Environmental Policy: OUR OBLIGATION
At Symonite we recognise our duty of care to manage and improve sustainability outcomes across every aspect of our business. From material selection to design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance, we strive to support positive environmental and social impacts that drive our approach to sustainable practices, emphasizing realism, practicality, and continuous improvement.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY
All of the materials used in our projects have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing transparent insights into their environmental impact. We prioritise recyclable materials such as aluminium, terracotta rainscreens, and high-density fibre cement. These materials support a circular economy and reduce waste at the end of a building’s lifecycle. For example, ALUCOBOND® is fully recyclable—the core material and aluminium skins can be returned to the material cycle and reused to produce new materials. Knife milling can separate composite panels into their components for recycling.
Currently, 60% of our cladding materials are aluminium, and all aluminium off-cuts are sent to recycling facilities in Auckland. Additionally, timber-based packaging has replaced steel alternatives, and we are actively reducing single-use plastics in protective films.
Design for longevity
Sustainability begins in the design phase, our design team works closely with architects to optimise material use, reducing offcuts and waste on-site. Our systems include rainscreens and passive solar shading to enhance energy efficiency while addressing challenges such as increased moisture, temperature and heavy rain events caused by climate change.
All our systems are designed for durability, with a lifespan exceeding 50 years. Our cladding maintenance services further extend the life of buildings, ensuring façades remain functional and visually appealing.
Operations and waste management
We strive to minimise the environmental impact of our operations and construction processes. In our factory waste materials—including aluminium, steel, cardboard and plastics —are segregated and recycled. Extraction systems capture dust and particulates, ensuring a safe and clean working environment.
Our teams actively participate in main contractors’ waste management programmes, ensuring correct recycling or disposal of materials like off-cuts and packaging. Method statements now include specific waste minimisation plans. We are exploring alternatives to single-use plastic films and increasing the use of biodegradable protection materials.
Carbon and energy efficiency
We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption across our operations. In partnership with VTech, we are currently developing a carbon calculator to measure and report the embodied carbon of our wall assemblies using BIM models as well as exploring the use of solar charging stations for job sites. As existing fleet vehicles reach the end of their lifecycle, our aim is that the vehicle fleet will transition to hybrid and electric models over the next four years.
People and Culture
Sustainability extends to the people who drive our success. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive workplace, with robust health and safety policies, zero tolerance for workplace bullying, and a culture where all team members feel valued and respected. Employees receive training in sustainable practices, from waste reduction to materials sorting, ensuring sustainability is ingrained in our culture. We foster an inclusive workplace that reflects our values of fairness and equality.
Compliance and continuous improvement
We adhere to stringent environmental standards and continuously seek opportunities for improvement. Our systems meet BRANZ and CodeMark certifications, ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental and safety requirements. We stay ahead of evolving regulations, adapt our practices accordingly, and provide architects and developers with transparent data on material performance, embodied carbon, and sustainability credentials.
LOOKING FORWARD
All of these important points form the foundation of our sustainability journey. We recognise that achieving meaningful change requires ongoing effort, investment, and collaboration with clients, suppliers, and industry partners, and we’re all in. Through this commitment, we aim to create durable, sustainable façades that are visually stunning and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
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