Hunters Office Furniture providers host inaugural sustainability forum

January marked a pivotal moment for Hunters Office Furniture Providers, as we convened a sustainability forum with industry leaders. Our aim was to initiate a dialogue that goes beyond the conventional bounds of office furniture discussions. In recognising the pressing need for corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship, Hunters Office Furniture took pride in spearheading this critical conversation on sustainability. 

The decision to convene the round table was an easy one. There are a myriad of sustainability challenges in relation to the built environment. From our trusted suppliers and installation partners to designers and architects, everyone agreed that collaboration is key to understanding those challenges.

Is a lack of sustainability education a stumbling block for businesses?

One of the headlines focussed on where and how people are being educated in the sustainability spectrum. The delegates reached a consensus that, with the exception of architects, sustainability leaders encounter the hurdle of self-learning.

Built to last versus third party certified products

That topic was a nice Segway to understanding everyone’s view on ‘built to last’ products, versus those signed off as sustainable through the process of third-party verification. Many office furniture manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty, with products designed and engineered for repair, and end of life disassembly. However, there was a preference for a built to last product. In a market flooded with unsustainable office furniture products, there is a pressing demand to enlighten business leaders about the significance of opting for sustainable alternatives. 

Stef Brennan, the Hunters MD, posed a question on what would be different about sustainability in 2024. There was an agreement that because of the General Election, and the myriad of political challenges, there would be little direction from central government. What does that mean for business? More self-help, more collaboration and more industry initiatives.  

It was at this point in the engaging conversation that the subject of adopting Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) was raised. While some of the delegates had procured ULEV, there were concerns that UK infrastructure is not mature enough to support a full roll out of electric vehicles.  

The discussions moved to B Corps and the importance of the certification to the future of sustainability. While acknowledging the merits of B Corps, concerns arose regarding the significant resources required for certification, alongside the management of other standards like ISO 9001. 

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Summarising our Q1 Sustainability Forum

The inaugural Sustainability Round Table at Hunters Office Furniture was a success. It served as a catalyst for change. We provided a platform where thought leaders unite to create a blueprint for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Thank you to all everyone who attended the event. We are looking forward to round two, later in 2024.