Business Moves Group (BMG) has published Furniture Futures: Sustainable Strategies for Better Workplaces, a white paper that highlights the environmental impact of office furniture and offers practical advice for more sustainable furniture management.
The report draws on a survey of 250 facilities and office management professionals. Key findings include:
- 86% believe their current office furniture management strategy is very or somewhat sustainable, yet 50% are using disposal as general waste for unwanted furniture
- Organisations with smaller annual revenues are less likely to have a formalised furniture management strategy
- Unused office furniture remains in storage for more than eight months on average, yet FMs estimate that more than 40% of these stored assets could be reused.
Despite these findings, respondents overwhelming believe in the importance of sustainability – 89% agreed or strongly agreed that that office furniture management should include sustainability requirements.
The white paper outlines recommended actions for businesses, including regular asset audits, improved procurement policies, setting annual targets for waste reduction, and a stronger focus on reuse and refurbishment. It also includes best practice case studies and Q&As with two industry experts.
Rachel Houghton, managing director at Business Moves Group, said: “The report shows strong intent across various sectors, but also areas where practical support is needed. Better visibility of assets, clearer processes and earlier planning can make a significant difference. We want organisations to treat furniture management as a core part of their sustainability and workplace strategies and to have the tools and guidance to take those steps with confidence.”
Download your copy of Furniture Futures: Sustainable Strategies for Better Workplaces on the BMG website.
