US landscape architects call for Climate and Biodiversity Commitment
Support for a Climate and Biodiversity Commitment Program for landscape architects is high among members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), according to an April 2025 survey.
Of 230 respondents, 77% expressed the need for a program to drive greater accountability and structured action toward climate and biodiversity goals. Similar to initiatives in related fields, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment, the program would require tracking project impacts and publishing annual progress reports.
More than a third of participants said they are investing in meeting climate goals, prioritising staff training and the use of low-emission materials. 23% of respondents have their own action plans in place.
Respondents noted challenges in knowledge and resources, and collaboration with clients and partners. Only 19% of respondents felt fully equipped to meet the measurable goals outlined in the ASLA Climate Action Plan.
ASLA says it continues to explore the feasibility and structure of a new commitment program tailored to the needs of landscape architects. See the full survey findings on the ASLA website.
Street Furniture Australia is certified carbon neutral through the Climate Active program. Request our Climate Action White Paper.
New research: what shapes walkability?
Perceptions of walkability – how safe, pleasant and convenient walking feels – play a more powerful role in shaping walking behaviour than physical infrastructure alone, according to a 2025 study published in Transportation Research.
‘Perceived walkability’ is positively influenced by direct and well-connected routes, smooth and well-maintained surfaces, safety from traffic, attractive streetscapes, accessible street furniture and the presence of other people, the researchers found.
Street furniture contributes by enhancing comfort, safety and accessibility, making walking routes more attractive and usable for a range of people. Seating, lighting and signage can support rest, orientation and a sense of place – especially important for older adults, people with disabilities and those walking longer distances.
The research also found that walkability perceptions vary significantly by local context and are shaped by general attitudes towards walking, highlighting the importance of community engagement, place-based design, public education campaigns and walking activation programs.
Street Furniture Australia’s entire product range and manufacturing operation has received carbon neutral certification through Climate Active™. Achieving carbon neutral certification marks a significant milestone in our operation and the culmination of a four year long process of detailed measurement and analysis. Climate Active™ is the only Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification programme for businesses to measure, reduce, and offsets their carbon emissions. It is one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral programs in the world. An approved Emissions Reduction Strategy (ERS) is central to achieving certification through Climate Active. Street Furniture Australia has elected to use SBTi validated science-based targets to ensure their ERS is meaningful and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. For those emissions that can’t be …
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 …
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 …
