_Find Your Future Today With Ahrend
Corporate social responsibility through the eyes of the world’s first Cradle to Cradle interior specialist.
_a world we can live in at ahrend, we share a common concern: we
_Contents 2
_it is about sourcing the best possible solution
4
_ahrend Facts & Figures
6
_Give resources a new future
8
_Let’s create energy, not Co 2
10
_a healthy mind in a healthy environment
12
_there is no future without innovation
want our world to remain habitable not only 14
_Changes that benefit everyone
for today’s generation, but also for future
16
_Caring for products and people
generations. as a result, our approach to doing
18
_take back and recycle
20
_Furniture with a future
22
_Let Smart Working work for you
relationship between people, planet and profit,
24
_Summary
we carefully consider our use of raw materials
business encompasses more than just simply generating turnover. as we continually seek out the right balance and the best possible
and energy. Beyond this, we think about how clean our production processes are, ascertain how we can reuse our products and materials and care for the environment. this is our contribution to corporate social responsibility. Why not join us?
_Find your future today with ahrend
_it is about sourcing the best possible solution
3
a responsible organisation is one that gets involved. _Sustainability is what clients have grown to Since 1990 our factories have reduced water consumption by 80%, produced two thirds less Co 2, reduced hazardous waste by almost 90% and
expect from the ahrend brand. 1992 ahrend becomes the first company in
solvent emissions by over 95%. through cleaner
its sector to publish an annual
We are all eager to contribute to a better world.
production processes, kingfishers have returned to
environmental report
the question is how do we respond to the
the environment surrounding our factory in Sint-
challenge? how can we place this commitment in context with our own organisation? the
oedenrode. We have also laid out public footpaths there, where we will soon begin planting Western europe’s largest swamp cypress forest. applying the
1994 ahrend 220 chair, the world’s first ecodesign product 1996 ahrend receives royal appointment
iSo 26000 guideline for Social responsibility has
1997 First Co 2 reduction programme (MJa)
stakeholders and the environment. at ahrend,
resulted in having policies that encompass all aspects
2002 Both production facilities become
being responsible for our design and production
of sustainable practice. We were the first business
processes is key to this.
to issue a statement on our commitment to this. our
answer is accountability – for our surroundings,
reporting also meets the Global reporting initiative’s sustainable reporting framework. it is therefore no surprise the dutch Ministry of economic affairs, agriculture and innovation announced ahrend’s reporting methods as being the most transparent in its sector.
iSo 14001 certified 2004 Launch of the Sustainable interiors Project 2008 eMaS award (see page 9) 2008 ahrend embraces Cradle to Cradle design philosophy 2011 ahrend becomes the first Cradle to Cradle Company in its sector 2011 ahrend’s reporting methods: the benchmark in transparency
4
_Ahrend Facts & Figures
ISO 14001 certified
Eco-indicator measurements Insulating Ahrend buildings
Ahrend is the only organisation in its sector to receive the Cradle to Cradle Company Award for its integrated sustainability policies and innovative operations.
Since 1990, our factories have achieved spectacular reductions: > > > >
Water consumption -80% CO2 emissions -66% Hazardous waste -90% Solvent emissions -95%
St. Oedenrode Zwanenburg
CO 2 reduction programme part 1
1st annual environmental report
1991 1990
Environmental care management focus on processes and products Good neigborly relations in both plants
Nomination European Environmental Award
1992
1995 1993
1994
1996
1997
1996
1997
1st Ecodesign: Ahrend receives Ahrend 220 chair royal appointment
5
Integral approach CSR NextLife Closed loop (C2C) CO2 reduction programme part 2
Start
Energy efficient lightning Ahrend offices EMAS-validation
1998
Sustainable Interiors project
Ahrend office roofs insulated
2004
2006
2000 2003
2004
2005
First in industry in Benelux
CO2 neutral
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Ahrend 2020
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2020
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2020
First in industry ISO 14001 certified
CO2 reduction programme part 3
EMAS Award
Apply ISO 26000 self declaration
ISO 26000 Cradle to Cradle certified
_Give resources a new future
7
We put energy into efficiency the materials we use are produced responsibly. Sourcing magnesium extracted from seawater is one example of this. using 100% recycled aluminium is another. When selecting new every one of us is affected by the steady
raw materials for our products we examine the
_at ahrend we do not just settle for
increase in the cost of raw materials. resources
quality of the source, we consider the people
traditional production methods.
