Sustainability Matters at Abodo

Abodo has a commitment to lifetime beauty and meeting today's increasing needs without disadvantaging future generations.

One of our core values is walking the talk. Whilst we recognise there is always more we can do, here are three main areas we have already put sustainability into action.

1. Our Product Approach
2. Circular Economy Education and Community
3. Better Business

1. Our Product Approach

Baked into our carefully crafted timber and eco-system is a focus on a long term sustainable supply of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, rapidly renewable log stock, along with a sensitivity to avoid harmful materials in our manufacturing process and contributing to a lower carbon footprint by localising our log processing.

Our Environmental Product Document (EPD) released in October 2020 verifies that Vulcan timber stores more carbon than is used in its production, meaning the built environment industry can capitalise on carbon storage and wellbeing benefits.

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Certified, Rapidly Renewable Timber

Our strong partnerships with forest owners in New Zealand ensure a consistent supply of high quality FSC® (FSC-C010962) certified logs. FSC® requires a minimum of 10% of a managed forest to be set aside for native planting.

Since July 2008, Abodo has held an FSC® Chain of Custody certificate which has been maintained for 15 years after passing regular audits. Chain of custody is a key component in ensuring the responsible and sustainable harvesting and processing of timber from forest to finished product.‌

Thermal Modification Using Heat + Steam

Thermal modification uses steam and high temperatures in excess of 190 degrees Celsius, dramatically increasing the durability and stability of the wood.

This is achieved without the use of wood preservatives or chemicals of any type. Together with our sawmill partners, we have co-invested in three (soon to be four) thermal modification kilns.

2. Circular Economy Education and Community

Our commitment to a better carbon built environment and sustainable future has extended to the building of Cardrona Cabin, to demonstrate significant carbon storage benefits to be gained through the use of timber.

We have also developed a building materials carbon pyramid education tool, collaborate with architectural education institutes, and sponsor like-minded sustainable causes.

Architecture Student Community Project

We provide offcuts of our timber, free of charge, for architectural students to unleash their creativity and learn the benefits of working in a circular economy.

One example is this bike pod created by Unitec School of Architecture students – encouraging sustainable practices in more ways than one.

Sustainable Sponsorships

Abodo sponsors projects that support regenerative, sustainable initiatives, for a better tomorrow.

These include:

Donating to causes such as Trees that Count, Sustainable Coastlines, Clean State and Greening Australia as part of our Christmas 2021 gifting.

Sponsoring the Esk Valley nursery build, in partnership with Pan Pac, one of Abodo’s key forestry partners. The nursery will produce 10,000 natives per year that will all be used for riparian planting and ecosystem enhancement.

3. Better Business

Taking action within the day-to-day business operation of Abodo to be more sustainable, not only benefits the bottom line, but has wellbeing benefits for our people and contributes to having a lighter carbon footprint in our manufacturing processes.

We’re growing our e-fleet, recycling materials and using solar powered energy where we can.

Solar Panels

Abodo Mangere is the site of our Head Office, Warehouse Manufacturing and Showroom.

We recently undertook a 25KW solar installation which now runs our office, our warehouse lighting, electric forklifts, power tools and coating line.

E-Fleet: E-Bikes, EV Forklifts & Cars

Three e-bikes are being used by the Abodo Mangere Warehouse team for travel to and from work. This is also in an effort to reduce the number of cars on the road, and to help staff reduce travel costs.

Barney is one of the four electric forklifts we run at Abodo Mangere. A good deal of the electricity generated to run Barney is from solar panels on our roof. Having made the switch from LPG over five years ago we will never go back.

All new additions to the Abodo fleet are EV, including a recent pool car for shared staff use. If staff have their own EV, they are encouraged to charge the vehicle while it’s parked at the office – to utilise Abodo’s solar generated electricity.

Working From Home (WFH) Policy

Reducing the number of cars on the road and to help reduce travel costs, Abodo staff now have the choice of working from home two-three days per week.

Recycling Materials – Timber Offcuts & Packaging

The Abodo Mangere team are now recycling our own waste cardboard into protective packaging. Samples and accessories are now protected with cardboard instead of plastic.

We are also sharing a little bit of wood love in every sample box sent within New Zealand. In a co-lab with Unitec School of Architecture we have upcycled our Vulcan Panelling offcuts into a little wood heart, a perfect demonstration of love for rapidly renewable wood.