From large-scale infrastructure projects to residential builds, sustainability is shaping the Australian construction industry. Fasteners may be small, but given the volume used in every project, their environmental impact quickly adds up. Selecting the right fasteners can help builders and designers meet sustainability standards, reduce waste, and support green building certifications.
What is “Green Building”?
According to the Green Building Council of Australia, green building “meets the needs of the present without compromising the future” (source). This approach aims to reduce environmental impact at every stage of construction while creating efficient, healthy environments for current and future occupants.
In Australia, Green Star is the leading benchmark for sustainable construction, while the National Construction Code (NCC) provides minimum requirements around energy efficiency, water conservation, and emissions reduction. Importantly, certification applies to an entire building, meaning even small components like fasteners must align with sustainability principles.
Recyclability and Material Sourcing
Most fasteners are made from steel, stainless steel, aluminium, or brass. For sustainable builds, choosing fasteners made from recycled materials is key, as is ensuring they can be recycled again at the end of their life.
Manufacturers are increasingly providing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to demonstrate the environmental footprint of their fasteners. Using thousands of recycled and recyclable fasteners across a project can directly contribute to earning Green Star credits.
Durability and Longevity
Durable fasteners reduce replacement frequency, minimising waste over the lifespan of a building. In Australia, common practices to extend durability include:
- Using stainless steel in marine and coastal environments for superior corrosion resistance.
- Applying hot-dip galvanising (AS/NZS1214) for long-lasting protection in outdoor projects.
- Opting for zinc plating as a cost-effective option in light-duty applications.
The Australian climate demands this kind of “lifetime thinking,” ensuring materials can withstand UV exposure, humidity, and salt without frequent replacement.
Australian Standards and Sustainability
Compliant fasteners must meet AS/NZS standards for performance, durability, and safety. This isn’t just about reliability—it’s about sustainability. Sub-standard fasteners may fail prematurely, leading to waste and unnecessary environmental impact. Green Star recognises projects that consistently use compliant, high-quality products, including fasteners.
What Makes a Fastener “Green”?
Eco-friendly fasteners combine durability, sustainable sourcing, and compliance. Key features include:
- Recycled content: Reduces energy use and carbon emissions from manufacturing new materials.
- Efficient manufacturing: Low-energy, low-waste processes that minimise emissions.
- Protective coatings: Long-life finishes reduce corrosion, extending fastener lifespan and minimising replacements.
- Right-sizing: Ensuring fasteners are fit for purpose prevents wasted resources from over-specification.
- Sustainable packaging: Recyclable or biodegradable packaging supports eco-friendly supply chains.
Conclusion
Fasteners are a small but essential part of building sustainably. Choosing responsibly sourced, durable, and compliant fasteners supports industry standards like Green Star while reducing the overall environmental footprint of construction projects.
At Bricon Industries, we are a family-owned industrial fasteners supplier committed to sustainable practices. Our expertise and product range can help your project meet both performance requirements and environmental goals.
