Sustainability

Sustainability and Our Commitment to the Future

Bowens is moving towards a more sustainable way to do business by reducing our impact on the environment. As a fourth-generation leading supplier of timber and hardware in Australia, Bowens, along with our manufacturing division Timbertruss, is dedicated to supporting future generations in building sustainability within everyday operations and practices.

Our Sustainability Initiatives

  • Upcycling Materials

    Did you know Bowens and Timbertruss re-uses timber off-cuts? We’re upcycling materials to ensure it doesn’t end up in landfill.

    • Re-use off cut timbers for bearers on packs
    • Re-use timber bearers that come from suppliers
    • 45mm and 35mm off cut timber lengths greater than 300mm are reused for product wall junction blocks and truss noggins
    • Design software at the detailing stage to minimise off cut waste
    • State-of-the-art production automation allows for precise cutting, reducing waste.
  • Responsible Sourcing

    Pine tree plantation for sourcing responsible timber

    As a supplier of timber, it is important for us to support the long-term sustainability of our forests.

    Since 2014, our North Melbourne store has held a PEFC & FSC accreditation for the responsible sourcing of timber. The North Melbourne store can source and provide Chain-of-Custody certified FSC & PEFC materials upon request. This accreditation promotes sustainable forest management through an independent third-party certification.

    FSC® Core Labour Requirements Policy Statement
    The FSC® Core Labour Requirements set out essential standards for fair and ethical labour practices. These requirements prohibit child labour, forced labour, and discrimination, while supporting freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

    These standards play an important role in protecting workers’ rights, promoting responsible business practices, and contributing to sustainable development. They also help organisations manage labour-related risks and strengthen trust with customers who value ethically sourced products.

    Click here to view Bowen & Pomeroy’s FSC® Certificate.

    Certificate Code: SCS-COC-009702
    Trademark Licence Code: FSC-C186561

    Statement of Commitment – PEFC
    PEFC certification supports the long-term health and sustainability of forests through responsible forest management, product traceability, and ethical business practices. It provides customers with confidence that products are sourced from responsibly managed forests.

    Bowen & Pomeroy is committed to operating in accordance with PEFC values and principles, helping to protect natural resources for current and future generations.

    Click here to view Bowen & Pomeroy’s PEFC Certificate.

    Certificate Code: SCS-PEFC-COC-009702

  • Renewable & Reduced Energy Usage

    We’ve been consciously finding ways to reduce our footprint across stores and investing in solar energy.

    • Saving Energy In-House with the use of automatic lights, timers and the introduction of LED lighting solutions
    • Installation of Laserlite transparent roof sheets across all warehouse and manufacturing operations to maximise natural light and reduce reliance on the grid during the day
    • Solar panel installation at all manufacturing locations, including 1,386 solar modules at Timbertruss. All Bowens store locations to be rolled out in the next 5 years.
  • Transportation

    As a one of our main tools of the trade, moving towards electric forklift fleets is essential to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage sustainability within our stores.

    • Forklift fleet currently transitioning from LPG to electric
    • Electric side loading forklifts at multiple locations
    • Electric pallet jacks at all locations
    • Provisioning for EV charging stations at all new locations.
  • Bowens Online Trade Hub

    Our industry leading ecommerce website ensures that builders and trades can access their accounts, invoices, quotes and order online 24/7. Zero paper, zero pens, zero waste.

  • Reducing Waste & Packaging

    We are committed to reducing landfill and supporting recycling at all our stores.

    • Cardboard and paper recycling at all locations
    • Recycling plastic wrapping at select locations
    • Recycling Plastic (LDPE and PP) at Timbertruss
    • The use of drinking fountains across the business to reduce plastic water bottles
    • Removal of all plastic items from promotional materials
    • Recycling waste, food organic waste and general waste in staff kitchens
    • Timbertruss packing sticks and non-reuseable timber off cuts are donated to Geelong Disability People Industries to be repurposed.
  • Preserving Water

    Preserving our precious water supply is important to us. These are the ways we are trying to reduce our consumption.

    • The use of rainwater tanks at stores for landscaping
    • Installing zip taps across stores to reduce single use plastic bottles.
  • Our Major Sustainable Partner

    Bowens is proud to be a major partner of the Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA), an organisation dedicated to driving the construction industry toward a carbon-neutral, sustainable future through high-performing building practices.
    The SBA was founded by experienced, independent sustainable builders with a shared mission: to create real change, share practical knowledge, and build a community of informed builders, designers and architects, trades, and professionals. Together, we’re shaping a smarter, greener future for the industry.

  • Bowens Carbon Calculator

    image of the Bowens App on a mobile phone displaying the new carbon calculator. Tree image in the background

    Bowens launched an industry-first carbon calculator across its timber eCommerce product pages, giving builders clear, measurable insights into the environmental benefits of timber. The tool calculates carbon stored and carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere based on product weight and established data. By embedding sustainability metrics directly into product pages, Bowens allows builders to confidently meet growing environmental reporting expectations and communicate the positive impact of timber to their clients.