As a matter of fact, Canada has a Sustainable Building Task Force which finalized groundbreaking environmental specs for modular office furniture purchased under state contract. Several modular furniture manufacturers bid to the contract, which goes to show that companies don't find the idea outlandish and many islands had used sustainable practices for many years. A three year agreement, from 2001 to 2004 was awarded for a US company, with the concept to reevaluate and upgrade the contract after that time.
So what was Canada looking for in their sustainable modular business furniture? Well, among other prerequisites, some specifications included a high level of recycled subject material in components and product packaging, no CFCs and HCFCs applied to foam production, and energy efficient lighting in the work stations.
Modular office furniture and other items inside green building industry are rated. The Leadership in Electricity and Environmental Design (LEED) contains a Green Building Rating Process. This is a across the country accepted benchmark for pattern, construction and operation involving green buildings. According on the LEED web site:
"LEED accreditation provides independent, third-party verification that the building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. All certified projects be handed a LEED plaque, which may be the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that the building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy destination to live and work. "
LEED looks at five key areas associated with human and environmental health, and one of people categories is indoor environment quality, and this includes how the building is furnished. There are more ways that your modular office furniture can be environmentally friendly that you realize. LEED looks in the materials and resources in the furniture. This includes:
Many companies discover that with a little attempt, they can start to take steps to make their furniture more environmentally friendly. After all, the environment is not really improved by one person or company doing terrific things, but everybody doing a small amount.
Now, you may be wondering what this type of modular office furniture appears like, after all, cubicles can already look like a box! But choosing surprised. Overall, most people wouldn't even know your furniture is sustainably manufactured or created from partially recycled materials. In many cases, items that have ended up remanufactured cost less, and a few is quite modern together with chic. I bet most people would be impressed and wonder where they are able to get some too!
REFERENCE:
http://www.articlezee.com/65508/92/Choosing-the-Right-Furniture-To-Match-Your-Dream-Home.html
http://www.azarticles.com/20111116020927103027
http://www.newarticles.us/article358284.html