by Ann Withanee — June 17, 2011—Allsteel Inc. has attained BIFMA level 3 for its Stride series, specifically for the benching and systems furniture components of the collection that are constructed of certified wood. The rigorous level 3 certification is the highest possible awarded by the organization.
A year ago Allsteel was notified that every chair, workstation, storage unit and table in its current product portfolio had qualified for BIFMA level 2. Soon after that, Stride benching was introduced. The level 3 rating for the Stride furniture systems was an upgrade from the June 2010 BIFMA certifications.
“The level certification reflects Allsteel’s achievements in greenhouse gas emissions and waste reduction, human and ecosystem health, and social responsibility,” said Stowe Hartridge-Beam, director of Business Development at Scientific Certification Systems, which served as a third party auditor for Allsteel’s level certification.
Consistently striving for sustainability in its products, operations and practices, Allsteel, in 2008, was the first among five companies that achieved SCS Sustainable Choice Gold, the original BIFMA standard prior to level. At that time, Allsteel earned the certification for all of its workstation products.
The level third-party certification was introduced by BIFMA in 2009, driven by its goal to help drive the contract furniture industry to integrate sustainability into all aspects of its business practices, from the supply chain to the product’s eventual recycling and from the board room to the loading dock. The criteria for the certification are defined by the BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard, which provides direction to manufacturers in the areas of materials, energy and atmosphere, human and ecosystem health, and corporate social responsibility.
For more information visit the Allsteel Web site.
