Installnet, in collaboration with Bard College’s MBA program in sustainability, has published a new research paper emphasizing the critical need to reduce furniture waste within commercial buildings. Titled Closing Loops, Opening Opportunities: The Future of Circularity in the Commercial Furniture Industry, the paper underscores the urgency of addressing this issue as part of a broader collective effort to implement practical solutions.
Annually, the U.S. sends over 146 million tons of solid waste to landfills, contributing significantly to methane emissions and climate change. Furniture waste alone accounts for approximately 9 million tons of this total, equivalent to the emissions of 20.3 million passenger cars as estimated by the EPA.
Installnet CEO Dale Ewing emphasizes the necessity for collaborative efforts across the industry value chain to establish consistent, credible standards and practices. Key challenges include measuring sustainability impact accurately, finding alternative uses for non-recyclable items, and ensuring cost-effective distribution of furniture to those in need.
Michaela Flynn, a recent Bard College MBA graduate, identifies transparency in measuring and reporting sustainability impact as a critical initial step. She stresses the involvement of all industry stakeholders in achieving meaningful progress towards sustainability and circularity goals.
The initiative, spearheaded by Installnet and Ecoserv Net Zero (ENZO), aims to document, standardize, and enhance industry practices. This includes preparing for assurance and reporting requirements, developing educational resources, and sharing best practices to foster sector-wide improvement.
Installnet’s Ecoserv program has been instrumental in diverting over 50 million pounds of furniture waste from landfills since 2012, benefiting more than 3,000 nonprofits and community groups.
To participate in advancing these efforts and contributing to zero-waste goals, contact Lila Grant at [email protected].
