Sustainability

Furntech-AFRDI enthusiastically embraces the concept of sustainability through creation of a Standard for furniture manufacture, introduced in September 2009. To us, sustainable practices are fundamental to the future of our industry, and to the environment. Adopting sustainability as a working philosophy is also practical: commercial furniture manufacturers more and more must conform to "green" specifications and tender requirements in both the commercial and government sectors. Non-compliance means that, in time, they may potentially be excluded from much of the marketplace.

Sustainability is a broad concept, but it includes consideration of ethical sourcing of raw materials, responsible use of water and energy, minimizing waste and, through better design, enhancing the potential for longer useful life and ultimately, recycling.

Furntech-AFRDI’s Sustainability Standard 150 complements our already enviable reputation for testing and certification, meaning that furniture approved by us will carry an even greater promise of longevity, quality, and environmental soundness.

In September 2011 the Standard incorporated the following modifications:

Additional reference documents in section 3.1
Updated definition in section 3.2
Additional wording in Operational Energy, Water & Waste criteria 4A.1.4 and 4A.1.6
Additional wording in Corporate Social Responsibility criterion 4A.2.3
Additional wording in Transport & Packaging criterion 4A.5.1
Amalgamation of Recycled Content sub-section 4B.2F* with Dematerialisation sub-section 4B.2G*
Revised requirements for Dematerialisation sub-section 4B.2F
New footnote in Dematerialisation sub-section 4B.2F
Additional wording in Indoor Environment Quality criterion 4B.4.5
Additional wording in Disassembly, Recycling, Modularity & Product Refurbishment section 4B.5
Revised requirements for Disassembly, Recycling, Modularity & Product Refurbishment criteria 4B.5.3 and 4B.5.6
Some editorial changes

NOTE: All criteria numbers referenced above relate to the September '11 version of the AFRDI 150 Standard, unless otherwise specified using * notation

AFRDI Standard 150 (issued September 2011) certification is applicable to commercial furniture and corresponds with furniture and assemblies related Material Calculators in Green Star rating tools (chairs, tables, workstations, storage, joinery and loose furniture).

The AFRDI Standard 150 awards 3 levels of certification, which are recognised by the GBCA as follows:

AFRDI Green Tick Level C/Silver - Level B recognition;
AFRDI Green Tick Level B/Gold - Level A recognition; and
AFRDI Green Tick Level A/Platinum - Level A recognition.

Note: The previously recognised June 2011 version of the standard was replaced in September 2011. Product certified to the June 2011 version of the standard will continue to be rewarded until the expiry date of the certification.

List of products certified to AFRDI Sustainability Standard 150 - Commercial Furniture

Information Kit on AFRDI Green Tick Sustainability Assessments

Assessment Request Form