Schiavello Group was recently honoured for its commitment to the
environment at the ACTSmart Business Sustainability Awards. Schiavello is one
of Australia’s largest designers and manufacturers of commercial furniture.
The latest recognition marks the second time Schiavello’s sustainability
programs in ACT have received an award from the annual event. Schiavello received
an award within the Corporate category.
Continuously improving its environmental performance since pioneering
environmental management in the industry in 1997, Schiavello has initiated a
range of activities within its manufacturing environment including material
research and development, Life Cycle Analysis, clean production efforts, energy
conservation, de-materialisation, emissions reduction and waste minimisation
through re-use, reduction and recycling.
Schiavello’s e-cycle program recovers Schiavello furniture at the end of
its life for ‘upcycling’ with restoration including re-powder coating,
replacing parts and re-assembly. The reintroduction of e-cycled products can
increase Green Star credits, and present a cost-effective solution for reducing
a company’s environmental impact.
This program was previously recognised for its innovative approach to
sustainability at the ACTSmart Business and Office Awards, winning the ‘Biggest
reduction of waste to landfill’ and ‘Innovation excellence’ categories.
Schiavello ACT joined the ACTSmart program in 2011, and has since
reduced its contribution to landfill by 22%, paper consumption by 56% and
cardboard use by 40%. In 2014, the e-cycle program has so far prevented 202
tonnes of materials from reaching landfill. Once the product is re-used, this
converts to savings of 5,640 tonnes of CO2 and 622,000 litres of water.
