Troy Creighton of Stormtech 'OPENING UP' to Global GreenTag International 

We find out what inspires a green focused manufacturer and speak to Stormtech CEO Troy Creighton.

We ask Troy Creighton, CEO of Stormtech Pty Ltd. to tell us about his company's green focus and commitment as a manufacturer to Global GreenTag product certification.
Name: Troy Creighton

Position: CEO

Location: Nowra, NSW

Stormtech's Certified Product Pages on Global GreenTag

What inspires you about Stormtech as a green focused product manufacturer?

The uptake and enthusiasm of the Stormtech team to improve our sustainability and social responsibility.

It is also extremely satisfying to see the building industry increasingly engage with businesses like ours that take green building and social responsibility more seriously than in the past.

Having been involved in sustainability for such a long time it is also great to see how well Australia has improved its engagement in sustainability.

Australia has a long history of innovation and quality in the building industry. Recent price pressures have seen some dramatic re-thinking of the true benefit of 'value engineering', with a change back towards quality. With quality, sustainability is often part of the quality manufacturing process. This is definitely true for us.

We have maintained local supply chains and supported other Australian manufacturers and businesses since our humble beginnings. Working together, Australian manufacturing and construction are moving towards a brighter, greener future underpinned by quality certified products that will stand the test of time.

How Important are having Global GreenTag product Certifications and Declarations for Stormtech – and Why?

As the leading supplier and manufacturer of architectural drainage products in Australia we have long seen the certification and declarations as the future of Australian building. As the leader we wish to lead by example to ensure the safety and amenity of end users.

The increasing awareness and concern for our environment by the general public means declarations and certification are also increasingly valued.

Public trust in the products being ethically and responsibly manufactured is critical to the future viability of Australian construction. This is supported by the rigorous and thorough certification and evaluation process.

Public trust is also supported by the extensive transparent documentation provided by the EPD, PHD and certificates.

What would you like to see evolve or improve in the green building industry to ensure that green buildings or interior projects are met and exceeded?

More manufactures onboard with sustainability and transparency of their supply to prove both responsible and ethical production and supply chain.

More focus on quality as the foundation (pun intended 😊) of the Australian building industry. A good step in this direction would be an entry level certification where suppliers/assembler suppliers (those that modify existing product, or assemble from components) or distributors can implement a basic product stewardship programme as a way of lifting the overall baseline of sustainability and social responsibility. This step will allow businesses in construction to easily and cheaply enter the sustainability sphere.

As a snapshot in this moment and time in 2020, what is it that you would like to share about what you are doing in your office space or home environment that you feel bears testimony that you are living and working sustainably?

Stormtech manufacturing processes, as proven by our certification, are leading in innovative ways to integrate advanced manufacturing and sustainability. We do this by leveraging the latest in energy efficient equipment, hybridisation of older equipment, and unique methods of manufacture that dramatically reduce our industrial footprint.

We re-use packaging, scrap paper, timber etc., plus general sorting and re-use or recycling of office and factory items.

At home most of our team have compost, chickens, ducks, geese, veggie patches, rainwater harvesting, onsite sewer processing like biocycle systems, fruit trees etc. We share our produce by bringing it in to the office.

Senior management undertake the support and mentoring of regional emerging professionals in their own time.

Stormtech staff are often found supporting local community groups and are members of organisations such as the SES.

Stormtech work within the disability sector with donations to groups such as The Shepherd Centre, Shoalhaven Education Fund, Noahs Inclusion Services and more.

A partnership was established for the promotion of Australia's first shower waste water heat recovery system, the Zypho. This product was developed in Portugal, and integrates with our drains. The warm waste shower water flows into our drains, and through the Zypho. The Zypho system then uses this warm waste water and pre heats the cold water, allowing up to 30% less energy to be used for heating shower water.

For our corporate social responsibility, we have continued to support the development of indigenous architecture and design by supporting the Deerubbin Conference which supports the ability of architects to respond to diverse challenges of society, culture, environment, place, landscape, poverty.

We are also major sponsor of the Sustainability Awards 2020, and have partnered with this event for many years.

Stormtech have engaged directly with Standards Australia, and the ABCB to enhance and develop the minimum standards for Australian construction. We are currently directly involved in code development.