It is pleasing to see the sustainability conversation take on new dimensions in interior projects as more companies see the challenge and opportunity in tackling the climate change issue. One flooring company has always believed that taking real climate action means going above and beyond, and now it has the certification to prove it.
GH Commercial is proud to announce that it is now certified carbon neutral under the government’s Climate Active program, which recognises businesses that take voluntary climate action to measure, reduce and offset carbon emissions, with a result of net zero emissions. The Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification is one of the most rigorous in the world, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and industry leadership to drive genuine change.
As part of Mohawk Industries, GH Commercial offers one of the largest portfolios of high-quality commercial carpet tiles, broadloom carpet, woven carpets, Fast Track® custom-designed carpets, and hard flooring options, with a focus on the Australian and New Zealand market. The company utilises the latest manufacturing technology and processes to deliver flooring products that elevate the spaces where we live, learn, work, play and rest.
Better back then
With its ‘Believe In Better’ framework, GH Commercial has long been advancing its mission of a more sustainable future. This framework focuses on several key pillars, such as material health, biophilic design, and product transparency, through which the company not only improves its products and processes, but also provides opportunities for people to grow, and its facilities to be more efficient.
This philosophy set GH Commercial on a path of continuous improvement. New energy-efficient equipment made their way to the company’s manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Recycling and reuse efforts were ramped up, as were initiatives to divert waste from landfills. This included carpet take-back programs and the installation of machinery that reduced yarn wastage during manufacturing.
From 2015 to 2019, these efforts had already reduced the company’s energy consumption by 22%, emissions by 40%, plus usage of electricity by 40%, natural gas by 66% and LPG by 91%.
Better now
GH Commercial achieved Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification in September 2021 through support of two key iniatives – offsetting over 17,500 tonnes of CO2e emissions. A small, but important contribution to the following overall projects:
The Carbon Conscious Carbon Capture Project 1 is a reforestation mission across 5,700ha in Western Australia. The project has seen over six million native species Mallee trees planted in one year, and is committed to maintaining the forest for a minimum of 100 years.
A neighbour to many of its hard flooring suppliers, GH Commercial also supports the Hubei Duhe Pankou Hydropower Plant in China. Utilising water resources of the Du River and delivering over one million MWh of electricity to the Central China Power Grid, this project upholds the UN Sustainability Development Goal of taking urgent climate action.
Better to come
Not resting on its laurels, GH Commercial believes it can still do better. The company has committed to reducing its environmental impact in line with the Paris Agreement, and beyond, across all new product development – aiming for a 30% reduction in absolute (total) emissions, and 80% reduction of pre-consumer waste going to landfill by 2030.
Through the Godfrey Hirst brand, GH Commercial draws on over 150 years of local manufacturing experience. By continuing to make products locally, support local employees and help clients create net zero carbon buildings, the company is set to make even better progress on its sustainability journey.
