Scientific Forest Analysis by Fortis Facades
NorDan invited independent consultants Fortis Facades to analyse the Polish forests that are a vital part of its supply chain, checking important factors such as tree health, density and chronology of the trees, as well as the quality and yield of timber.
Fortis Facades’ ‘BIOME’ division employed the use of scientific methods to assess the condition and sustainability of the NorDan forests in Poland. These methods involve a variety of techniques, including tree boring and core sampling, surveying, geotagging and ecological surveys to establish the health of the trees and the soil they are grown in. NorDan says this helps to guarantee the quality of the timber and ensure good forestry practices are used to maintain the sustainability of the woodlands.
Sustainability at the Core of NorDan’s Operations
The initiative reflects NorDan’s approach to sustainability, which runs from the performance of its products through to the way they are manufactured and how raw materials are sourced.
Tom O'Sullivan, Technical Specification Advisor, NorDan UK, who has been involved in the project, explained: “Timber is at the heart of our products, delivering thermal performance, longevity and low embodied carbon. We want to ensure that every piece of wood we use not only meets the highest quality standards but also aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship.
“That is why we invited Fortis Facades to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the trees we use in our supply chain. This meticulous approach will not only help us ensure that the timber we use is robust, sustainable and of the highest quality, it will also help safeguard the continued health of the forests and their environment long-term.”
Fortis Facades’ BIOME Project and Climate Adaptation
Fortis Facades, a leading façade consultancy, created BIOME to use meteorological, climatic and environmental sciences to understand how its products impact the climate and interact with a changing world.
Thomas Ashfield of Fortis Facades added: “As the natural world changes, so do the resources we have become dependent upon. Climate change impacts the health, condition and availability of natural resources, including timber for construction. Our response and approach to understanding, monitoring and employing the use of natural resources must adapt accordingly.
“The ability to not only monitor and assess current conditions but also to forecast future trends is invaluable and a necessity for securing sustainable resources. This enables us to serve as more effective custodians, not only of the materials we harvest but also of the landscapes we ultimately shape and need to maintain."
NorDan’s Sustainability Leadership and Energy Efficiency
This new initiative is just one example of how the entire NorDan Group prioritises sustainability, including advanced production techniques to enhance the timber’s durability and resistance to environmental factors, guaranteeing a long lifecycle for its products. NorDan provides a 30-year warranty to all windows and doors against fungal attack, decay and rot.
NorDan has focused on reducing its environmental impact since the 1960s which is why it is a market leader when it comes to sustainability and reducing embodied carbon. Much of the energy used in its production processes is sustainable, including using timber offcuts to heat its factories, a 10,000 m² solar farm to power its factory in Powodowo, Poland, and using its own hydroelectric power station to generate energy at its Norwegian factory in Moi.
