The Importance of Sustainability: HPL Compact Sheets

Green building projects and sustainable construction trends are on the rise in Africa — and not just because of environmental regulations. Client demand is the number one factor in green and sustainable building activities.
The evidence is clear: in order to keep pace with environmental regulations and client demands, today’s designers, architects, and builders must invest in sustainable construction.
For over a century, Fundermax has specialized in processing renewable raw materials. As a globally trusted manufacturer of sustainable phenolic panels (also called HPL panels), FunderMax are committed to environmental responsibility.
What Does it Mean to be Sustainable?
First, let’s quickly distinguish between “green” and “sustainable.” The terms are generally used interchangeably, but more specifically, green initiatives are steps in the journey toward sustainability. When a person thinks of “sustainable construction,” they typically think of using renewable or recyclable materials. While that is true, sustainability actually encompasses quite a bit more.
According to the World Green Building Council, to be sustainable means to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts and create positive impacts by considering the environment during design, construction, and operation.
Simply put, sustainable construction reduces the industry’s overall impact on the environment not only during construction but also throughout the lifespan of the building.
- using renewable and recyclable materials in construction
- using materials that are ethical and non-toxic
- reducing building material waste
- using proper insulation to reduce heat loss
- ensuring good indoor air quality
- using renewable and recyclable materials in construction
- implementing pollution and waste reduction measures
- using solar panels to reduce energy consumption
- using durable building materials that have longevity
Sustainable Lab Work Surfaces


Why Does Using Sustainable Building Materials Matter?
1. Reduced Negative Impact on the Environment
The construction industry has a significant impact on the environment, and it is critical to reduce as much of the negative impact as possible by:
- using renewable, responsibly sourced materials
- reducing waste by using high yield materials
- reducing waste by using durable materials with a long lifespan
- using materials that promote energy efficiency and low emissions
2. Cost Effective over Time
Many of the same features that reduce environmental impact also serve to save money over time, namely:
- durability and longevity of materials which reduces the cost of ownership
- energy efficiency which reduces expenses for building owners and tenants
3. Uncompromised Design
Sustainability and premium design are not mutually exclusive. Regardless of the application, sustainable materials can reliably deliver on design and aesthetics.
Sustainable Exterior Wall Panels


Look at the Product Composition
Consider the composition of the building material or product. What makes up the product? For example, all panels in a Fundermax phenolic wall panel system consist of 65% natural fibers sourced from FSC certified forests, and 35% resins.
Also, what is not in the product? Equally important is that Fundermax sustainable wall panels do not contain urea-formaldehydes, organic halogen compounds (which can be found in greenhouse gases or PVC), or a host of other problematic ingredients like silica, asbestos, sulfur, or mercury.
Sustainable Interior Wall Panels


Specify with Salvocorp
Although Salvocorp always carries core colour ranges, kindly remember to always confirm stock levels and the lead times with a Salvocorp representative. It is also important to let representatives know when products are specified so that the councils can start to communicate with the fabricators and installers as soon as possible to ensure availability and to assist with any technical data and questions.