Why Sustainability is the Future of Office Fit-Outs

Ida Gorecka • November 19, 2024

As a business leader or office manager, you recognise that creating an inspiring workspace goes beyond just aesthetics. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, your choice of office fit-out can largely influence not only your brand image but also the environment. 


Both clients and employees are drawn to companies that prioritise eco-friendly practices. By integrating sustainable solutions, such as second-hand furniture and recycled materials, into your office design, you can demonstrate your commitment to a greener future while also enhancing employee well-being and productivity.

The Rising Demand for Sustainable Solutions

Did you know that 88% of consumers are more likely to support brands that take a stand on social issues, especially sustainability? This trend is particularly noticeable in office settings, where businesses face increasing scrutiny over their environmental practices.


For fit-out companies, this presents a unique opportunity. By incorporating refurbished office furniture into your designs, you position yourself as a forward-thinking partner aligned with the values of your clients. The market for refurbished office furniture is thriving; the UK used office furniture market was valued at around £1.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow as more companies adopt sustainable practices.


By choosing refurbished office furniture, you can exceed client expectations and clearly demonstrate your company's commitment to sustainability. It illustrates that your company values environmental responsibility, which resonates with clients keen to showcase their commitment to the environment. In fact, businesses that use sustainable materials can reduce their carbon footprint by as much as 50% - an appealing prospect for clients looking to prove their corporate responsibility.


At Coggin SOS, we specialise in providing high-quality refurbished office furniture that meets the demands of modern businesses. If you're curious about how incorporating these solutions can benefit your projects, contact us today.

The Impact of Office Furniture on the Environment

The statistics are staggering, particularly in the UK, where an alarming amount of furniture is discarded each year. Data reveals that over 1.2 million office desks and 1.8 million office chairs are sent to waste sites annually. This disposal not only contributes to overflowing landfills but also to pollution and the depletion of natural resources, exacerbating the environmental crisis we face today.


Landfills are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. Office furniture, constructed from durable materials, can take decades to decompose once discarded. Studies reveal that approximately 80-90% of manufactured furniture ultimately reaches these waste sites, underscoring the urgent need for better waste management solutions.


A key driver of this waste is the culture of "fast furniture," which promotes low-cost, disposable products that often lack the durability to last over time. This cycle of production and disposal not only leads to increased landfill waste but also results in a higher carbon footprint, with new furniture production generating up to 1000 times more CO2 compared to refurbishing existing items.

Embracing Green Office Trends

Incorporating sustainable office furniture into your fit-out projects allows you to tap into the latest green office trends. Features like energy-efficient lighting, biophilic design, and sustainable materials are not just popular; they’re what clients are actively looking for. According to the World Green Building Council, green buildings can improve productivity by 8-11% and increase employee well-being by 13%. These benefits boost business success in any sector.


Using recycled office desks, chairs, and furnishings not only adds value to your projects but also appeals to clients who want to foster healthier and more productive workplaces for their teams. Plus, customising refurbished pieces allows you to create designs that not only look great but also align with your clients’ brand values. Feel free to contact us for more information on how to integrate these sustainable elements into your designs. 

The Circular Economy: A New Mindset

The circular economy is an economic model designed to minimise waste and make the most of resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take-make-dispose' pattern, the circular economy emphasises the continuous use of resources, keeping them in circulation for as long as possible. This approach aims to create a closed-loop system where waste is reduced, materials are reused, and environmental impact is minimised. 

Meeting Client Expectations in Sustainability

As sustainability becomes a critical factor in decision-making, having a comprehensive plan for office clearance and responsible waste management is essential. More clients are now looking for fit-out companies that can help them achieve their corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives. By integrating recycling office furniture into your projects, you not only help clients meet these goals but also enhance their overall office environment.


Sustainable disposal of old furniture minimises landfill costs and ensures compliance with UK regulations, allowing you to focus your budget on high-impact areas of your fit-out project. By prioritising eco-friendly practices, you demonstrate to clients that you are a responsible partner committed to their success.


