Environmental Commitment
Syndesis,
Inc.'s commitment to the environment is demonstrated in the innovative
design of its products, manufacturing operations, marketing materials
and building design. Syndesis Inc.'s corporate values are holistic and
based on the respect and efficient use of our human and natural resources
with an overriding commitment to the greater whole. The company's high
level of environmental awareness is demonstrated in every aspect of
its approach to business, from its products and manufacturing processes
to its marketing and promotional materials, internal corporate culture,
architectural designs and the energy efficient design of its facility.
Syndesis, Inc. is committed to transforming the excesses and waste of
today's society into value-added, quality designed products. Syndesis,
Inc. actively researches and sources new environmentally responsible
materials and procedures for the production of its outstanding innovative
design product, Syndecrete®. With
Syndecrete®, the company is able
to offer the market an unique environmentally responsible product which
does not sacrifice the aesthetic integrity of the product. The company
actively promotes the environmental qualities of its products in the
hopes of increasing the public's awareness and demand for recycled building
materials. The larger goal is to increase society's value of such materials
and products, thus inducing other companies in the industry to create
well designed, complimentary, environmentally responsible building products.
Syndesis, Inc. is an active participant in the environmental community.
Syndesis, Inc. is a participant in the Ecological Entrepreneurs Network,
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Conference, and is featured
in many environmentally-minded materials resource books including the
Recycled Products Guide, AIA Environmental Resource Guide, Guide to
Resource Efficient Building Elements, EPA Handbook, Smith and Hawken
Catalogue, and the Interiors Concerns Resource Guide. Syndecrete®
was selected as a resource efficient building material for the 1990
ReCraft House in Missoula, Montana, a project of the Center for Resourceful
Building Technology. Recently Syndecrete®
was specified in the new LEED certified NRDC center in Santa Monica.
Syndesis, Inc.'s Commitment to
the Environment and how it is carried out through Product Design, Special
Processes and Building Design.
1) Fabrication: Materials waste
is mitigated by calculating Syndecrete®
mixes for the most efficient yield. Recycling efforts include the filtering
and recycling of polishing water, recovery and reuse of form building
materials, and collection and reactivation of Syndecrete®
dust. Due to Syndecrete®'s unique
physical properties, large monolithic sections can be cast in forms
or molds, minimizing the fabrication waste typical of sheet goods.
2) Packaging Materials: Packaging
materials are generated by shredding of in-house waste paper and periodicals.
A note, photo copied on recycled paper, is enclosed with each shipment,
encouraging clients to reuse the packaging materials.
3) Marketing and Promotional Materials:
All internal and external marketing and operational literature are generated
in-house using a Macintosh computer, laser printing and photo copying
onto recycled paper. All printed promotional materials are printed on
recycled stock paper using soy-based inks, and are designed to minimize
waste.
4) Building Design: Use of natural
light and air flows conserves electricity and minimizes the need for
air conditioning. Overhead, operable skylights and generous, plant filled
open spaces provide employees with fresh air, natural light and visual
relief.
5) Environmentally Responsible Corporate
Culture and Policies: Reuse of the backs of printed papers to
print or photo copy internal memos and reports reduces waste. Aluminum
cans and glass bottles are routinely recycled. Provision of pottery
plates, cups, glasses and flatware eliminates the use of Styrofoam,
plastic and paper eating equipment during employee lunches and breaks.
Employee car pooling and bike transportation are encouraged.
6) Environmentally Responsible Architectural
Design: Syndesis' architectural commissions incorporate energy
efficient passive solar and earth sheltered elements. Interior climatic
control is achieved through the strategic siting of buildings. Architectural
commissions feature Syndecrete®
and other environmentally outstanding building materials.
Process: Syndesis, Inc. is committed
to not only providing an alternative material containing recycled materials
to the market, but also to minimizing waste and incorporating environmentally
responsible practices into the manufacturing and management operations
of the company. In 1991, Syndesis, Inc. commissioned an environmental
and toxicology assessment of its facility. The study examined both the
material and the manufacturing operations to ensure the provision of
a healthy and environmentally responsible working condition, and to
maximize the active recycling of materials in the manufacturing process.
Materials waste is mitigated by calculating Syndecrete®
mixes for the most efficient yield. Recycling efforts include the filtering
and recycling of polishing water, recovery and reuse of form building
materials, and collection and reactivation of Syndecrete®
dust.
Packaging and Promotion: Packaging
materials are generated by shredding of in-house waste paper and periodicals.
A note, photo copied on recycled paper, is enclosed with each shipment,
encouraging clients to reuse the packaging materials. All internal and
external marketing and operational literature are generated in-house
using a Macintosh computer, laser printing and photo copying onto recycled
paper. All printed promotional materials are printed on recycled stock
paper using soy-based inks, and designed to minimize waste.
Product Disposal: Syndecrete pieces
are not throwaway products: the physical properties of the material,
and the universal and timeless designs of the products encourage life-time
use by the client.
