Now that summer has come to a close, many folks are evaluating their outdoor spaces and thinking about options for the next season. I’ve received numerous inquiries from folks that are in the planning process and want to know more about the “green” aspects of alternative (composite and PVC) decking.

Composite and PVC decking, railing and fencing are green products even if you only looked at their recycled content; however, there is more environmental benefit than just what Fiberon diverts from the landfills. A more comprehensive way to think about green building products is in terms of the life cycle of the product.

Cradle to cradle is a term used to describe the product’s life cycle—beginning from local raw material sourcing to lean manufacturing, transportation, product use right through how those materials can be used again or disposed of at the end of their useful life. Conserving resources and environmental impact are fiscal and social responsibilities and as a company, we strive to incorporate the values of sustainability throughout our organization.

Fiberon decking, railing and fencing are made with recycled materials, for example, Fiberon Horizon decking is made of 74% recycled materials, with all recycled content sourced from within 500 miles of our plants. We use wood flour acquired from ground window trim, door frames, lumber and cabinet pieces and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) recycled from plastic milk jugs, shampoos and laundry detergent bottles, to create our composite decking. The recycled content we use diverts more than 33,800 tons of wood and plastic from landfills and incinerators each year.

No toxic chemicals are used in our manufacturing process and products are urea formaldehyde-free. Our products are produced in an energy-efficient, virtually waste-free manufacturing process with a closed-loop water cooling system, with 98.5% of material waste recovered from all manufacturing processes. Fiberon ships by rail wherever possible from two manufacturing locations located in New London, NC and Meridian, ID to utilize the most cost-effective means of transporting products in North America.

Looking at sustainability, product cost over time, GreenScapes, an EPA program, has created an Excel Decking Cost Calculator and Decking Cost Calculator Example PDF that tabulates the cost estimate of a project initially, three years, six years, 10 years and over a lifetime. This cost calculator is helpful to a homeowner who is also looking for long-term value.

Fiberon decking, railing and fencing products are sustainable, remaining durable year after year without the need for chemical preservatives, paint or stain. There are no off-gassing fumes or chemical run-off to negatively impact the environment. In addition, Fiberon can contribute to high-performance green homes and towards LEED points for green building certifications.

In addition to possessing the environmental benefits of a green product, alternative decking provides homeowners a much lower maintenance option over wood, that doesn’t splinter or rot and keeps its beauty for decades. These products are recyclable; and with a very long and useful life, composite and PVC decking products are true green, sustainable products.