Alongside its sustainable building products, ForestOne is undertaking a range of initiatives to be more responsible in the way it operates its business. Seen in the execution of environmentally mindful practices – such as using hybrid cars, hybrid delivery trucks, LED lighting, solar panels and the newest distribution centre in Berrinba, Queensland – ForestOne exemplifies conscious business decisions that positively affect the environment.

Conducting responsible business is in tune with Specifying Responsibly, a practice that ForestOne embodies through its products, specification representatives and warehouses. With an awareness of the impact of construction on people and the environment, ForestOne considers it an obligation to make the responsible choice and contribute to the sustainability of the ecosystem. “To be truly responsible, we need to look at all aspects of our operations and find ways that we can improve what we do,” says David Brooker, Group Operations Manager at ForestOne. Through its actions, sourcing of ethically made products and building environmentally efficient warehouses – such as the newest distribution centre in Berrinba – ForestOne continues to operate with a business philosophy that “sees us looking across all areas of our operations to implement initiatives that improve what we do and to become more responsible,” notes David.

ForestOne's Berrinba distribution centre

After successfully implementing a plan to replace all vehicles used by ForestOne representatives with hybrid cars – 40 cars in total for representatives across all ForestOne branches – ForestOne has limited the amount of petrol wastage and carbon emissions it is producing. Alone, this initiative saves up to 79 tonnes of carbon per year. Additionally, three hybrid Hino trucks have also been employed to collectively save 18 tonnes of carbon. “These trucks are used to deliver products to our customers,” says David. By utilising hybrid electricity technology, the trucks are much more efficient for ForestOne deliveries and sustainable initiatives. Moreover, the hybrid Hino trucks use “significantly less fuel than a conventional truck would,” David elaborates, “which in turn reduces the overall carbon emissions from our deliveries.”

ForestOne's Berrinba distribution centre

Additionally, three hybrid Hino trucks have also been employed to collectively save 18 tonnes of carbon. “These trucks are used to deliver products to our customers,” says David. By utilising hybrid electricity technology, the trucks are much more efficient for ForestOne deliveries and sustainable initiatives.

ForestOne's Berrinba distribution centre

Further initiatives taken by ForestOne include its partnership with Pakaflex, whereby the supplier buys back clean plastic packaging from customers and recycles 100 per cent of it into more wrap, explains David. The product is also 100 per cent recyclable and made using 25 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic, a number that Pakaflex is committed to increasing over time. “Beyond recycling, this wrap is a higher quality product than what is typically used,” notes David. “It lasts longer and better protects the product inside.”

For its energy-saving initiatives, ForestOne has installed solar panels across branches and warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns and Brisbane. “Solar power generation is another initiative that improves the sustainability of our operations and fits comfortably with our push to be responsible,” says David. “In this case, the solar panels we have installed are estimated to reduce carbon emissions from our energy consumption by 255 tonnes per year on an ongoing basis.”

Solar power

Moreover, ForestOne has switched to GreenPower – a government-accredited program – with Origin Energy in both Melbourne and Sydney offices. This switch is guided by the understanding that solar cannot generate all of ForestOne’s power needs, and allows the company to continue operating responsibly. Matching customers’ energy use, Origin sends the same amount of renewable energy back into the energy grid.

Solar power generation is another initiative that improves the sustainability of our operations and fits comfortably with our push to be responsible,” says David. “In this case, the solar panels we have installed are estimated to reduce carbon emissions from our energy consumption by 255 tonnes per year on an ongoing basis.

In addition to using solar panels and GreenPower, ForestOne has also implemented LED lighting from Signify in its Berrinba distribution centre. A world leader in LED lighting, Signify provides energy-efficient products, systems and services that enable its customers to enjoy a superior quality of light. “ForestOne wanted an intelligent lighting system that maximises energy savings and keeps operational costs low,” says Iulia Antonescu, Marketing Manager APAC at Signify. “They were looking for one of the most technologically advanced solutions in the lighting industry.” As such, Signify “installed a state-of-the-art connected lighting system that ensures light is on when and where it is needed,” explains Iulia. This includes energy efficient Philips luminaires, sensors integrated into the lighting fixture, and Signify’s Interact IoT platform. “The system saves energy and minimises waste by intelligently adjusting the lights based on real-time occupancy patterns and natural light levels,” Iulia explains. “The advanced controls enabled ForestOne to generate a remarkable reduction in energy consumption of up to 70 per cent compared to a non-connected solution.”

LED lighting

Signify estimates that ForestOne has saved up to three kilometres of cables, which further minimises its environmental impact. Built with the aim of achieving a 5-star Green Star rating, the Berrinba distribution centre and sales office additionally feature water conservation measures, energy and water usage monitoring systems, drought-resistant landscaping, low-VOC paints, carpets, sealant and low-formaldehyde-emission engineered wood products.

“The advanced controls enabled ForestOne to generate a remarkable reduction in energy consumption of up to 70 per cent compared to a non-connected solution.” Signify estimates that ForestOne has saved up to three kilometres of cables, which further minimises its environmental impact.

Through its many exercises of conscientious practices, ForestOne exemplifies how leading businesses can further enrich their practices to create a more fruitful outcome for the company, its employees and the environment. Initiated through hybrid cars and trucks, LED lighting, solar panels and so much more, ForestOne continues to operate its business responsibly.

Author: Brett Winchester

Top image: ForestOne's Berrinba distribution centre

Photography: Cieran Murphy | https://cieranmurphy.com/

Architecture & Design Team

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