Sustainable manufacturing is the creation of manufactured products through economically-sound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources. This is part of the 'Triple Bottom Line' of sustainable business, reflecting social, environmental and financial values.
Commercial Interiors UK Outline Sustainability Strategy
Commercial Interiors UK is committed to helping members with their sustainability journeys. Our Sustainability Working Group has put together an outline Sustainability Strategy to help your business create a sustainability strategy that is aligned to your business strategy. Sustainability shouldn’t be an add on but should be integrated within your normal business practice.
To download our CIUK Sustainability Strategy click here.
Managing operations in a sustainable way is no longer a luxury, but a business imperative. Commercial Interiors UK supports and encourages its members to follow a code of best practice to effectively manage all their activities in this area. The objective is to manage measure and control, preserve and reduce, learn and communicate. Commercial Interiors UK supports the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) and encourages all members to work towards assessment against its principles.
Commitment
Every company should make a commitment to this code and appoint one person as responsible for environmental strategy. An environmental policy or written statement of commitment should be available for all customers and staff to see.
Legal compliance and environmental management
Commercial Interiors UK members must demonstrate compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. We encourage members and their supply chain to put a recognised environmental management process in place such as BS 8555, ISO 14001 or the EU EMAS.
Resource use
Members should monitor, assess and improve their processes for energy management and efficiency, waste and packaging, transport, and air and water management.
Sustainable Procurement
Documented procurement policies should give consideration to ethical and environmental impacts and where possible, these should inform the appointment and monitoring of new suppliers. Particular aspects of concern include sustainable timber purchasing, modern slavery and impacts from extraction or production of materials.
Other criteria
Commercial Interiors UK encourages all members to implement measures in the following areas:
- Eco design and end of life management
- Building construction and facilities management
- Community relations
- Workforce development and training
Reporting and education
Sustainability performance should be monitored and reported annually. Where possible an education and communication programme should be in place to inform staff, customers and the market and to lead the company and industry to further improvements.