2017: DECLARE Label
In 2017, we obtained the DECLARE Label, listing the ingredients in our products and aligning with the LEED green building rating system. This helped us meet industry standards and be included in GreenStar and HomeStar ratings.
April 2021: Joining NZ Green Building Council
In April 2021, we joined the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), supporting eco-friendly building practices.
December 2021: Environmental Choice New Zealand Licence
By December 2021, we obtained the Environmental Choice New Zealand Licence, recognising our products as better for the environment, enhancing our credibility among architects and builders and helping us gain accreditation for GreenStar and HomeStar products.
March 2023: Carbon Footprint Analysis
In March 2023, we conducted a carbon footprint analysis of our panels, meeting market demands and preparing for new NZ Building Code regulations.
April 2023: VOC Emissions Analysis
We analysed VOC emissions from our sealants in April 2023, addressing health concerns and meeting the demands of architects.
July 2024: Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
In July 2024, we completed our Galv Panel Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), followed by our Colour Panel EPD in August, providing a verified summary of our product’s environmental impact over their life cycle. These EPDs are recognised internationally and often specified in tender documents and contracts.
Ongoing Carbon Reduction Efforts
Our commitment to sustainability includes ongoing initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint:
- Upgrading lighting to LEDs.
- Converting forklifts from LPG to battery power
- Recycling steel scrap.
- Recycling office and kitchen waste.
- Repurposing leftover concrete for clean fill.
- Exploring options to reuse leftover concrete and alternative fibres.
- Continuously reviewing and reducing printing.
- Factory looking at swapping from cheap throwaway pneumatic punches to something more robust (May 24)
- Even though an EPD is valid for 5 years, we will constantly review ours. We are looking forward to the changes that NZ Steel have planned for next year, moving from BOF furnaces (primary) to EAF furnaces (secondary). This will have a very positive impact on our Carbon footprint.
KOROK’s sustainability efforts highlight our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. From the DECLARE Label to our EPDs, we continuously strive for improvement, aiming for a greener, more sustainable future.