are becoming scarce. recycling materials is
who produce the material, the longevity of the
We innovate and seek new methods,
becoming increasingly important. We need to extend the life of our resources by reusing these
material and the end user. to safeguard and maintain our natural environment, we ensure that the worktops sourced for our products are
alternative materials and better solutions. this has resulted in the use of powder
materials and where possible by creating an
PeFC and FSC certified. We also choose Cradle
coated paint without toxics, emission-free
infinite cycle for their reuse.
to Cradle materials that can be fully recycled.
manufacturing methods, as well as a wide range of other sustainable applications.
_Let’s create energy, not Co2
9
Generating more energy than we use it should come as no surprise that all of the energy that we use comes from sustainable sources. We have been involved in energy renewable energy is our ultimate goal.
efficiency projects for decades: insulating
_ahrend is a clear leader in the reduction
Protecting our climate by reducing Co 2
roofs, developing energy saving manufacturing
of energy use and Co 2 emissions. it was
emissions is key to reaching this goal. using
methods and using innovative lighting systems
therefore with good reason that in 2008
energy efficiently will also help us on our way,
are just a few examples of this. We even
we received the eMaS award for
but so will a move towards using alternative sources of energy.
consider energy efficiency during the product design process. at each of our locations, we have taken steps to generate our own energy. We installed dozens of heat storage pumps and we are currently looking at ways of collecting solar energy via rooftop installations. We aim to not only achieve Co 2 neutral production by 2020, but also hope to be generating more energy than we consume. a sustainable company does not offset Co 2 emissions, but finds real solutions by examining the root of the problem.
outstanding results in this field: a staggering reduction of 54.2%.
_a healthy mind in a healthy environment
11
Guaranteed & certified ahrend has developed safe alternatives for every environmentally unfriendly material. We were one of the first to offer certified Cradle to Cradle workspace
office buildings can harbour substances such as PVC glues, CFC foams and solvent based
solutions. as a result we have been able to make a positive contribution towards safe living and working environments. We embraced the principles
_ahrend is able to offer the first workspace solution that is fully compliant with the
paints. on average air quality is six times
of ecodesign as early as 1994. We even created the
principles of Cradle to Cradle. an ahrend
unhealthier than in an outdoor environment.
world’s first ecodesign product - the ahrend 220 task
500 table system combined with an ahrend
use of such hazardous materials must
chair. the Life Cycle analysis programme ecobase 2.0
230 or 2020 task chair will provide you with
therefore be limited and where possible
is the guiding force behind our innovative processes.
a certified Cradle to Cradle workspace.
eliminated.
it identifies the environmental impact of each individual component that forms part of an ahrend product, showing Co 2 emissions, acidity, toxicity and energy consumption. this helps us to develop products with minimal impact on the environment.
_there is no future without innovation
13
Creating the future We have high standards for working and living environments. technological innovation is considered at every stage of the production process. although recycled foam was long Groundbreaking innovation is only possible
thought to be impossible, we recently showed
_Working with ahrend means working
when working with collaborative partners at
that it could be reused as a material in the
responsibly. Proof of this is the Cradle to
every stage of the manufacturing process.
production of new cushions – a global first!
Cradle Company award, which we recently
We work together with our partners sourcing solutions that are based on the ambitions of
at ahrend, we do our best to use as many innovative methods and environmentally friendly materials as possible, such as formaldehyde-free
received for our sustainability policies and innovative operations, an integral part of
Cradle to Cradle thinking. We consider the
recyclable tabletop surfaces. our paints are also
how we work. our partners and suppliers
entire supply chain and our standards are very
one-of-a-kind, free of harmful pigments and
Mosa, desso and Van Gansewinkel have
high. it is not just about minimising the negative
additives, therefore meeting Cradle to Cradle
also received this recognition of guaranteed
impact, but sourcing the best possible solution.
standards. in consultation with ahrend, our
quality and sustainability.
raw material suppliers have also shifted their own innovative programmes to address Cradle to Cradle ideals.
