Capral is excited to announce the acceptance of their aluminium framing systems, doors and windows under the International Living Building Future Institute’s Declare program, which is closely aligned with the Living Building Challenge (LBC).
Architects are increasingly looking to specify products that are free from hazardous substances, contribute to the environmental requirements of a new build and have a life cycle that minimises impact on the environment – a task which for many is both challenging and tiring. Often this information is not readily available from manufacturers in a format which is easy to interpret and validate.
The Declare program involves Manufacturers voluntarily disclosing product information on easy-to-read Declare Labels. These labels report all product ingredients and use a simple color code system to flag chemicals of concern. Information is also provided on the product’s final assembly locations, life expectancy, end-of-life options, and overall compliance with relevant requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
“Declare Labels take complex chemical analysis and raw material source location information and provide it to consumers in an easy-to-understand label.†says Brendon Orth, Capral’s National Manager Commercial Systems & Specification.
With the introduction of the United Nation’s Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, industry initiatives such as Declare’s Living Building Challenge have been introduced to help countries reach their sustainability targets.
“As part of Capral’s response to these goals, we have undertaken a wide range of activities within our business in relation to our company, our people and our products. The Declare Label is a product transparency disclosure that allows us to identify where a product comes from, what it’s made of, and where it goes at the end of its life.†says Brendon. “Having a Declare Label allows us to participate as a product supplier to support these initiatives and shows consumers that our products are ones they can trust. Spreading the use of healthy materials is important to us.â€
To qualify for a Declare certification, manufacturers must prove that ingredients in their materials, within 100 parts per million (ppm), are not harmful to the environment.
To do this, Capral had their suppliers provide them with a chemical ingredients list for all materials used in their door, window and framing systems. This list, and the percentages of each element, was tallied for each product and checked for hazardous substances as identified in the Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List . The data was then tabulated and loaded into the Toxnot database for verification and publishing with its appropriate accreditation.
“A large body of work went into achieving this status and we are extremely proud of Capral’s Declare certification.†says Michael O’Keefe, Capral’s General Manager Marketing & Technology. “At Capral, we care for the environment and are committed to the efficient use of resources and the reduction and prevention of pollution and emissions. We recognise that any part of our activities, products or services may impact on the environment and, as a responsible corporate citizen, will work toward sustainable development, which embodies life cycle thinking into its operations.â€
Declare Labels are managed by the International Living Future Institute. General information, lists of Declare products and educational events and materials are available from their website.
Capral now holds three Declare Labels across its product range
Aluminium Window Systems
Aluminium Door Systems
Aluminium Framing Systems
Capral product enquires can be sent to [email protected].
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