Workpointe looks at the term sustainability and defines it in a larger scheme. In today’s world, the term “sustainability” is interwoven and linked exclusively with climate change and green practices. However, at Workpointe, we like to use this word and take it back to its roots. The true definition of sustainability is a method of using a resource so that the resource is not depleted. And we use this definition and define a resource, not just of our planet but of our people in our community and our people within our company.

We have three pillars within our organization. Environment, Social and Governance. We use these pillars to guide us. They help establish our integrity, our fiduciary responsibilities, our values, our moral compass. It helps us to manage and effectively govern with heart, thought and compassion. These pillars scale to affect our world, our local community, and our employees. We design initiatives to improve all three of these areas.

What We Do

Our three pillars scale to affect our world, our local community, and our employees. These are the initiatives we have implemented to support those pillars

Our Pledge

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We choose to work with manufacturers who contribute to the same green initiatives as we do. We specify furniture that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate ever-changing needs and growth within a company, which lowers the need for new materials and factory production. To accomplish this goal we also have to specify furniture that lasts. Prolonging its life cycle facilitates reuse and conserves the resources required to replace it.

Projects Aside | What We Do In Our Office

As a furniture dealer we have a huge opportunity to influence the products that we recommend. But beyond the products that we work with, there are other meaningful changes and impacts we can have. Workpointe strives to make everyday changes in how we operate.
Everyday Recycling Program | This program is available to all employees and customers. It is a vessel that allows for recycling of everyday items that you cannot throw into your typical household recycle bin. We collect keys, cork, batteries plastic gift cards and room keys.
Waste Reduction | In 2020 we began a partnership with a local recycling company and reduced our waste by approximately 80%. Our partnership also allows us to extend these services towards our customers. Reducing what we put in the landfills is certainly the biggest step anyone can make for a sustainable future. We also compost in our offices that have access to the service,
Lighting | In 2018/2019 we did a massive overhaul by switching all of our lighting from a mix of incandescent and halogen to LED at our HQ facility/warehouse. A switch that consumes approximately 80% less energy.
BOINC with Berkeley | BOINC is a computing initiative that allows us to donate the computing power from our old computers to the advancement of science. These projects investigate diseases, study global warming, discover pulsars, and do many other types of scientific research. We are able to tailor which projects we support, and we often partner with University of Washington projects to support our local community. This not only helps the advancement of sciences but also keeps our old computers out of landfills.
Zero Landfill | As a member of the design community, we are heavily involved with the annual Zero Landfill event. Zero Landfill collects discontinued or unwanted finish samples and gives them away for use in schools, crafts, and a whole host of other unique applications. This event gives a second life to these fabric, metal and plastic samples.
Company Garden | As a partner with ForkFarms, Workpointe introduced an indoor garden into the company breakroom. ForkFarms gives Workpointe the ability to harvest up to 3,400 plants annually (roughly 20 lbs of food every 28 day cycle.) This reduces food costs, zero food miles and waste, 97% less water required by using a hydroponic system and produces 45x vs traditional agriculture. Plus it gives our employees healthy and free produce options!

Product Selection

One of the most important factors in our sustainable story is the content of the products we provide. We choose our product, manufacturers and content carefully.

We strive to specify NAF (No Added Formaldehyde) substrate in all our wood products. Steel and aluminum is always 100% recycled and never treated in such a way that it cannot be recycled after its life cycle. We have several options that are 100% post-consumer recycled materials, and we have several products that are made from reclaimed plastic bottles. We specify GreenGuard certified laminates whenever possible, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more eco-driven product selections, starting at the top with how the manufacturing plants operate on solar power, down to no VOC adhesives.

The science behind environmental practices is continually improving, expanding and creating new techniques every year. Along with our manufacturing partners, we are continually finding new ways to be even more environmentally friendly.

Projects | What We Can Do Together

While products are a huge part of the sustainable selection, we can do even more. Sustainability goes beyond the tangible product. Here is what we can do, together, on your projects.

Before its life:

Blanket Wrapped Shipping | Reusable blankets are used to protect product shipments rather than plastic, styrofoam and cardboard. Not only is this less waste, it often packs tighter and requires less trailer space to reduce the carbon footprint.
Consolidated Shipments | We work with our manufacturers to combine shipments across multiple projects. We review upcoming schedules and create a shipment strategy that minimizes truckloads but still meets all project delivery timelines.
Sample Returns | We encourage our customers to send back any and all finish samples. We work with our manufacturers for reuse or save the samples to become a part of the Zero Landfill project.
Digital Mock-ups | As an alternative to full-scale product mock-ups, we offer photorealistic, 3D digital walkthroughs of future workspace. We can include building finishes, lighting, custom fixtures and technology, along with the custom designed furniture solutions. Not only does this speed up the project timeline, adjustments can be made without creating product waste.

After its life:

Eventually, product reaches the end of its life cycle. We are 100% dedicated to help avoid product ending up in a landfill. We have several tactics to accomplish this goal:
Recycle | We purposefully select product that easily breaks down for recycling. Wood, steel and aluminum are among the top materials used. We have partnered with a local recycle company, and audited their processes to ensure of proper recycling and repurposing. Our customers can also take advantage of this program. If your existing furniture needs to be decommissioned, we can help. If you have product that is historically difficult to recycle (old mattresses, for instance) we can help. We are committed to reducing our landfills in every way possible.
Reuse | We work with resellers to find new homes for products that no longer meet your needs. The Pacific Northwest is a mecca for start-up companies, and the furniture that may no longer suit your aesthetic or space needs, may perfectly fit another company’s budget. We love making those connections.
Rehome | We work with various non-profit organizations that collect materials throughout the year that cannot be commercially recycled. These organizations help utilize the materials in art projects, student learning and even fashion design.