I recently met with a mid-sized commercial furniture firm who is confused. While they are highly regarded and have strong margins, they are still trying to figure out what sustainability means to their customers and ultimately to them. So what’s to be done? My research, anecdotal experience and weekly discussions with members of the A&D community re-enforce the fact that there’s label pollution in the market and the situation isn’t getting any better. In full disclosure, as you’re reading this post here on the level blog, you know where some of my sentiments lie. But I’m at something of a loss as well. At the end of the day the question ultimately has to be from the client’s perspective. What the majority of clients want to know is, “will the certification standard I choose to adopt help me deliver what my client needs to get his/her job done?” That is the bottom line.
The launch of level into the commercial industry will mark the start of a more streamlined approach to delivering information to clients asking the question, “Is this corporate environment green”. The level standard evaluates the furniture products based on how the organization that produced it, is implementing sustainable practices throughout the organization. This is important because single attribute ratings can lead to a green product from a brown company. Then level evaluates how the factory producing the product is green. Again important because a brown factory should be able to make a green product just due to the ingredients used. Then finally the level standard evaluates multiple attributes of the product itself. I think the depth in which the standard evaluates elements, paired with the 3 party validation and continual improvement is strength of level. On very fast delivery commercial interiors projects, architects/designer/contractors, will be able to quickly evaluate various options and make decisions in a streamlined manner. The bottom line is, level makes sustainable decision making easier.