Office and furniture manufacturers who lower their environmental footprint can achieve cost savings and gain a strong competitive advantage, said a leading office furniture manufacturer.

Allan Smith, vice president of European Marketing, Research and Development for Steelcase International, will share his knowledge about how green design principles can be adopted to achieve cost savings and create a competitive edge at the ‘Office Talks’ seminar, taking place at The Office Exhibition from March 3 to 5, in Dubai.

Smith said Steelcase globally has lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 41 per cent since 2000, while sales of their office furniture has increased.

In the same period, the company reduced Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions by 95 per cent, landfill waste by 50 per cent and their global energy consumption by 46 per cent.

'UAE companies who focus on sustainable practices are responding to growing market opportunities both domestically and globally, creating enhanced product performance and greater competitiveness within their own market and internationally.'

'Companies who stick to outdated design practice will become less competitive over time.'

His presentation titled, ‘Designing for Sustainability and Competitive Advantage: Doing good for business and the environment’ will demonstrate how sustainable furniture design is not only good for the environment, but can have a positive impact on a businesses’ bottom line.

“The case for sustainable design is simple: it’s better for the environment and spells competitive advantage. This can be achieved through reduction in material, manufacturing and distribution costs.

“Other advantages include a healthier office environment, higher quality products and increased consumer loyalty. In addition, by producing a sustainable product you are in turn helping your customers to fulfill their environmental goals.”

Smith was named one of the most influential people in business ethics in 2007 by Ethisphere magazine and has 20 years experience in sustainable thought.

From 2003-2007, he served as director of Steelcase’s company-wide environmental strategy, aligning the company’s business and marketing strategies to achieve its environmental goals.-TradeArabia News Service