Avasti Design

Avasti Design

Describe your workplace and business:

Since our establishment in 2005, Avasti Design has been committed to the creation of bespoke timber furniture without making a negative environmental impact. In place of virgin timber we use salvaged and recycled timber originating from sources such as diseased and wind-fallen trees and building demolition/renovation. We work from a small workshop in the Macedon Ranges.

What have done to reduce your CO2 emissions?

We operate on a 'reduce, renew and offset' basis: energy consumption is reduced to a minimum in the workshop through efficiency measures; we have switched to 'green power' through our energy provider; and finally, any remaining emissions are carbon offset via Climate Positive.

Any necessary travel is undertaken in the most efficient way possible. Mileage is kept to a minimum and larger, less efficient vehicles are only used where absolutely necessary.

The biggest contribution that we have made in reducing emissions of many kinds is by our active use of timber that would otherwise end up in landfill. By sourcing timber from businesses such as Bowerbird Salvaged Timber in Warburton, we are able to take recycling that step further.

Where have you saved the most energy?

The standard workshop is an inherently difficult environment to heat and light effectively. To avoid an inordinate use of energy we have adopted seasonal working practices and make every effort to use the sun's energy. This means that we have a bias towards design in the winter months, working from my studio at home that can be heated and lit far more efficiently than the workshop. The summer months mean longer days in the workshop, enjoying the fresh air and views, making use of the natural breezes and shade of the workshop.
Where work dictates that we step away from his practice, we try to ensure that more than one person is benefiting from the heating, lighting etc.

What plans do you have for future reductions?

Our goals for 2007/2008 include:

• Moving towards using only Australian-sourced timber in order to avoid transportation related emissions
• Developing the use of online and paperless methods, and
• Research into environmentally sound commercial vehicles.

Over the longer term we are committed to establishing a purpose-built workshop that will run on 100% renewable energy, 365 days a year.

Why have you become Climate Positive?

Every individual and business has a responsibility to reduce their impact on the planet's fragile position. The carbon-offsetting solution that is offered by Climate Positive fulfils my two main criteria: to immediately offset any emissions for which my business is responsible; and to invest in longer term solutions to the environmental issues that we all face.

How do you think we, our leaders and broader community should tackle Climate Change?

It is imperative that each individual, business and government tackles climate change in as strong a way as possible. Currently, politics and profits are dictating the way forward - this is not a tenable solution to a problem that affects every individual on the planet. As our leaders bicker amongst themselves and use others' inaction or reticence as an excuse to do as little as possible, the clock still ticks. Governmental views on the subject remain national not global, a stance which has rapidly become outdated. This tendency to view a global issue only in terms of national consequence is frightening.

Whilst we can make a small but important contribution through sites such as this, we must also tackle the harder issues and lobby our leaders to act together on behalf of us all.

Thanks, we're sure your story will help inspire others.