Sustainable furniture options promote healthy living as well as encourage the reduction of waste and damage to the environment. The following certifications and standards can help guide sustainable procurement options:
Certifications and Standards
| Certification | Description | Logo |
|---|---|---|
| Cradle to Cradle | Certifications standards examine the health effects of construction materials, whether materials can be recycled and repurposed, and consumption of water and other resources, as well as, issues of social fairness. |  |
| Green Label Plus |
CRI launched the Green Label Plus programs for carpet, adhesives, and cushion. These enhanced programs set higher standards for indoor air quality (IAQ) and ensure that customers are purchasing the very lowest emitting products available on the market. |
 |
| UL LEVEL Certification | LEVEL is the third-party certification program for the furniture industry's multi-attribute, sustainability standard |  |
Things to Consider:
Buy credibly certified products
- Make sure to request options that are third party certified such as Cradle to Cradle, Green Label Plus, and UL LEVEL.
- Is the product/service Fair Trade certified? This should be explicitly stated.
Buy circular
- How long is the product and its components meant to last?
- Does the product contain recycled components or materials? Have efforts been made to limit excess packaging and resulting waste? Does the product and/or packaging contain reusable/replaceable parts?
- Does the vendor offer an end-of-life takeback program? If no, can the product and/or packaging be disposed of through existing UW waste programs? Refer to the A-Z Sorting Guide if unsure.
Minimize unnecessary purchases
- Check with Central Stores to see if they have the products you’re looking for. They also offer moving services.
Consider lifecycle costs
- Is the item durable and/or reconfigurable? Sustainable furniture purchases can ideally be repaired and/or restored.
