Leading by example - Haworth Ltd. supplies sustainable workspace for VANOC

When Haworth Ltd., a global manufacturer of office interiors, became the first Official Supplier to Vancouver 2010, the company brought with it more than a suite of functional furniture. Sharing VANOC’s commitment to sustainability, Haworth ensured the Vancouver 2010 headquarters benefited, both from the partnership and a shared commitment to sustainability, while providing an environment conducive to innovation and creativity.

With a focus on adaptable workspace, building performance and beautiful, functional product design, Haworth assisted VANOC in meeting the Organizing Committee’s sustainability goals, both for its facilities and its workforce.

Like VANOC, which was recently awarded LEED CI-Gold for its headquarters, Haworth is committed to building to LEED Silver or higher in its own facilities, with a standard of LEED Gold or better for its showrooms. To aid in its LEED certification, Haworth outfitted the Vancouver 2010 headquarters with an adaptable workspace offering access to natural daylight without compromising functionality or aesthetics. Unique wall, desk and system products integrate with power and data, while Haworth’s choice, of both materials and finishes, provides exceptional indoor air quality.

A model example of Haworth’s commitment to innovative product design that also embraces sustainability is its Zody chair. “The Zody chair on display in our boardroom is a great example of the technology and innovation provided by Haworth”, said Ken Baker, consulting director of environmental sustainability at VANOC. “It’s 98 per cent recyclable and free of PVC, chrome and CFCs. Meeting VANOC’s needs for eco-efficiency, it is manufactured with 100 per cent wind energy offset, using up to 51 per cent recycled content.”

Other Haworth products installed for VANOC at its offices include TecCrete raised access flooring that permits underfloor cabling making it ideal for VANOC’s sizeable information technology area. As well, attractive and functional LifeSPACE moveable walls can easily be reconfigured or transferred to another location without waste – essential for Games planning. Beyond the Games, these walls will be used by other companies. Additional Haworth modular products allow for flexibility in office design and layout which is instrumental for a dynamic and growing workforce.

Haworth products contribute to a space that creates less waste, enables greater energy efficiency, improves air quality and enhances overall performance.

With less than three years to go until Games time, there’s no question that VANOC will continue to benefit from its strong and enduring partnership with Haworth – a partnership that is helping to make the Games even more sustainable, every step of the way.

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