After processing a collection or fulfilling an order, we provide detailed reports and certificates for you that highlight the sustainable practices involved in the project. These documents are valuable for your company’s sustainability reporting and can be shared with clients to demonstrate your commitment to reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.


For assistance with reporting or to learn more about how we can help you meet your sustainability goals, reach out to us here.

Office Furniture That Powers Your Sustainable Vision

In the UK, more businesses are adopting sustainable practices as a core part of their strategies, and at Coggin SOS, we're proud to support this circular economy. We ensure that the office furniture we refurbish goes back into use, giving each piece a second life, while responsibly disassembling and recycling items that cannot be saved. By integrating recycled and refurbished furniture into your designs, you position yourself as a forward-thinking partner and tap into a growing market of eco-conscious clients.


What's in it for you?


By partnering with us, you're not just choosing high-quality refurbished furniture; you're enhancing your reputation as a leader in sustainability. Our approach enables you to offer your clients beautiful, functional workspaces that reflect their commitment to the environment - a powerful selling point in today's market. Your clients will appreciate the transparency in your sourcing, knowing they are making a responsible choice that contributes to waste reduction and supports the circular economy. This commitment leads to increased client satisfaction, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business. With each restored piece, we're reshaping industry standards while strengthening your market position


Contact us to discuss the options of refurbished office furniture for your fit-out.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Office Furniture

February 18, 2025
As the end of the fiscal year approaches, many SMEs are facing a familiar challenge-how to use up remaining budgets before March 31st . One area that often gets overlooked? Office furniture. It’s a big expense, and many businesses either put off upgrading or settle for quick, low-quality solutions that don't really meet their needs. But there’s a better way to refresh your office without breaking the bank. Whether you decide to refurbish the furniture you already have or buy high-quality refurbished pieces , there’s an affordable, sustainable solution right at your fingertips. And, by making this choice before the end of the fiscal year, you’re setting yourself up for a smarter, more efficient office in the long run.

Achieving a Sustainable Office: 3 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Office’s Carbon Footprint

By Ida Gorecka • February 13, 2025
Did you know buildings, including offices, are responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions? Many businesses don’t realise that office furniture is a big part of that problem. Consumers are noticing too: 85% prefer eco-conscious brands, and 34% are willing to pay more for sustainable products ( source ). If you’re not thinking about sustainability , you are falling behind. But contrary to what most businesses assume, creating a sustainable office doesn’t mean a huge overhaul or extra costs. In fact, it can save you lots of money. At Coggin SOS, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses go green and we can help you too. Here are three easy steps to help you save both money and carbon emissions on your next office furniture project.

How Facilities Services Can Contribute to a Circular Economy with Furniture Recycling

By Ida Gorecka • February 11, 2025
Our approach to furnishing workspaces is changing as part of a collective effort to reverse the projected 70% increase in global waste by 2050 . Design trends are constantly changing, and as companies race to keep up it can be challenging to keep up with the newest trends in office furniture. However, this constant cycle results in millions of office furniture pieces getting unnecessarily discarded every year when, with the right expertise, they could be repurposed, reused, or recycled. What can we do to reverse this trend? Facility Managers must help to embed circular economy thought processes into procurement and disposal strategies, across the entire supply chain. While recycling paper and reducing energy consumption are common strategies, one area that is often overlooked as a source of sustainable credentials is office furniture. By embracing furniture recycling and refurbishment , facility managers can make smarter , more sustainable choices that help reduce waste, cut costs, and ensure premium-quality office designs, often without the lengthy lead times that accompany new furniture purchases. If you haven’t considered refurbished furniture before, you are in the right place to discover why they should be your obvious choice for your next project. But even if you have considered it, keep reading for valuable insights into how refurbished furniture can improve sustainability initiatives, maximise cost savings, and support long-term business goals.
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