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Sustainable Office Design - Unlocking Performance & Productivity

By Beatrice K Otto

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FURNITURE

DURABLE & DATELESS

Herman Miller's Aeron chair has a breathable membrane which helps keep the body at ambient temperature. Normal foam and fabric backing increase body temperature and so the need for cooling. It's also 94% recyclable and comprises 64% recycled materials, and can contribute to LEED credits.

Many of the things to look out for in materials apply to furniture. In addition, consider:

  • Life cycle - has it been designed to be robust, easily maintained or repaired, using renewable, recycled (or recyclable) materials; Can it be refurbished to extend its useful life?
  • Desirability - will its design endure in both aesthetics and functionality?
  • Modularity - can it be reconfigured if you reorganise the office? Flexibility in office configuration can avoid regular refits.
  • Energy - what is its energy consumption in manufacturing and transport?
  • Emissions - what is its greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint? Does the manufacturer mitigate GHG emissions?
  • Water - how much water was used in manufacturing?

There are several well known office furniture designers and manufacturers with impressive sustainability track records on design, process, maintenance and service, and recycling or refurbishment.

Deutsche Bank's refitted offices in Appold Street, London, used furniture from elsewhere in their estate. DEFRA's Nobel House refurbishment donated any redundant furniture to a charity for redistribution.

Herman Miller's mission is to 'contribute to a better world by pursuing sustainability and environmental wisdom'. They do this AND win awards for the beauty and ergonomics of their designs. Their Perfect Vision targets the year 2020 for zero landfill and hazardous waste. They provide quite detailed life cycle descriptions of their products, covering issues such as:

  • durability and ease of maintenance, repair or disassembly
  • recycled or recyclable materials
  • low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting paints and finishes
  • returnable or recyclable packaging
  • manufacturing processes, including air, water, energy use and emissions, waste, health and safety
  • contribution to LEED accreditation

Steelcase uses recycled materials where possible, and avoids hazardous materials such as PVC, chrome, mercury, lead, or flame-retardants. They also simplify designs to reduce the number and weight of components. Their plastics are marked for recycling, and they provide environmental performance statements for products.

Steelcase's Please chair has 30% fewer components than its pre-2004 model. It has also been improved by 16% due to reduced weight and packaging. It can be upgraded and adapted since the fabrics, headrests and armrests can be added or removed. And it's easy to maintain.

Wilkhahn is also committed to making its products and processes sustainable. Water based systems for lacquering wooden surfaces has led to a 90% reduction in solvent use and emissions have been reduced by 21% through 'spot gluing' upholstery. Materials include biopolymers and lightweight sandwich boards, such as paper honeycomb from recycled paper. And like Herman Miller, they design for durability in aesthetics as much as in functionality - their furniture will look good, and not 'dated', even after 10 years or more.

Wilkhahn's ON chair used 55% recycled materials and is itself 96% recyclable. Due to its ease of assembly, the transportation volume is reduced by about 45% over conventional packaging. Again, it can earn LEED credits.

Fun with Factoids

  • Zody (Haworth) has won the Cradle to Cradle Gold award for its use of recyclable or mulchable fabrics and components, being 98% recyclable.
  • Caper (Herman Miller) is almost 100% recyclable and has 21% recycled materials. It's easy to assemble and to take apart for recycling.
  • Think (Steelcase) has 44% recycled materials and is 99% recyclable, taking about 5 minutes to disassemble with a screwdriver.

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