From landfill diversion to material reuse: making fitouts more sustainable .
From retail to real estate fitouts, our approach to sustainability isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about taking practical steps that help our clients hit their sustainability targets. Whether it’s repurposing existing materials or diverting waste from landfill, we know how to ensure a smaller footprint and a bigger impact for any fitout.
Apple Perth: setting the bar high
Apple’s global standards for construction waste management are among the toughest in the world. Their policy calls for contractors to salvage or recycle at least 75% of all non-hazardous waste, with monthly reporting across dozens of waste streams, from concrete and carpet to cardboard and conduit.
The Apple Store fitout in Perth was a heritage-listed site, which posed challenges when it came to meeting Apple’s goals, as there was limited scope for demolition. Despite this, we achieved approximately 60% landfill diversion by implementing a rigorous waste segregation plan.
We partnered with a specialised waste-handling company to manage collection and reporting. Dedicated bins were placed onsite for individual materials, with our site team training every contractor on proper sorting. Waste was then transported to a licensed facility for further separation, and detailed monthly diversion reports were submitted to Apple.
The result: a system that met Apple’s global expectations and set a benchmark for how Unita can manage recycling for businesses that take sustainability seriously.
Super Retail Group: comprehensive reporting
Across all Super Retail Group projects including Rebel, BCF and Macpac, Unita supports the company’s commitment to reduce waste and unnecessary packaging. In partnership with key contracted, we have developed a formal recycling procedure, providing transparent data and monthly reporting on every tonne diverted from landfill.
Last financial year, Super Retail Group achieved a 65.9% landfill diversion rate, representing:
- 10,519 tonnes total waste generated
- 6979 tonnes diverted from landfill
- 3540 tonnes sent to landfill
These figures come directly from the construction teams and waste management companies that Super Retail Group engages, including Unita. With every waste stream comprehensively measured, weighed and verified, Super Retail Group can provide shareholders with accurate sustainability data and strive towards a more sustainable future.
Place Real Estate: reuse done right
When Place Real Estate took over a former David Jones boutique, they inherited a space that had recently been refurbished, featuring burnished concrete flooring, intricate ceilings and premium finishes, all in good condition. Rather than demolish everything and start again from scratch, we looked for every opportunity to retain and repurpose what was already there.
Flooring was refinished instead of replaced. Ceilings were modified, repaired and repainted. The original air conditioning system was retained, despite engineering challenges. Every element meant less waste, lower costs and faster turnaround, proof that a thoughtful approach can deliver both environmental and commercial wins.
Does your business have strict sustainability targets or goals around reuse? Talk to us today about how to make your fitout as sustainable as it is seamless.
