ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
At Office Furniture First we are committed to a goal of environmental sustainability. Our approach, grounded in the principles of kaitiakitanga, drives us to protect and restore our environment while delivering high-quality office furniture solutions to our customers.
We actively work with suppliers who share our commitment to environmental conservation, and source products with a focus on environmental sustainability. We look for products with certification such as the “Greenguard” award, or are certified as recyclable.
By integrating kaitiakitanga into the workplace, we are creating a culture that values and respects the environment, promotes sustainable practices, and contributes to a healthier planet for future generations.
We use recycling bins in our office to help reduce landfill, and take our recycling to our local facilities, such as the Junction recycling centre, where we can ensure we are reducing waste. Here at Office Furniture First we also track our carbon emissions, through Toitū Carbon Assess, to find ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint.
Listed below are some of the certifications many of our products hold and programmes we use at Office Furniture First.
UL ENVIRONMENT GREENGUARD GOLD
GREENGUARD is one of the world’s most respected environmental certifications. It certifies that product chemical emissions are at safe levels, in view of minimising indoor air pollution and potential chemical exposure.
People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors where air pollution levels are typically 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. The primary sources of this pollution are furnishings and building materials, which can release hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Breathing these pollutants is linked to a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease, reproductive disorders and some forms of cancer.
Products certified to GREENGUARD Gold undergo rigorous scientific testing in the USA to meet some of the world’s most stringent chemical emissions requirements.
ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARD
ISO 14001 is the official global environmental management system standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization in Switzerland. It is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.
The ISO 14001 standard includes the need for continual improvement of an organisation’s systems and approach to environmental concerns, as well as environmental management within the organisation’s strategic planning processes, and commitment to proactive initiatives that boost environmental performance.
TOITŪ ENVIROCARE
97% of New Zealand's businesses are small to medium sized, producing 28% of our economic output. Together we are transitioning to a low carbon economy and that transition starts with understanding your current carbon footprint.
Toitū carbon assess makes the science accessible. This simple online tool translates standard business information into your carbon footprint. Discover which parts of your operations have the highest impacts, compare results over time, and benchmark against your competitors.initiatives that boost environmental performance.
PRODUCT CONTENT AND PACKAGING
Wherever possible, recycled, recyclable, and environmentally-sustainable materials are used in the manufacture of many of our products. Many of our chairs incorporate a significant proportion of recycled raw material, and the majority of components are recyclable.
ECO CHOICE AOTEAROA
Eco Choice Aotearoa, formerly Environmental Choice New Zealand, has been helping Kiwis buy better for more than 30 years.
This mark identifies products and services that are environmentally preferable, safe for you and your family and fit-for-purpose.
Eco Choice Aotearoa set product standards based on environmental best practice and work alongside businesses to achieve them.
THE JUNCTION: ZERO WASTE HUB
Nestled within the heart of Taranaki, the Junction – Zero Waste Hub stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and environmental stewardship. This innovative space has been established through a dynamic partnership between the New Plymouth District Council, WISE Charitable Trust, and Sustainable Taranaki. Its primary mission? To champion sustainable practices and reduce waste creation while diverting precious resources away from the ominous landfill.