Space Solutions - General - Scotland
Date: 22 Apr 2008
A tie-in between Scotland's leading workplace design experts and a charity which recycles office furniture aims to reduce landfill by 20,000 tonnes a year.
Recycle Scotland reuses furniture donated by businesses or finds other innovative ways to prevent furniture materials ending up in dumpsites.
Now it has formed a partnership with Space Solutions, Scotland's biggest independent experts in the design, fit out and relocation of workplaces and business spaces to reuse old furniture acquired from its contracts.
With bases in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Peterborough, Space Solutions works with hundreds of businesses which are going through periods of changes. Often that results in unwanted desks, chairs, cabinets and other business furniture.
Ian Kennaway at Recycle Scotland said: "This is really exciting for us. Almost immediately Space Solutions will give us access to a potential 400 businesses, many with furniture they no longer need. We will be extremely grateful if it comes our way."
The charity, part of the Edinburgh University Settlement (EUS), aims to reduce the amount of usable, or recyclable, furniture that is thrown into landfill each year by British businesses.
Since it was formed two years ago, it has already reused and recycled more than 2000 tonnes of furniture and that is expected to increase significantly as more and more businesses improve their green credentials.
Ian added: "Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of their social responsibility and the need to reduce their carbon footprint. By donating to us used furniture that would otherwise be dumped, they can achieve that.
"It is a waste to throw perfectly good desks or chairs into landfill when they might be perfect for someone else. Even if the pieces aren't of any use as they stand we can sell on the materials to be recycled."
Recycle Scotland has four full-time members of staff. In 2007 it distributed 142 tonnes of furniture, the equivalent of 747 desks, pedestals and chairs.
Meanwhile, charities, community groups and small businesses saved £375,000 by getting used furniture from Recycle Scotland - including Communities Scotland, RNIB and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Derek Binnie, Director at Space Solutions, said: "This is a win-win situation for us, as well as Recycle Scotland. As a company we are very focused on sustainability and good environmental practices.
"It is increasingly important for businesses to realise the effect their actions have on the environment. Corporate and social responsibility is now a key factor in the decision-making of many companies.
"So we are sure many of the businesses we work with will jump at the chance to ensure their unwanted furniture is disposed of in a way that is not damaging the environment while also helping charities and other good causes.
"We have access to thousands of tonnes of furniture through our growing client base and much of that has previously gone straight to landfill as we have not had a viable alternative."
Sustainability is an increasingly major part of Space Solutions' own operations, which already include architecture and design, workplace planning, fit outs and relocation services.
Now it has established its own Sustainability Service, with expert advisers carrying out audits, surveys and advising businesses how to make changes - while highlighting the benefits.
Derek added: "The cost difference between recycling and using landfill is negligible - and there are tax benefits for those who choose to be socially and environmentally aware.
"The work Recycle Scotland is doing is very important and we look forward to a rewarding relationship with them."
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