Sustainability

Engineering Durable, Lower-Carbon Infrastructure

Sustainability at Kestrel is driven by durability, lifecycle performance and manufacturing efficiency.

Lifecycle Carbon

Lifecycle Carbon Reduction

Composite reinforcement and structural systems deliver significantly lower embodied carbon than steel equivalents over a full lifecycle. The elimination of corrosion removes the need for recurring remediation cycles that contribute substantially to a structure's total carbon footprint.

  • Composites do not corrode, eliminating carbon-intensive maintenance and replacement cycles
  • Lower transport weight reduces fuel consumption during installation and delivery
  • Longer service life of 50–100 years reduces material replacement frequency
  • No painting, cathodic protection or anti-corrosion coatings required over the asset life

Embodied Carbon Reduction

~0.8tCO₂e/tonne vs steel

Per tonne substituted

Corrosion Maintenance Eliminated

100%

No recurring remediation cycles

Design Service Life

50–100years

vs 25–40 years for steel

Transport Weight Saving

Up to 75%

vs equivalent steel sections

Manufacturing Efficiency

Reducing Our Manufacturing Footprint

Kestrel's Australian manufacturing operations are undergoing systematic decarbonisation. We have invested in renewable energy infrastructure, material efficiency programmes, and waste reduction across our pultrusion and filament winding lines.

  • Rooftop solar PV installed across all production facilities
  • Resin batch optimisation programme reduced off-cut waste by 34%
  • Water-based release agent systems replacing solvent-based alternatives
  • All cardboard and glass fibre off-cuts diverted to recycling streams

Renewable Electricity

60%

Of total facility energy consumption

Manufacturing Waste to Landfill

<5%

Achieved in FY2024

Resin Waste Reduction

34%

Through batch optimisation

Water Recycled

80%

Closed-loop cooling water systems

Certifications & Standards

Environmental Certifications & Standards

Kestrel holds independent third-party environmental management certifications and participates in industry sustainability frameworks. Our products are designed to comply with relevant Australian Standards and international infrastructure specifications.

  • ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System — audited annually
  • Products tested to AS/NZS and relevant ASTM/ISO composite standards
  • Supply chain partners assessed against responsible sourcing criteria
  • Annual sustainability reporting against GRI Standards framework

ISO 14001:2015

Certified

Environmental Management System

Standards Compliance

AS/NZS + ASTM

Composite product testing

Annual Audit

LRQA

Independent third-party auditor

Reporting Framework

GRIStandards

Annual sustainability report

Our Targets

Our 2030 Sustainability Targets

Kestrel has set measurable sustainability targets for 2030 aligned to the Paris Agreement and Australia's net zero commitments. Progress is tracked quarterly and reported publicly each year.

  • Net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2020 baseline
  • 100% renewable electricity across all owned facilities by 2027
  • 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions through supply chain engagement
  • Zero manufacturing waste to landfill by 2026

Net Zero Target Year

2030

Scope 1 & 2 emissions

Current Progress

38%

Reduction achieved vs 2020 baseline

Renewable Electricity Target

100%

By 2027 across all facilities

Scope 3 Reduction Target

30%

Through supply chain engagement

Partnerships

Responsible Sourcing & Supply Chain

We partner with raw material suppliers who can demonstrate responsible environmental practices. Our glass and carbon fibre supply partners are assessed against sourcing criteria covering energy use, emissions reporting and labour standards.

  • Glass fibre sourced from producers committed to 100% renewable energy in melting operations by 2028
  • Resin systems selected to minimise volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
  • Packaging materials transitioned to recycled and recyclable alternatives
  • Logistics partners selected based on fleet emissions and local sourcing preference

Assessed Supply Partners

100%

Meet responsible sourcing criteria

Local Content

>70%

Australian-sourced inputs by value

Resin VOC Reduction

55%

vs industry benchmark systems

Packaging Recycled Content

80%

Target achieved FY2024

Why Composites Are a Sustainable Choice

Our approach to sustainability spans material selection, manufacturing processes and long-term product performance.

Reduced Lifecycle Emissions

Composite reinforcement reduces embodied carbon relative to steel. Eliminating corrosion significantly reduces long-term remediation and associated emissions.

Lightweight Efficiency

Composite systems reduce transport weight, improve site handling and increase installation efficiency, lowering construction energy demand.

Supporting Renewable Energy

Carbon fibre laminate systems enable improved structural efficiency in wind turbine blade applications, supporting renewable energy generation.

Continuous Improvement

Focus on waste reduction, process optimisation, efficient material utilisation, and development of next-generation composite systems.

Learn More About Our Sustainable Solutions

Contact our team to discuss how composite materials can support your sustainability goals.