's main focus has been over the last couple of years, and why critical debate is an essential aspect of sustainability.

What is your background, and what does your current role in the business entail?

I have a degree in Industrial Design and extensive experience in the sustainability sector, including my time with the Australian Window Association (now the Australian Glass and Window Association). My work at AWA involved managing the Window Energy Rating Scheme, contributing to Australian Standards, developing energy efficiency tools, and assessing changes to energy efficiency compliance. 

In 2018, I joined DECO as the Research and Development Manager, focusing on expanding our building product lines. Since assuming the role of General Manager in 2021, I now oversee all aspects of the business, from product design and operations to sales and marketing. 

Has your industrial design expertise influenced how you see sustainability?

Absolutely. One of the most essential principles of design is considering the product's holistic impact on the environment, society, and culture. As a passionate advocate for design excellence, I see sustainability as an inseparable part of the process. Over the years, it's become second nature to me, and now it’s ingrained in how I approach business.

What does it mean in practice?

I'm particularly interested in discussions that critically evaluate various sustainable options. Just because something is deemed less impactful or “more sustainable” at face value doesn’t mean it is the best long-term solution. I think it's essential to always consider the full scope of sustainability. That’s why I'm dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of a product's complete lifecycle and impact, and I always encourage others to do the same. 

That’s a fantastic company culture to foster. Has sustainability always been important to DECO? 

Sustainability has been at the core of the company from day one, and it's been great to witness our progress over the past twenty years. When DECO started, the team was an early adopter of hybrid vehicles, and waste and resource reduction were at the top of the environmental agenda. Today, we are big enough to invest in more significant sustainability initiatives supporting our operations and customers’ goals, and our Sustainability Plan – aligned with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals – guides our efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business.

How does this commitment manifest through various stages of product development and company operations?

Over the past 18 months, we've significantly expanded our solar capacity, generating over 500 kilowatts of clean energy, which accounts for approximately 60% of our electricity needs. Additionally, in May last year, we made a conscious shift to ASI-certified lower-carbon aluminium, reducing the embedded carbon in our products by up to 50%. This move not only aligns with our own sustainability goals but also benefits our customers who are seeking greener building solutions.

And then, of course, our products. Designed and engineered to be durable, recyclable, and low in VOC, they reflect our unwavering dedication to positive environmental outcomes. When it comes to product development, we incorporate sustainable principles from concept to manufacturing, usability, and end-of-life. Methods we use include reducing the amount of materials we require for an aluminium profile or determining how we can more efficiently manufacture the profile. Focus on how a product is installed is an essential factor in the design process of our products, too – we want to make sure product usability is maximised, and wastage minimised. Finally, the end of life becomes an integral part of our product lifecycle – most of our products are designed for disassembly at the end of their lifecycle, and we champion product stewardship so our products are disposed of responsibly. 

What are the company’s current sustainability priorities?

Based on the UN’s sustainable development targets, we have highlighted four main areas where our team can make the most significant impact. These goals broadly fall into the categories of energy, responsible materials, water and community. Within each category, we have several activities underway, such as our renewable energy program or procurement of lower-carbon aluminium. We also have an on-site water treatment plant to ensure the responsible use, reuse, and end-of-life treatment of water from our manufacturing processes, and we’re trialling new infrared technology that significantly reduces our gas usage. 

Looking ahead, what are DECO’s sustainability objectives and aspirations?

Like many businesses, our ultimate aspiration is to achieve net-zero emissions. We’re lucky to have a founder and a wider team who support investing in and implementing technology and processes to support our sustainability initiatives. 

We're excited about emerging technologies that have the potential to change our industry, and we're committed to staying ahead of the curve as new regulations and requirements emerge. We know we must be part of the change to help support a more sustainable built environment.