Office Furniture Warehouse (OFW) completed its green|light Certification. A green ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held to celebrate its accomplishment in sustainability.
green|light, a program of green|spaces, supports a business culture of sustainability in Chattanooga.
The program supports both large and small businesses that are interested in reducing the environmental impact of their policies and practices as well as saving money, attracting and retaining employees, and receiving recognition as a local green business. The program takes into account the type and size of an organization and works alongside to create a step by step sustainability plan.
OFW has partnered with Republic Services, an industry leader in delivering recycling and waste solutions to over 14 million customers nationwide, and together they are providing a scrap metal recycling program for businesses that are going through upgrades to their office furniture needs and need to properly dispose of old equipment.
While many businesses may have several sustainable practices in place already, the green|light certification is so comprehensive and thorough that additional ways for saving energy and money are always found. It could be an adjustment to toilets to reduce water waste or a change to the cleaning supplies used that could have been previously overlooked.
Once engaged with green|light a personal eco policy manual is created for each business, a green office checklist template is available as a guide, design services for custom signage are provided, and a network of preferred providers that has been established so resources for a variety of sustainable needs can be easily acquired.
"I want our sustainability commitment to reach far beyond used furniture and landfill reduction. Our mission is finding solutions for businesses that consider the needs of our environment. I am proud that green|light helped us realize operational cost savings, more accurately quantified our environmental impact, and cultivated a higher quality workplace experience for our team," said John Jerman, president & founder of Office Furniture Warehouse.
“We strive to make your world and our planet better while bringing positive changes to the environment because we know our efforts have a direct impact on homes, communities, and businesses,” said Cindy Rix, sales representative for Republic Services. “This partnership with OFW fits in perfectly with our mission.”
Chattanooga Area green|light Certified businesses include: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, The Flying Squirrel, The Crash Pad, The Chattanooga Zoo, Ruby Falls, The Strand Salon, River City Company, AEED Inc., Kelly Subaru, and the Sportsbarn.
Current Greenlight Participants include: Chambliss, Bohner & Stophel P.C., Franklin Architects, Hunter Museum of Art, Rev, Urban Stack, Taco Mamacita, Center for Mindful Living, Green’s Eco Build and Design, WAP Sustainability Consulting, Riverview Animal Hospital, Elemi, City of Chattanooga, and Lupi’s Pizza.