With environmental goals becoming an ever-increasing priority, GREEN tools can help companies save money and contribute to a healthier environment. Here are some key sustainability considerations;
1) Liquidation– Liquidation is the first step in the process that generates a quality piece of used or refurbished office furniture. On average, every 40-station project saves one tractor-trailer from a trip to the landfill. That number compounds when you count private offices, conference tables, chairs, and filing. Successful furniture liquidations require professional project management and knowledge of the secondary market to maximize the value to the customer and ensure that as much furniture as possible will be recycled.
2) Refurbishing– Refurbishing is the value-adding process that transforms one company’s previously owned office furniture into another company’s customized solution. This process can include the re-upholstery, refinishing, and painting of various components. Refurbished office furniture allows customers to meet very specific space planning, design, and budget requirements while also meeting environmental core value and/or LEED objectives.
3) Blending– By creatively mixing both new and pre-owned office furniture, customers can get a finished result that achieves a desired aesthetic with a lower environmental impact than totally new furniture would offer. Attaining LEED points for pre-owned furniture will require a detailed tracking of the new and pre-owned furniture values to ensure at least 30% of the furniture and furnishings budget is refurbished, salvaged or used.
4) Banking – A useful tool for larger customers, banking allows customers to recycle their existing inventory, which may no longer match their desired specifications, into a usable credit to be applied towards the acquisition of other recycled furniture that will meet their current needs and objectives. This approach has allowed customers to retrofit their offices to meet current needs without discarding the entire furniture inventory.
5) New Product Selection – Driven by the customer demand, most office furniture manufacturers and dealers are hearing the call for eco friendly materials and are rising to the challenge by adding to their offerings. Polyester, wood fiber, and resin are all examples of recycled raw materials that are finding their way into the design of office environments. Third party verification is another approach manufacturers are taking to assure customers of a product’s environmental compliance. Greenguard®, for instance, has established standards for environmental air quality and certifies low-emitting products. While it might take a little research, eco-friendly products are becoming an increasingly sought-after option.