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 March 2012 the Standard incorporated the following modifications:

New table in section 2.1
Additional wording in section 2.1
Revised definitions in section 3.2
Modified headings and descriptions for Parts A and B in section 4.0
Reordering of all sustainable performance criteria numbering
Removal of all level (C, B and A) section headings
Addition of numerical points-based indicators for sustainable performance criteria in Part A
Revised requirements for Glass sub-section 4A.4E
Modified numbering for both tables in section 4A.6
Removal of Operational Energy, Water & Waste criteria 4A.1.1* to 4A.1.6* and 4A.1.10*
Removal of Corporate Social Responsibility criteria 4A.2.1*, 4A.2.3* and 4A.2.6*
Removal of Transport & Packaging criteria 4A.5.1*, 4A.5.4* and 4A.5.6*
Addition of (three) innovation recognitions in Part B
Some editorial changes

NOTE: All criteria numbers referenced above relate to the March '12 version of the AFRDI 150 Standard, unless otherwise specified using * notation

AFRDI Standard 150 (issued March 2012) 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 and September 2011 versions of the standard were replaced in March 2012. Products certified to either of these older versions of the standard will continue to be rewarded until the expiry date of the certificate.

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

Information Kit on AFRDI Green Tick Sustainability Assessments

Assessment Request Form