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.

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

Designing for Density – And Liveability: West Fest 2025

More than 200 built environment professionals from government, landscape architecture, planning and research gathered for West Fest 2025 in Parramatta NSW and online to discuss one of Western Sydney’s biggest challenges: how to design density that enhances liveability. Hosted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Cumberland City Council and Street Furniture Australia, this third annual event delivered fast-paced keynotes and two panels led by Joshua French, CEO, Greater Sydney Parklands – all focused on shaping a more connected, high-amenity future for the region. The conversation opened with insights from Jeremy Gill, Head of Policy, Committee for Sydney, who challenged the city to move beyond housing targets and instead focus on “density done well.” He emphasised that great density is defined by thriving neighbourhoods where public space, mobility, services and …

  • 27 nov 2025
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‘Win a Trip to Sydney’ 2025 Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the winners of our ‘Win a Trip to Sydney’ promotion! A few lucky landscape architects from Australia and the US will experience the best of Sydney over several days in March 2026. Events include Street Furniture Australia’s VIP 40th Birthday Party, a factory tour, fine dining and more. The prize also includes return flights and 5-star hotel accommodation. US winners are hosted in collaboration with our distributor partner Spruce and Gander and will be announced soon. The 2025 Australian winners are: South AustraliaKiri BowmerJPE Design QueenslandCindy Pester Urbis VictoriaEmma BickerdikeTract Western AustraliaRose BaileyFour Landscape Studio Northern TerritoryAndrea Bleakley Bennett Architecture Northern TerritoryLanson IpBennett Architecture How did they win? All our Studio Workshops include a quick and fun game. The winning team are individually entered into a grand prize …

  • 27 nov 2025
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Trend Watch: Safer Parks for Women and Girls

The second edition of Safer Parks: Improving Access for Women and Girls brings renewed attention to how public green spaces must evolve to address longstanding safety and access inequities. The report builds on research from the University of Leeds and other partners and is now endorsed by the UK’s Police Crime Prevention Initiatives. The guidance is structured around three sections: ‘Eyes on the Park’ (ensuring sufficient presence and visibility of people to increase confidence), ‘Awareness’ (design and management interventions to boost perceived and actual safety), and ‘Inclusion’ (ensuring voices and experiences of women and girls shape the space). Ten guiding principles across these sections are illustrated with case studies showing how practical design, maintenance and usage strategies – such as sight lines, lighting, programming, local outreach and responsive maintenance – …

  • 3 nov 2025
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