The Australian Furniture Association (AFA), in collaboration with the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) and Rebuilt, has launched a groundbreaking partnership to bring Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) into the centre of carbon reporting — transforming how interiors are measured, specified, and supplied.
A Shift in Carbon Focus – Until now, carbon reporting has primarily focused on base buildings. However, with typical commercial fit-outs replaced every 5–7 years, the embodied carbon in interiors can often exceed that of the building itself.
With Green Star Interiors updating its sustainability rating and new climate disclosure laws requiring annual reporting on procured materials, the role of FF&E in achieving carbon reduction goals can no longer be overlooked.
Meeting Growing Market Demands – Beyond regulatory requirements, many REITs and large corporates face increasing pressure from staff, customers, and investors to meet science-based carbon targets. Furniture suppliers are now expected to provide verified carbon data—a challenge that, until now, lacked a practical and affordable solution. That’s where the new AFA–Rebuilt partnership steps in.
A Simple, Scalable Solution – Through this initiative, AFA members will gain access to Rebuilt’s independent carbon ratings, creating the first data-rich picture of carbon across FF&E products.
Unlike traditional Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)—which can be costly and inaccessible for many manufacturers—Rebuilt’s approach is streamlined, affordable, and tailored to businesses with diverse product ranges.
As an added advantage, the system inherently rewards recycled content, local manufacturing, and circular business models such as product-as-a-service.
Industry Leaders Speak – “Furniture is the missing piece of the carbon puzzle,” said Patrizia Torelli, CEO of the Australian Furniture Association. “This partnership with Rebuilt finally gives our industry the data it needs to prove leadership, win work, and demonstrate its value to architects, designers, government, and corporate buyers alike.”
“Carbon transparency has been a luxury furniture companies have wanted, but few could afford—until now,” added Esther Bailey, COO of Rebuilt. “Our ratings remove the cost and complexity barriers, building on trusted sustainability tools such as GECA to give the market practical, affordable options. This is the start of a new chapter for interiors—bold, credible, and climate-ready, with Australian furniture at the forefront.”
Calling for Early Movers
To accelerate adoption, the AFA and Rebuilt are inviting 5–10 early-mover products in each FF&E category to be rated first, with incentives available. These pioneers will help shape the industry’s carbon data baseline and showcase what’s possible for sustainable interiors.
For more information, email esther@rebuilt.eco or contact the AFA directly.
