JASPER, IN., February 21, 2022 — Kimball International announces solutions that contribute to sustainability, from the initial design and specification steps through the end-of-life furniture cycle. In partnership with ecomedes, Kimball International has launched a digital product portal, ecoChecker, that offers designers the ability to evaluate how their choice in furniture can contribute to their sustainability efforts. In addition to this new database, Kimball International announces their development of an Extended Producer Responsibility program by leveraging service provider Green Standards to enable the efficient and ethical redistribution of furniture, fixtures, and equipment during times of workplace change.
ecoChecker provides a database where designers can instantly find, compare, and evaluate a wide range of environmental and social criteria from all of their brands including Kimball, National, Etc., Interwoven, Poppin, Kimball Hospitality, and D’ style products. With over 400 Kimball International products in the database, designers can now find reliable, complete, and easy-to-use sustainability data in one location. The platform, powered by ecomedes, enables facilities and manufacturers to collaborate on reducing costs, carbon, and impact.
“The trend in office furniture is moving toward universal product transparency,” said Kathleen Egan, CEO of ecomedes. “Facilities have declared ESG goals that now need to be met. Buildings, building products, and furniture are all a part of their strategy. Manufacturers, like Kimball International, who meet this emerging need are growing a tangible and competitive lead.”
Kimball International continues to make key investments in their products, data infrastructure, and manufacturing capabilities to support sustainability. With Green Standards, Kimball International provides sustainable solutions for the redistribution of surplus furniture, equipment, and supplies. It diverts products from landfills at a 98.6% diversion rate, and donates products to non-profits, schools, and charitable organizations. Through industry-leading expertise, proprietary technology, innovative strategies, and diligent planning, project costs are equal or less than conventional landfill disposal.
“Our dedication to sustainability has been evident throughout our company’s history,” said Mendy Claridge, Director of Program Management and Transformation with an emphasis in Sustainability, Kimball International. “We continue to invest in developing product solutions and tools that support our commitment. ecoChecker provides verified, 3rd party certification and scientific data points that can fuel ESG disclosures, LEED credits, and a growing number of enterprise declarations. The program with Green Standards allows us to help our partners find a way to distribute their previously used furniture to help others. These programs create a holistic approach to sustainability by providing solutions for the beginning of projects through the end of their life cycle.”
Learn more about Kimball International’s Extended Producer Responsibility program
About Kimball International
Kimball International is a leading omnichannel commercial furnishings company with deep expertise in the Workplace, Health, and Hospitality markets. We combine our bold entrepreneurial spirit, a history of craftsmanship, and today’s design driven thinking alongside a commitment to our culture of caring and lasting connections with our customers, shareholders, employees, and communities. For over 70 years, our brands have seized opportunities to customize solutions into personalized experiences, turning ordinary spaces into meaningful places. Our family of brands includes Kimball, National, Etc., Interwoven, Kimball Hospitality, D’style, and Poppin. At Kimball International, corporate social responsibility is built into the fabric of our company’s long-held Guiding Principles and our authentic purpose to “Dare to be Makers of Possibility”. For more information about our ESG program or to view a copy of our ESG Summary report, please visit www.kimballinternational.com/esg.
About ecomedes, Inc.
Ecomedes reduces costs, carbon, and impact for buildings. Building owners and designers, like the Federal GSA, ARCO Murray, and DPR Construction use ecomedes to catapult ESG compliance while saving time and money on research, evaluation, scoring, documentation of building products. The product manufacturers, such as Humanscale, Herman Miller, Certainteed, and Tarkett grow their digital surface area, connect with modern buyers, and save money on sales, marketing, and IT. As a result, ecomedes drives to a future of simple, universal product transparency, higher profit, and less impact from buildings. ecomedes is headquartered in San Francisco. www.ecomedes.com
About Green Standards
Green Standards specializes in the responsible and cost-effective redistribution of surplus and obsolete durable goods, including office furniture, fixtures, supplies, and IT equipment. On a turnkey basis, Green Standards efficiently channels surplus office assets according to corporate priorities for charitable donations, recycling, and resale. www.greenstandardsltd.com