Sustainability and the Environment
Sustainability
Philosophy
We support CO2 reduction, minimising energy use and resource conservation. The textile industry is environmentally conscious and Shade Structures are a part of a sustainable future.
Benefits of Shade Structures
Shade structures offer energy advantages over brick, metal or glass.
- Being light weight they are made with less raw materials,
- Passive cooling benefits arise indoors and outdoors,
- Natural lighting from translucent fabrics reduces reliance on artificial lighting,
- Natural cooling from natural heat reflecting properties of fabrics and
- No ongoing operating costs.
Macro Industry Changes
The textile industry has a clear role to play in sustainability. At the macro level manufacturers are developing processes which are sustainable, which reduce energy reliance and provide better environmental protection. These processes include using water-based coatings, re-use of waste products, component separations and recycling of PVCs. Globally and in Australia this is the future of textile fabric manufacture.
Our direct role
At work we practise sustainability through;
- Converting waste into bags & steel bollards.
- Computer patterning allows economical layout of fabrics.
- Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery reduces emissions.
- Alternate fuel energy with LPG and electric vehicles.
- Small things like openable windows, paper & cartridge recycling.
- LED lighting.
- Solar electricity use with excess energy into grid.
The Environment
Philosophy
Abacus Shade Structures supports the efficient use of resources efficiently and prevention of environmental pollution. If companies are to continue to develop and offer employment opportunities they must also solve environmental problems because ultimately this action today contributes to the survival of humanity. We want to pass on a sustainable and healthy planet to future generations.
Our business is committed to reducing environmental pollution, effective use of resources, supporting companies with an environmental philosophy and contributing to a recycling-based society.
Environmental by Nature
When building a shade structure environmental impact is considered. Environmental considerations include site heritage, preservation of trees, preventing erosion, preserving diversity of the ecology, containment of water and so much more. Minimising environmental impact starts early. Environmental and safety reviews occur at planning, development and design stages.
Shade structures at their core have an underlying environmental purpose. Passive environmental benefits like shade and cooling are the primary roles of shade structures. Shade structures can reduce reliance on lighting, heating or air conditioning as they don’t make resource demands.
Shade Structures may also be built to achieve very specific environmental protection roles as the adjoining projects show. In Photo 1 the objectives of the shade structures are to minimise tank evaporation in the water treatment process. Usable water is the desired output. In Photo 2 the shade structure helps lower temperature of industrial solar inverters making them more efficient amd manageable.
Shade structures over Water Treatment Plant to minimise evaporation
Shade Structure to cool solar inverters