SUSTAINABILITY
NBP is committed to embedding Sustainability into our core business and providing products and services that contribute positively to local communities. We regularly review our environmental policy and are constantly incorporating Sustainability initiatives into our ongoing performance.
Our main Sustainability Objectives are:
1
Collaborative Design and delivery process
Nature Based Play prides itself on working collaboratively with clients and the local community. An inclusive process allows for the Nature Based Play design to be reflective of the local site and community needs, whilst providing community ‘ownership’ of the constructed Nature Space.
Collaboration and partnerships are very important to NBP, as the process of developing these Naturescape projects is fundamental in delivering quality products and outcomes for the client and local community.
2
Community Benefits
The Nature Based Play spaces we create bring many benefits to the local community and the kids (and carers) that enjoy them. As a business, we support local communities through providing in-kind and collaborative support to their projects, helping them to realise their vision of Nature Play for their community.
Research into Outdoor Nature Play and Learning has shown many benefits to kids’ overall wellbeing when enjoying these quality designed spaces. Because of these benefits there is a definite movement into providing more of these quality nature’s play spaces into local communities and schools. Plus, the kids just love them!!
We like to think our Nature Based Play Spaces are “NICE” places for kids to enjoy and explore:
Natural
Created using natural timbers, features and forms, encouraging sensory engagement and nature appreciation.
Interactive
Designs encourage and enable kids to play and co-operate together, honing their awareness and reasoning skills.
Creative
Provide free flowing play spaces to explore, imagine and shape.
Educational
Engagement and learning of the natural environment, improving self esteem and focus.
Gourley Park East Fremantle. Much of the timber used on this project was salvaged from the Melconnx project to build the Metronet Ellenbrook to Morley train line. Featured in the Australasian Railway Association Guide as “Best Practice Example for Sustainability”.
NBP’s proven quality designs, with the use of natural materials, educational and learning elements can and do improve:
Nature Based Play has received a lot of positive feedback from our completed projects on the benefits to the kids and community:
…kids love spending time out there. The creative play that takes place is amazing and beautiful to watch…
..The Adventure Landscape has been a huge and immediate success. It’s been fantastic to see how quickly the place has embedded itself into the community..
..The result - an excellent addition to our community facilities, for enjoyment by all ages for years to come…
..There were lots of daredevils jumping from place to place, skipping using the huge rope, balancing, climbing and general fun to be had…
3
Environmentally Responsible
Nature Based Play as a business aims very high in sourcing environmentally friendly materials and resources for our naturescape designs, and in the construction and manufacture process.
Nature Based Play Materials
We specify materials for our designs that are locally sourced, renewable, natural, recycled and reusable. This allows us as a business to reduce carbon emissions and resource use, reduce waste to landfill and support biodiversity.
Sustainable Timbers:
We ensure our timber and logs only come from sustainable sources, including reusing otherwise discarded logs, and harvesting from the Forest Commission selecting timbers that would not otherwise be utilized for normal timber production. We select and source trees and logs that are earmarked for mulching, landfill, or burning, saving the logs as a natural resource and capturing carbon.
Local Materials:
Buying local always goes a long way in reducing environmental impacts on the community, and supporting local communities. We source locally for all our landscaping materials, using renewable products where possible.
Recycled and Reusable Materials:
Much of our construction materials are from reused or recycled materials, such as salvaged ropes, tyres, steel and discarded timber and rocks –repurposed for use in our projects.
Mulch – comes from timber mill waste – not raw timber
Rocks – where possible from local clearing
Rope – all our large rope is sourced locally from reused shipping rope from Fremantle Wharf
Sand – sourced from earthworks locally where possible.
Rubber – Repurposed rubber conveyor belt used as edging on our playgrounds is material normally earmarked for landfill
Flora
Sourcing local and native species for all our projects, creating natural shade and encouraging local fauna such as birds. Last year our team planted more than 2500 new trees and shrubs into our built projects, while retaining and incorporating all existing plants on site into our designs.
Nature Based Play Construction and Manufacturing
During construction and manufacture we have infrastructure and processes in place to reduce our environmental impacts.
Renewable Energy: Solar Power
Our factory in O’Connor is equipped with a 6.2kW solar panel system, that allows us to produce our own energy, using a minimal amount of electricity from the grid. Up to 75% of our electricity usage is provided by renewable energy.
Waste Efficiency: Sorting and recycling waste
We collect and reuse most of our timber offcuts and milling waste for smaller timber Loose Play parts, reconstituted ground surface, and mulch. Other wastes such as rope offcuts are recycled for reuse on other projects or in the factory.
Steel play components removed in the demolition process are taken to local scrap metal recyclers.
Water Efficiency: Water reduction
Onsite we use water sparingly, only when absolutely required for construction, and in the factory, clean down items with compressed air instead of water where possible. Vehicles are cleaned at car washes with reused water.
Low Toxic finishes
All the timber finishes we use are non/low toxic, whilst being durable to the elements. This is good for the environment, and the children playing on the finished timbers.
