Design Philosophy

environmental strategy

We only bring quality products into the urban environment.

To do this responsibly, Street Furniture Australia implements best practices in environmental management.

We maintain an Environmental Management System, including certification to ISO 14001:2015 – an audited systematic approach for measuring and improving the impact on the environment.

A Life Cycle Analysis was completed in December 2021 to show the carbon footprint and climate impact of our seats; to help our customers make an informed choice (enquire now to view this report). In future we will use this data to make design improvements to further reduce the impact of our products.

Additionally in FY21 we completed a comprehensive greenhouse gas assessment to better understand our impacts. We are currently undertaking a greenhouse gas assessment for FY22, with the intention of devising a robust emissions reduction strategy, and pursuing carbon neutral certification.

We recognise we have a responsibility to ensure all of our activities, products and services are designed to protect and enhance the natural environment. We seek to continually improve our environmental performance by exploring new materials, processes and business models that improve the sustainability of our products.

Our current practices include:

Inhouse manufacturing

All products are made-to-order and dispatched from our factory in Western Sydney, Australia. The factory gives preference to local suppliers, uses energy efficiently and actively practises LEAN manufacturing methodologies to minimise waste.

Eco-certified timber

Our hardwood is eco-certified and sourced from sustainably-managed FSC and PEFC-certified forests.

Recyclable materials

We use 100% recyclable aluminium and steel frames, and aluminium battens.

Durability

Our products are made to last for decades through the exclusive use of premium heavy-duty materials and finishes.

Your right to repair

Our products are designed to allow for easy replacement of damaged parts. We provide our customers with the assurance that spare parts will be readily available well into the future through our Parts Promise.

See a case study of refurbishing 20-year-old Australian War Memorial seats.

Timeless design

Design quality impacts the lifespan of a product. We invest in R&D to deliver the best in aesthetic detail, safety, ergonomics, functionality, low maintenance and vandal-resistance to our clients. Every part is designed thoughtfully to bring lasting enjoyment to the public environment.

Leading and supporting industry change

Street Furniture Australia encourages our suppliers and contractors to uphold similar environmental standards. We support leadership initiatives by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects to drive broader industry change, including through the Declaration of a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.



recent news

Freocast community radio creates a ‘third place’

Broadcasting from a shipping container studio in South Fremantle in the city of Perth, Western Australia, independent not-for-profit community radio station Freocast shares music and storytelling by local voices. A passion project for Fremantle architect and long-serving community radio broadcaster Nick Juniper, the online station is supported by volunteers and local partners to broadcast a range of community-based shows and DJ mixes, and hosts events onsite. Juniper says the station creates a connective space: “Fremantle has a very strong, engaged and passionate community, and I created Freocast as a way of providing an opportunity for a wide variety of voices and opinions to have a chance to broadcast,” he told StreetChat. “We also felt strongly about creating a physical space where the community could come together, connect, listen to music …

  • 14 dec 2023
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Trend Watch December 2023

Plant diversity in urban green spaces led to sevenfold increase in insect species New research suggests that the introduction of even small green urban spaces can dramatically improve local biodiversity. A study lead by Dr Luis Mata of the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia examined the ecological outcomes of planting 12 indigenous plant species on a small 195 square metre plot in Melbourne, adjacent to a major road. The research, Mata told The Guardian, “Was conducted in a very densely urbanised area, completely surrounded by streets and relatively tall buildings, and with limited access to surrounding green space.” The researchers identified the presence of 94 insect species, with 91 indigenous to the Australian state of Victoria. They estimated that by the final year of the study there were about …

  • 14 dec 2023
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Highlights from ‘Activating Western Sydney’ knowledge exchange

Cumberland City Council, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and Street Furniture Australia in November co-hosted a factory tour and knowledge exchange for Councils about creating great public spaces and local manufacturing. Guest speakers presented enriching case studies and conversations about Country, climate, culture and community at the Street Furniture Australia factory, which is located within the Cumberland LGA in Western Sydney. 55 people attended the event. Head of Marketing and Innovation with Street Furniture Australia, June Lee Boxsell, said, “Activating Western Sydney was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas on bringing joy to our local communities while also celebrating the completion of Merrylands Civic Square — a remarkable human-centred development at the heart of Cumberland City Council. “With Street Furniture Australia positioned right at the doorstep of Western Sydney-based …

  • 21 nov 2023
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