A Guide to Sustainability in Cat B Office Fit-Outs & Office Furniture

Refurbishing an office, whether carrying out a full Cat B fit-out or simply updating your furniture, can significantly impact the environment. However, with well-informed choices, you can greatly reduce that impact and create a workspace that is both functional and environmentally responsible.

Why is it important to reduce your environmental impact?

The People’s Climate Vote 2024 shows that 80% of people globally want their governments to take stronger action on the climate crisis. This underlines not only the growing concern for environmental issues but also the expectation that organisations will play their part.

In education settings, the need is even more urgent: 78% of primary-aged children report worrying about climate change. For schools, academies, universities, and wider learning environments, making responsible decisions during a fit-out provides a visible commitment to sustainability and helps reassure the communities they serve.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore sustainable fit-outs and furniture, responsible design practices, and effective strategies for reusing or recycling furniture to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.

Choosing a Responsible Supplier or Manufacturer

Selecting an ethical, environmentally responsible supplier is one of the most important steps in creating a sustainable office. A credible supplier’s approach influences everything, from the sustainability of their supply chain to their long-term environmental goals and the options they can offer you.

Look for indicators such as:

●       Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports.

●       Verified industry certifications.

●       Transparent sustainability targets with evidence.

●       Independently audited environmental policies.

Flexiform are a UK manufacturer certified to ISO 14001, demonstrating compliance with environmental standards and commitment to reducing impact. They are members of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP), and their MFC is FSC® certified (C015991), reflecting responsible material sourcing.

Additionally, Flexiform’s ISO 9001 accreditation ensures consistent quality and longevity in their products, many of which are independently tested by FIRA to confirm durability and suitability. Together with their CSR commitments and Net Zero target for 2047, these accreditations illustrate dedication to sustainable practices.

Another key factor is choosing locally made products. Transport accounts for approximately a quarter of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, so sourcing UK-manufactured furniture helps significantly reduce carbon footprint.

Working with suppliers via The National Public Sector Framework also provides reassurance that all approved companies have undergone a thorough auditing and vetting process. As a supplier, Flexiform provide extensive evidence of our responsible and sustainable practices.

Thinking Long-Term

A truly sustainable office fit-out is one that remains functional and relevant for many years. Consider not only your current needs but also how the space might evolve:

●       Will its purpose remain the same in future?

●       Are there upcoming projects that may influence the space

●       Can the area be adapted to serve multiple functions?

Taking an organisation-wide, strategic approach ensures longevity and avoids repetitive refurbishment cycles.

When selecting office furniture, a number of factors influence sustainability, from where it is made to the durability of the materials. Here are some key considerations:

Future-Proofing Office Furniture: Extendable or modular desking solutions allow organisations to adapt easily to changes in team size, working styles, and technological needs. Choosing adaptable furniture reduces the frequency of replacements and helps minimise waste.

Choosing Furniture That Can Be Refurbished: Opt for furniture that can be reupholstered, re-sprayed, or otherwise refreshed. High-quality, repairable pieces have a much longer lifespan. This links back to choosing a responsible supplier - what refurbishment or maintenance services can they offer to support you long term?

Selecting High-Quality, Long-Lasting Products: Investing in durable, well-designed furniture improves sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements. High-quality pieces also provide better comfort, safety, and reliability for staff. Look for certifications such as BS EN standards, which indicate independently tested and approved furniture.

Refurbish and Re-Use Furniture

A new office fit-out doesn’t mean all existing furniture needs to end up in landfill. There are several sustainable ways to re-use, recycle, or donate furniture, helping reduce waste and extend product life cycles.

Refurbishing Existing Furniture: Extend the lifespan of your current furniture by re-upholstering or re-spraying metal components to help blend into new environments. High-quality items can often be restored to near-new condition, offering both environmental and cost-saving benefits.

Recycling Old Furniture: Where refurbishment isn’t an option, recycling offers an effective alternative. Many furniture components can be broken down, re-used, or repurposed into new products.

Flexiform work with Coggins to recycle office furniture that still has usable life, and with their waste management partner Crossley Evans for materials recovery. Any items that cannot be recycled are converted into energy, ensuring nothing goes to landfill unnecessarily.

Donating to Charities and Organisations: Donating old furniture to charities, schools, or community organisations is another highly sustainable route. Repurposing furniture in this way not only reduces waste but also contributes to wider social value and community support.

In conclusion, by selecting sustainable office furniture and fitouts, organisations can significantly reduce their environmental impact while supporting employee and student well-being and productivity. Embracing these practices not only meets corporate social responsibility goals but also positions organisations as leaders in creating a greener future. With thoughtful planning and smart investment, workplaces can become vibrant, sustainable environments that benefit both people and the planet.

Written By Flexiform Business Furniture

Flexiform is a UK-based furniture manufacturer and installer, working with a wide network of UK supply partners to offer an extensive range of sustainable and locally sourced commercial furniture. They are an approved supplier on the fully compliant National Public Sector Furniture & Related Services Framework (lots 1, 3 and 5) contract managed by Dukefield Procurement. Flexiform demonstrates its commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, making it a reliable and responsible choice for commercial furniture solutions.

Find out more by visiting www.flexiform.co.uk or by contacting our Flexiform representative Rob Waterhouse: robw@flexiform.co.uk