"In honor of Earth Day, we wanted to publish an article that sets out the many ways in which Sustema prioritizes environmental responsibility. As we continue to grow, so does our commitment to environmental responsibility."
Sustema's Commitment to the Environment
At Sustema we believe the future of human life is dependent on both economic vitality and a healthy environment. The future also depends on meeting the needs and aspirations of people and protecting the ecosystem on which all life depends. We believe that every day simple gestures or changes we make create an impact on the environment. Respecting the environment is more than good business practice; it is the right thing to do. Sustainability demands that we pay attention to the entire life cycle of our products.
To that effect, we are committed to designing and manufacturing products that go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and other requirements including:
Use low emitting raw materials
Water-based adhesive
Use non VOC emitting finishes
Pursue prevention of pollution and elimination of waste of any kind
Implement technologies to efficiently use energy resources
Recycle electronics, lamps, batteries, and waste
Use less paper or use recycled paper
Use non-toxic cleaning material
In keeping with these objectives, we have asked our suppliers to participate and have asked them to launch initiatives that set significant sustainability targets for the years to come, including:
Zero hazardous waste generation
Zero air emissions (VOC)
Zero process water use
Our “environment-friendly” offer is increasing every day as new products are designed and marketed by companies supplying products to Sustema. As new products are brought into our offering, we make sure it is an efficient product from a functionality as well as a sustainability standpoint.
Sustema offers:
Energy-efficient lighting system, flexible light level, or dimming control
Personal environment systems with occupancy controls
Electronic accessories that are more energy efficient
Trade-in programs on our products
UPS and battery recuperation service
An important aspect of our environmental policy is the conservation of our resources:
We use steel or aluminum with a percentage of recycled content
We re-use the packaging material we receive from our suppliers
We recycle material that cannot be reused.
At our offices and shops we promote energy-efficient methods:
We use low power consumption lighting system
We have eliminated and or reduced the size of waste containers
We limit the printing of documents to a minimum
Resource Input
Sustema has joined thousands of organizations worldwide in supporting green initiatives and the following measures have been implemented to provide our customers with the most ecological solutions:
Sustema designs and manufactures its products in Montreal, Quebec. As much as possible, we will select raw products or components that are made locally to enter into the manufacturing of our products. This in turn provides more credits for our customers requiring LEED certification.
Sustema uses a percentage of recycled material in the manufacturing of its products:
For work surfaces and shelves, the % is +/- 60% and for metal parts, it is +/- 40 %.
All metal parts are finished using power-coated painting. Powder painting limits the VOC and 100% of unused power paint is recuperated.
Sustema also offers work surfaces and paneling material that is Greenguard certified and work surfaces and paneling material that does not use urea formaldehyde.
It is important to note that the use of recycled raw material in our products is not done at the risk of weakening the products or reducing their life cycle or causing unwanted situations at the end user level.
Metal
Sustema uses a percentage of recycled material in the manufacturing of its products
Although it may vary from time to time, our metal products contain the following percentage of recycled material:
oPre consumed: +/- 40%
oPost consumed: +/- 40%
Packaging And Distribution
A large portion of our packaging material is comprised of recycled packaging material. Sustema buys certain products and components and manufactures others. We reuse much of the packaging material we get from our suppliers for the packaging of our products once assembled. We also limit the packaging to the minimum required for protecting the products and transport. Over the last few years, we have replaced foam-type packaging material with recycled cardboard packaging.
At Sustema we take pride in our commitment to the preserving the environment, this includes using our resources in a smart manner, preventing waste and pollution. If you are looking to renovate your control room with state-of-the-art specialized furniture contact our team of design specialists. We can help you build a solution that meets your needs and requirements without sacrificing quality.
