Think Positive

Humanscale demonstrates measurable progress towards a net-positive impact.

Humanscale the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic solutions has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report reflecting on the 2022 findings. The report gives full transparency into Humanscale's determined goals, efforts and progress towards sustainable design and manufacturing. 

Guided by CEO Bob King and Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy, Humanscale’s sustainability program aims for a net positive environmental impact, as opposed to just aiming for net zero; an ambitious goal that signifies a strong dedication to making a meaningful difference. By focusing on reducing carbon footprints and creating “handprints”, presents an unwavering mission to leave a planet positive impact, by giving back more than what is taken.

"As always, Humanscale’s success in sustainability is measured not by our promises, but by the measurable actions we’ve already taken. Our goal is to pioneer new ways of operating sustainably, not just for us, but for the entire industry," says Bob King, CEO of Humanscale.

Humanscale takes a Net Positive approach to manufacturing, to reverse the damage done to the environment through manufacturing, they believe simply reducing your footprint, aiming for net zero, isn’t enough. 70% of the products they sell are certified net positive. Meaning any time these products are made the planet is measurably better off.

The CSR report documents recent and industry leading sustainability efforts, detailing the important strides Humanscale has made towards achieving its goal in six crucial areas: climate & energy, water, circularity, wildlife preservation, and social responsibility. 

Climate & Energy 

Humanscale understands the urgency to address climate change, believing and acting on the importance to take steps in minimising the impact. 

Humanscale has aligned its climate targets with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) aligning itself with the latest climate science, with the goal to limit global warming to below 2°C above preindustrial levels. Humanscale has set scope 1 & 2 reduction targets and a scope 3 supplier engagement target, which aligns with a below 1.5°C by 2030. 

With energy consumption being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Humanscale has taken actions to measure and reduce its energy use – with 47% of its energy coming from renewable sources.

Keeping careful consideration on the energy used during production gives a strong indication where less can be used. Monthly tracking of the energy used can then be matched and compared against the anticipated annual goal Humanscale has set – with the objective to continually look for opportunities to reduce any usage. 

Water 

Being a natural resource, operations can consume a significant amount of water, impacting local communities – however, Humanscale regularly look for ways to reduce consumption and uses natural rain harvesting for 100% of production in all factories globally. 

In most cases, Humanscale’s production water is used in a closed loop and continuously reused, with additional water inputted into the system when required. In 2022, Humanscale reduced overall water use for production by 25% at their factories, all due to a new engineering system that continues to assist in water use reduction. 

Circularity 

The principle of the circular economy is finding ways to use waste rather than just burning it; reducing waste while making the most of the resources given. This approach can lead to repurposing and recycling materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill or incinerators. 

Humanscale's global waste diversion rate reached 94% in 2022, a highlight when the initial target was 91%. All Humanscale factories are TRUE® Zero Waste certified and are third-party audited to ensure waste diverts at least 90% from landfills, the environment, and incineration. Proactive measures that Humanscale has taken, encourages other companies to follow in the same steps in prompting sustainability. 

The annual 1% improvement requirement demonstrates Humanscale’s ongoing commitment to continuously improve and remain sustainable. This process further drives long-term gains in waste reduction, benefitting the environmental impact. 

Healthy Materials

Humanscale continues its mission to eliminate Red-List chemicals, often found in coatings, finishes, and additives. The company has already eliminated chemicals like Chrome 6, PFAS, and BPA, and continues to set goals to make their products without harmful toxins. Understanding the importance of consumer health and well-being, in 2022, the company eliminated halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), furthering its commitment to environmental health and consumer safety.

To help customers choose to avoid toxins, Humanscale publicly shares all the ingredients in their products. In 2022, they continued to lead the furniture industry in materials transparency. 100% of new Humanscale products are launched with an ingredients label, 83% of Declare Labels have been verified by a third-party auditor, and 81% of Humanscale products are sold with materials ingredients labels.

Wildlife Preservation 

In partnership with the World Wildlife Foundation, Humanscale sets its commitment to protecting and preserving the natural environmental; a significant step for this was the launch of Humanscale's Path Chair. Path upcycles more plastic waste than any other chair in the industry, with each chair leaving the world cleaner by using nearly 10kg of recycled plastic – this accounting for over 50% of its total weight. 

The chair uses five times more ocean plastic than any other task chair – the main source being fishing nets. Fishing nets are the most harmful kind of ocean plastic as they continue to “ghost fish” (the disregarding of fishing nets), and ensnaring fish, turtles, dolphins, birds, sharks and many other innocent wildlife. Commonly made from nylon, the fishing nets catch hundreds of animals as well as damaging coral reefs. 

Humanscale’s CEO and Founder Bob King has also been a member of WWF’s National Council for more than 15 years, with the idea to restore wild places to their natural existence. Since 2008, Humanscale has committed significant resources to the project, which focuses on the Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mondulkiri Protected Forest. 

Social Responsibility 

Humanscale’s Sustainability Ambassadors lead initiatives that offset carbon footprints and contribute positively to the environment – not only driving sustainable efforts but also creating an awareness while encouraging participation. In 2022, these ambassadors were involved in a variety of community projects, such as Illinois Green Schools Project mentorship and the Kansa City vegetable gardens. 

Humanscale also sponsored the installation of solar panels at three housing communities in

Montclair, California, distributing nearly 12,000 energy-efficient CFL light bulbs to residents in New Orleans, and the installation of 6,000 trees in Mexico as part of the Monarch High Forest Restoration project – all creating “handprints”.  

Considering the global reach of its operations, Humanscale understands the risk and support needed to restrict child or forced labour. To action this prevention, Humanscale’s supplier agreements explicitly forbid forced and child labour, in conjunction to human rights and freedom of association - by the end of 2022. Annually, first-tier suppliers undergo risk assessments related to labour and human rights, all based on their operational type and location. 

From wildlife preservation to energy consumption – Humanscale recognises the challenges and requirements to push against the negative environmental impacts and form a net-positive contribution to global manufacturing. With a philosophy of “handprints”, which is positive change, to offset any “footprints”, a result of direct influence through actions/supply chair; Humanscale is setting industry standards by prioritising low-carbon, healthy choices and setting a path for a sustainable future. 

Humanscale’s product design is only at the beginning of its environmental efforts, with scrutiny of its supply chain, manufacturing facilities, showrooms and offices evaluated to minimise environmental impact. 

“When it comes to responsible manufacturing the evidence is clear: aiming to leave a neutral impact on our environment many years in the future is not enough. Our unwavering commitment to making the office and the world a healthier place continues to propel us forward and raises the bar for the industry at large” - Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Humanscale.   

Please click link below to view Humanscale’s full 2022 CSR Report; https://www.humanscale.com/about/csr/annual-report.cfm