_Changes that benefit everyone
15
Change costs money; stagnation costs more ahrend next Life extends the life of existing workspaces by adding new and often ergonomic functions to existing furniture. Furniture can organisations never stop moving. as their
be remodelled to make it adjustable; manual
_ahrend’s modular products are designed
requirements and working methods change,
adjustment can be replaced with electrical
to have a long life span, during which the
interior design concepts require renovation.
adjustment; paint finishes can be stripped using
function and appearance of these products
Modularity is the key word, whether the issue
environmentally friendly methods with new
can be modified. this can save up to 95%
at hand is old or new workspaces, traditional working habits or the innovating principles of Smart Working.
finishes then being applied; task chairs can be re-upholstered and given a new lease of life. it is hard to say what people will want in five or even ten years time. For this reason, we future-proof our products and components and ensure that they can be reused in many ways for years to come.
in Co2 emissions and up to 40% in cost compared to new replacement furniture.
_Caring for products and people
17
re_fresh: a healthy working environment and a content workforce thanks to good product maintenance ordinary cleaning methods are often not enough for an office environment. the result is
ahrend’s re_fresh concept is the solution for heavy-use workspaces and furniture. it not only includes the deep cleaning of chairs, but also
_Would you like to see the rate of your staff absenteeism reduce? ahrend re_fresh
a workspace that can be far from clean and safe
checks all of the vital functions and components
ensures a healthy workspace which can
which harbours bacteria, dust mites and germs.
of your furniture. this means that furniture
result in higher employee satisfaction
Careful maintenance can be extremely cost-
stays clean and that the most basic tools in your
and less time off work. Lower your
effective. not only will your furniture last longer
workspace function as they should. a re_fresh
housekeeping expenses and total Cost
and be more pleasant to use, but aspects such as employee absenteeism may also be reduced.
maintenance contract is an investment that quickly repays itself. thanks to this programme, you can continually guarantee your employees a pleasant and healthy space to work and relax in. in turn, this enhances the perception of comfort at work, resulting in better performance.
of ownership by extending the life of your furnishings with re_fresh.
_take back and reuse materials
19
recovery and reuse of your furniture re_turn is ahrend’s product recovery programme. Proven quality and timeless design guarantee residual value for ahrend products at the end of their long
our goal is to create products with an endless
lifespan. even products that have not yet reached the
_do you want to ensure that your office
cycle of reuse. Starting from a product’s design
end of their lifespan are also worth a considerable
furniture will have a substantial trade-in
phase, we focus on how it can be completely
amount. re_use: whenever possible, ahrend products
value when you are finished with it? We
and safely recycled into a new product. our
are completely reused, broken down into reusable
offer a trade-in value per workspace and
aim is to eliminate inefficiency and waste and to have materials and resources that can be
parts, renovated and reassembled. anything not reusable is identified and labelled according to its recycling category, so that we know how it can be
can also take back furniture from other manufacturers. if you would like to learn
used again and again whilst still retaining their
safely assigned for another purpose. together with
more about this service, please request
material value.
our waste management partner Van Gansewinkel,
our overview of trade-in values.
who has staff permanently based at our factories, we ensure that all recycling streams are identified. the result: whilst providing your employees with safe and inspiring workspaces through our products, our services like re_turn and re_use also allow you to contribute to a cleaner environment.
_Furniture with a future
21
Leasing furniture: use is more important than ownership do you require future-proof furniture that can effortlessly cope with expansion and change? are you looking for furniture that not only When purchasing any product, you want to
provides optimum comfort, but also maximum
_Choose ease of use and maximum
enjoy care-free use of it for as long as possible.
flexibility and the certainty of continuity? For
performance over ownership. discover how
the same applies to furniture - it has to provide
interior solutions that meet these demands,
much more efficient facilities management
what you expect from it and meet current and
leasing furniture is a good option, especially
can become by asking ahrend about the
future demands, after all, organisations are changing more often than ever before. this
if the lease agreement also incorporates a maintenance programme. With ahrend, every product is registered and cared for during
means that furniture has to be flexible enough
the entire lease period. it is also possible to
to keep up with its changing environment.
have seating products deep cleaned using our re_fresh service. additionally, we provide ergonomic workspace instructions to ensure employees use our products responsibly. a lease agreement could not possibly be more complete than this!
range of leasing solutions available. a multitude of benefits come at a relatively small price.
