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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.

further information



recent news

Engineered Wood: A New Timber Alternative

With the look and feel of natural timber, backed by 12 months of performance testing for the public realm, engineered wood joins Street Furniture Australia’s selection of batten materials. Designers and place custodians can now choose from three batten options to achieve a timber look: natural Spotted Gum hardwood, low maintenance aluminium Wood Without Worry, and engineered wood known as Onewood HRT. See our Engineered Wood: Onewood HRT brochure or book a presentation. What is engineered wood?Onewood HRT (Homogeneous Reconstituted Timber) is a solid engineered timber, made from fast-growing FSC certified poplar and eucalyptus fibres that are compressed under heat and pressure with a resin binder. It is solid throughout with an organic grain and, like real hardwood, can be sanded to refresh. Street Furniture Australia partners with a Singapore-based …

  • 7 oct 2025
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Trend Watch: New Study Quantifies Mental Health Benefits of Urban Nature

A new study published in Nature Cities finds that spending time in urban green spaces delivers powerful mental health benefits. Researchers analysed 78 experimental field studies and 449 peer-reviewed papers to quantify how exposure to different types of urban nature impacts mental health outcomes. Key findings: Time spent in green urban environments – notably forests and parks – is linked with meaningful reductions in anxiety, stress and low mood, and boosts to positive wellbeing and vitality. Importantly even short exposures (as little as 15 minutes) yield measurable benefits, while longer engagements (45+ minutes) result in greater gains. The effects are especially pronounced among young adults, although positive effects were seen across all age groups. The researchers say the findings highlight the importance of safeguarding and expanding access to urban nature as …

  • 21 oct 2025
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‘Elegant Simplicity’: Finally A Good-Looking Bin

Linea Bin is the newest addition to Street Furniture Australia’s minimalist Linea range. Built from stainless steel for strength, durability and a refined aesthetic, it has been thoughtfully designed with input from landscape architects and waste managers to deliver hygiene, accessibility and sustainability in the public realm. Built to LastA robust stainless steel frame and panel system ensures Linea Bin performs in high-traffic environments. A full-height stainless steel 316 piano hinge and splash tray provide exceptional strength, hygiene and corrosion resistance, withstanding daily impacts from trolleys and cleaning equipment. “Durability was paramount,” says Pearson Bulmer, Senior Industrial Designer at Street Furniture Australia. “Every detail needed to perform in the public realm for years to come – but also be designed for disassembly so parts can be repaired, replaced or recycled …

  • 24 sep 2025
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