Canada – Government encourages use of "green" office furniture

Three Canadian firms are helping the federal government be more environmentally friendly after qualifying to provide the government with remanufactured office furniture. With a combined value of US$600,000, the Regional Master Standing Offers awarded to the three firms will help the government play a role in keeping office furniture out of Canada‘‘s landfills.



"Given our purchasing volumes and our Policy on Green Procurement, the government is well-positioned to have a significant and positive impact on the environment," said PWGSC Minister Michael M Fortier. "This is another example of our commitment to the environment."



A standing offer allows departments across government to do business with pre-qualified suppliers of a particular good or service, saving time and money. Suppliers agree to provide goods or services at pre-arranged prices, under set terms and conditions, when and if required.



The awarded firms, ASOKAN Business Interiors, Advanced Business Interiors and Teknion Furniture Systems, create office panel systems out of used materials by remanufacturing the furniture to a ‘‘like new‘‘ finish. Remanufactured office panel systems can be purchased at lower cost to the government, while offering a reduced impact on the environment.



Remanufactured furniture must meet the same performance and durability standards as new furniture, and must adhere to numerous environmental measures, such as formaldehyde emission standards.



"Not only does this product have many environmentally friendly features, but remanufacturing prevents used products from entering landfills," said Minister Fortier.



The standing offer awarded to ASOKAN Business Interiors, a small Ottawa-based Aboriginal firm, also demonstrates that through a fair, open and transparent procurement system, all suppliers – both large and small – have access to government procurement opportunities.



"This standing offer is creating jobs for Aboriginal people and helping the growth of Aboriginal business in addition to achieving savings and helping the environment," said André Clément, President of ASOKAN Business Interiors.



The standing offers will be in place for two years, and apply to the National Capital Area, Ontario, and Quebec.