Sustainability

Introduction

E.M.Utick have been working on our Sustainability Program since 2007. We understand the importance of addressing climate change, of introducing circular design practices, and of taking care of our staff and the workers in our supply chains. We've developed some great initiatives to address our environmental and social impacts.

We also understand that there is more to do, to ensure we continue to meet stakeholder and industry expectations.

Our commitment is demonstrated by the report, certifications and policies described below.

Sustainability Report

Our 2023 Sustainability Report outlines our commitment to both environmental and social sustainability and provides an overview of our key company and product sustainability initiatives.

Global GreenTag GreenRate Certification

Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A is a Type 1 (third party) ecolabelling certification program. E.M.Utick's timber-laminated worktops have had Level A certification since 2010. This means our worktops are:

• low in toxicity
• low in volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde
• ISO 14001:2015 EMS certified (see below)
• constructed using PEFC-certified timber
• fit for purpose
• Australian-made with majority-Australian-made components
• compliant with all legal requirements relating to social and environmental sustainability
• subject to our Product Stewardship Program for Green Star projects (see below)

AS/NZS ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems Certification

E.M.Utick understand the importance of lowering our environmental impacts and carbon emissions through good business operational practices. Our Environmental Management System (EMS) gives us the framework to assess and address our operational controls, to ensure ongoing reduction of our environmental impacts.

We have been AS/NZS ISO 14001:2015 EMS certified since 2009.

Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

We are committed to operating our business in an ethical and socially responsible manner, and to caring for our community, our employees, our suppliers and the workers in our supply chains. Our Corporate Social Responsibility Policy outlines our commitment to human and labour rights.

Taking care of our employees’ health, safety and wellbeing is really important to our managing director and senior management team. We engage the services of a workplace health and safety expert to ensure we have the systems and practices needed for a safe working environment.

Environmental Policy

Our Environmental Policy outlines our commitment to environmental sustainability and addressing our environmental impacts. We have processes and practices in place to reduce our energy, waste and pollution. For instance, we have installed a 195-kilowatt solar panel system that has seen us dramatically reduce our energy emissions.

We work with a sustainability professional to ensure we are always looking for better ways to reduce our impacts. We provide regular training to our employees and set annual objectives and targets.

Product Stewardship Program

As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have a Product Stewardship Program in place for all our Green Star certified projects. This involves assisting our clients by taking back and reusing or recycling timber and hardware components, so that our products and materials are diverted from landfill wherever possible.