The specifiers guide to sustainable terminologies for quality decking
Written by
24 July 2024
•
4 min read
In a recent interview with Benjamin Aupa’au, Operations Manager at Biform Solid Composite Decking, ArchiPro learned about the various terminologies, certifications, and ways specifiers can achieve their sustainability project goals.
At the core of Biform Solid Composite Decking’s product range lies a dedication to superior materials and environmental responsibility.
For close to two decades, the company's innovative decking products have been utilised on New Zealand projects, emphasising sustainability by offering:
- 30 per cent recycled plastic: Each 40-square-metre deck incorporates over 14,000 recycled plastic bottles, translating to millions of bottles repurposed annually. This initiative not only diverts waste from landfills but also imbues the decking with exceptional durability
- 60 per cent FSC certified timber: From September, Biform’s timber will meet the rigorous standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring sustainable forestry practices that benefit the environment, communities and the economy.
- 10 per cent Antifungal Agent and colouring: These components are meticulously chosen to enhance the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the decking without compromising its eco-friendly credentials.
What are reforestation initiatives?
Reforestation initiatives involve companies funding the planting of a native tree for every product order through initiatives, such as the New Zealand-based ‘Trees that Count’ initiative.
“When companies make this effort, it not only offsets their carbon footprint but also supports the regeneration of our native forests. To date, Biform has funded planting over 800 native trees,” says Mr Aupa’au.
What is FSC Certified timber?
According to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) website, FSC certification means a product has met the following standards:
- Zero deforestation: Trees are harvested responsibly. No net forest loss over time
- Fair work environment: All workers are provided with proper training, adequate safety protocols and fair wages
- Conservation: Plant and animal species are protected
- Community rights: Local communities living in and around forest areas are consulted, and their legal and cultural rights to land and forest resources are respected.
The decking's non-toxic, slip-resistant surface and concealed fixing clips ensured a safe play environment for children.
What is Red List Free certification?
Safety and sustainability converge with the Red List Free certification. “This certification means the product, such as decking, are devoid of any harmful, toxic chemicals, ensuring they are safe for families and the environment,” says Mr Aupa’au.
Mr Aupa’au adds that Biform’s decking products are Red List Free as certified by the International Living Future Institute, making them popular for residential and childcare projects, such as Best Start Educare, which utilised Biform Solid Composite Decking, prioritising eco-friendliness and safety. “The decking's non-toxic, slip-resistant surface and concealed fixing clips ensured a safe play environment for children,” says Mr Aupa’au.
“The contractor leveraged our free layout design service to efficiently cover multiple decking areas with minimal waste.” The Best Start Educare project featured our Camo grey colour and FORM 130 profile.
Waste minimisation
According to Mr Aupa’au, a company’s commitment to minimising waste should extend beyond product materials to installation and packaging. Biform’s waste minimisation strategy includes:
- Complimentary Layout Design service: Every decking project benefits from a bespoke layout design service. This offering optimises board usage, reduces waste, and ensures a visually stunning and efficient design, minimising on-site waste and maximising client cost-efficiency.
- Product packaging Take-Back Program: Orders are dispatched with a return courier label, facilitating the return of packaging materials. These materials are then either reused or recycled, significantly reducing the environmental impact and preventing waste from ending up in landfills.
The versatility and sustainability of their decking solutions have made them the preferred choice for various high-profile projects, such as this Waiau Pa bespoke residential project. “The client selected Biform Solid Composite Decking specifically for our sustainable attributes,” Mr Aupa’au explains. “Our free layout design service proved invaluable for reducing wastage, particularly in a project that featured numerous nooks and crannies.”
“This service minimised waste and cost while providing a clear visual of the final deck. The project showcased the Camo brown colour and FORM 130 profile.”
Future sustainability aspirations
Currently pursuing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), Biform continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to transparency and sustainability in its product lifecycle. While the EPD process is extensive, Biform is committed to pursuing this certification to affirm its environmental responsibility further.
Biform’s approach to sustainability exceeds industry standards, aiming to set new benchmarks for decking solutions. Through the innovative use of recycled materials, stringent certifications, comprehensive waste minimisation programs, and significant contributions to reforestation, Biform is charting a course towards a greener future.
Selecting Biform decking solutions for your next project means aligning with a vision of sustainability and excellence. Together, specifiers can design a sustainable future – one meticulously crafted deck at a time.
View Biform’s extensive product range or contact them today on ArchiPro.