In our rapidly evolving construction industry, there is a growing concern over the use of 'greenwashing' - token efforts in appearing environmentally friendly without making substantive changes to business practices. We must face the fact that sustainability cannot be a 'buzzword' - it needs to be a necessity and that requires transparency.
As architects, office-fit out companies, door manufacturers and professionals within the construction industry, seeking overall reductions in embodied carbon is now becoming a reflex. Specifying sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives goes far beyond meeting regulatory requirements - it's about leading the charge towards a safer and more responsible future.
Why is low embodied carbon, sustainable ironmongery an important development?
Because everything we use in construction needs to be scrutinised for sustainability and embodied carbon. Only through this will we reduce the environmental impact of our choices. Many of our customers, architects, interior designers, and their clients may not be aware of what happens to products when they make way for the demands of a new fit out project.
The life cycle of ironmongery when an office is stripped out to be re-fitted with new products is a case in point, and our collective aim must be to curtail this cycle wherever possible.
Most ironmongery products are removed after an average of only 7 years, even though they are functional for up to 25 years. The discarded ironmongery products are shipped overseas as scrap metal – often to the Far East and South Asia.
We are delighted to introduce Poole Waite & Co Ltd.’s new Eco-Friendly Sustainable Ironmongery Ranges, designed and engineered to the same quality you expect from architectural hardware, but with the added benefit of reduced embodied carbon.
We are actively promoting the benefits of using this range to specifiers, customers, and their clients to help in enabling them to make a significant reduction to their own carbon footprint and improve their commitment to fighting climate change.
How does EPD verification help businesses improve their commitment to protecting the environment?
Environmental Product Declaration– EPD - is a standardised and internationally recognised document that provides transparent and comparable information about the environmental performance of a product or system throughout its life cycle. EPDs are verified by independent third-party organizations to ensure accuracy, credibility, and compliance with relevant standards and guidelines.
EPD verification involves a comprehensive assessment of the environmental data and information provided in the EPD to verify its accuracy, completeness, and reliability. They signal an organisation’s commitment to measuring and help in reducing the environmental impact of its projects.
If your business ensures products used in their projects have EPD verification, you are demonstrating your commitment to tackling climate change as well as be better prepared for any potential future legislative changes regarding the environment.
In short, championing EPD verification in projects can not only improve your business’ reputation amongst environmentally conscious customers but can also save you money in the long term by preventing you from having to make costly or disruptive adjustments to your business in the future.
Eco-friendly sustainable ironmongery is estimated offer up to 68% embodied carbon savings tested to ISO 14025
The use of EPD verification helps focus your business on minimising its environmental impact as part of day-to-day operations by scrutinising your supply chain and where your goods come from.
According to data from the Carbon Leadership Forum, approximately 30% of all global carbon emissions are attributable to the building sector, with at least 8% from the manufacturing of construction materials, so it’s no secret that our industry is one of the highest contributors to globally increasing CO2 levels.
We’ve introduced our new eco-friendly sustainable ironmongery ranges to help reduce the environmental impact of ironmongery specification and installation.
These ranges offer re-conditioned, upcycled and rejuvenated ironmongery – reducing the cycle of sending used items to scrap which are in good working condition. All our orders are sent in biodegradable or recyclable packaging, and we have had our products tested to ISO 14025.
ECO 1 Range. A range of used, upcycled and rejuvenated ironmongery consisting of re-conditioned and new ‘older stock’ manufactured pre-2004. Also includes ex-showroom and display stock. Finished to a Grade A standard ideal for specification and use in office fit out and construction. Estimated 68% embodied carbon savings when assessed against similar products that used virgin materials. Tested to ISO 14025.
ECO 2 Range. Similar to ECO 1, this range consists of used, upcycled and rejuvenated ironmongery. Ex-display and showroom samples, suppliers’ returns, new ‘older stock’ manufactured pre-2004 – finished to a Grade B standard ideal for site hoardings, short term and temporary use.
ECO 3 Range. A range of new ironmongery, powder-coated (in Matt Black and Matt White only) using the latest low energy power from AkzoNobel (Interpon 610E) that reduces the carbon footprint during use. Estimated 29% embodied carbon savings when assessed against similar products on the market. Tested to ISO 14025. All finishes (including Satin Stainless Steel) incorporate our own unique antimicrobial additive which gives permanent protection and is proven to reduce harmful microbes, including MRSA and E. coli, by as much as 99.99%. Also proven effective against the COVID-19 virus, tested to ISO 21702.
ECO 4 Range. This is a range of new products (in Satin Stainless Steel and Matt Black) entirely manufactured in the UK (unless otherwise stated) using the latest ‘green’ machinery and metal finishing techniques. All government legislation, including the Environmental Act, are met during manufacture. The Matt Black finish incorporates our own unique antimicrobial additive which gives permanent protection and is proven to reduce harmful microbes, including MRSA and E. coli, by as much as 99.99%. Also proven effective against the COVID-19 virus, tested to ISO 21702.
Building a greener tomorrow with sustainable ironmongery as part of your business operations
Poole Waite has been deeply embedded within the construction sector for nearly 85 years and we recognise our industry can impact the environment. Our Eco Ranges have been specifically created to give clients and specifiers an opportunity to help future-proof their business while making a meaningful difference to the environment, our society and not least foster peace of mind.
We are actively promoting the benefits of using our eco ranges to both customers and their clients as it will enable them to make a significant reduction to their own carbon footprint with the use of sustainable ironmongery.
Our ECO 3 range is now available to browse and purchase online. Please contact our sustainability department for more information.
Claire Osmon CiAH, DipFD
Head of Client Relations & Sustainability Manager
Nicky Klein
Business Development & Sustainability Executive