Sustainability is the defining issue of our time. It is also a key factor in workplace design and the production of office furniture. But what is truly sustainable, and what is just greenwashing?
In his introductory speech, Kai-Uwe Schlegel gave an insight into TÜV Rheinland’s extensive expertise and explained the requirements, regulations and laws that companies will face in the near future. Moderated by David Bargiel, Kai-Uwe Schlegel, Elena Samaras and Johannes Andreas Brennig then discussed ways towards a more sustainable future. Their common conclusion was that sustainability has become a must, and that this also applies to tendering. They believe that the German office and contract furniture industry is well or very well prepared for the tasks ahead compared to many other industries. Nevertheless, the current rapid implementation of laws and other regulations and the associated reporting requirements tie up a great deal of capacity in companies. Sustainability labels such as the Blue Angel and the European Level label already provide good guidance to customers in the office and contract furniture industry. Where uniform standards are lacking, such as the definition of a binding procedure for assessing carbon footprints, work is underway to implement them.
A detailed summary of the panel discussion is available in the IBA Forum Newsroom.
Photo: © IBA