_Let Smart Working work for you
23
the Co2St formula: save space, money and Co2 ahrend has demonstrated how organisations can substantially reduce their carbon footprint. Many organisations cite financial considerations
With our unique Co 2St formula, it is easy to calculate savings in terms of space, energy
_Saving money on office and furniture
as a reason to shift to Smart Working. after
consumption, Co 2 emissions and capital. We
expenses has become an inevitable
all, office space and housekeeping come at a
can show you how Smart Working can reduce
necessity for many organisations. ahrend
premium cost these days. Smart Working can
Co 2 by over 30% and create financial savings
can help you create the most suitable and
have a big impact on your energy expenditure and your carbon footprint. Your organisation’s
that are equally as great. embracing a new concept of interior furnishings means creating safe and inspiring surroundings in which people
sustainable interior concept, allowing you to achieve savings that can exceed 30% -
energy consumption and environmental impact
perform more effectively. Moreover, it means
a solution that is good for the environment
can be reduced, whilst investment on interior
contributing to a cleaner environment.
as well as your bottom line!
furnishing is also kept low.
24
_It is about sourcing the best possible solution
_Give resources a new future
_1
_Let’s create energy, not CO2 _2
_A healthy mind in a healthy environment _3
_There is no future without innovation _4
_5
_Our customers expect
_At Ahrend we do not just
_Ahrend is a clear leader in the
_Ahrend is able to offer the
_Working with Ahrend
transparency. Clarity about
settle for traditional production
reduction of energy use and
first workspace solution that
means working responsibly.
our performance on a
methods. We innovate and
CO 2 emissions. It was therefore
is fully compliant with the
Proof of this is the Cradle
social level. A clear picture
seek new methods, alternative
with good reason that in 2008
principles of Cradle to Cradle.
to Cradle Company award,
that leads to dialogue. With
materials and better solutions.
we received the EMAS Award
An Ahrend 500 table system
which we recently received
a sustainable society and
This has resulted in the use of
for outstanding results in this
combined with an Ahrend 230
for our sustainability policies
a genuine cooperation as
powder coated paint, emission-
field: a staggering reduction
or 2020 task chair will provide
and innovative operations,
the ultimate goal.
free manufacturing methods,
of 54.2%.
you with a certified Cradle to
an integral part of how we
Cradle workspace.
work. Our partners and
as well as a wide range of other sustainable applications.
suppliers Mosa, Desso and Van Gansewinkel have also received this recognition of guaranteed quality and sustainability.
_Changes that benefit everyone
_Caring for products and people _6
_Take back and reuse materials
_7
_Furniture with a future
_8
_Let Smart Working work for you
_9
_10
_Ahrend’s modular products
_Would you like to see the
_Do you want to ensure that
_Choose ease of use and
_Saving money on office and
are designed to have a long
rate of your staff absenteeism
your office furniture will have
maximum performance over
furniture expenses has become
life span, during which the
reduce? Ahrend Re_fresh
a substantial trade-in value
ownership. Discover how
an inevitable necessity for
function and appearance
ensures a healthy workspace
when you are finished with
much more efficient facilities
many organisations. Ahrend
of these products can be
which can result in higher
it? We offer a trade-in value
management can become by
can help you create the most
modified. This can save up to
employee satisfaction and
per workspace and can also
asking Ahrend about the range
suitable and sustainable
95% in CO 2 emissions and up
less time off work. Lower
take back furniture from other
of leasing solutions available.
interior concept, allowing you
to 40% in cost compared to
your housekeeping expenses
manufacturers. If you would
A multitude of benefits come
to achieve savings that can
new replacement furniture.
and Total Cost of Ownership
like to learn more about this
at a relatively small price.
exceed 30% - a solution that is
by extending the life of your
service, please request our
good for the environment
furnishings with Re_fresh.
overview of trade-in values.
as well as your bottom line!
Royal Ahrend NV T +31(0)88 - 00 60 000 E info@ahrend.com I www.ahrend.com
Ahrend. A Cradle to Cradle company. Creating safe products and healthy environments.