Environment. Planet Keilhauer

Transcription

1 is our sustainability program. Our plan is to create a company that is environmentally benign, socially progressive, and economically successful. is driven by our Big-Time Corporate Goal Closed Loop Manufacturing. We strive to achieve this goal by setting a sustainability policy, incorporating comprehensive sustainability programs, and empowering our people. is important to us because we all share this planet. It is important that we all take responsibility for its care. Our commitment is to ensure that we, at Keilhauer, do our part. Our sustainability policy has been put in place to make us conscious of the decisions that we need to make and to give us goals to strive for in our journey to make our footprint on the world very light. is part of the fabric of our company consciousness and we pursue its objectives diligently. 1

2 We manufacture quality seating on time, and are driven by our Big-Time Corporate Goal: Use closed-loop manufacturing to create products that support the person. We ll know we have a closed loop system when: We use BENIGN MATERIALS that have no impact on the environment or people throughout their life cycle. We use 100% RECYCLED CONTENT or RAPIDLY RENEWABLE MATERIAL in our products. At the end of useful life our products can be DISASSEMBLED and reused, recycled, or biodegraded. We create 0 WASTE. We use 0 WATER in our processes. We are powered by 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY. 2

3 is guided by our Sustainability Policy that commits to: Complying with laws, rules, regulations and industry standards. Conducting business honestly and ethically. Empowering employees to lead change. Continually improving environmental performance and preventing pollution by: Including the environment and life cycle thinking in business policies, planning, processes, and product design. Measuring and managing natural and energy resource use. Assessing waste streams and working to eliminate them. Prioritizing reduce, reuse, and recycle. Communicating this policy to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders. 3

4 s goal is achieved by our daily occupation with: Design for the Environment Design for Environment (DfE) Commitment: Include the environment and life cycle thinking in product design. How we do it: Assemble a cross-functional DfE Team to evaluate the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle. Minimize environmental impacts of products by: Including recycled materials. Sourcing raw materials from sustainable sources whenever possible. Completing material assessments to understand and eliminate any human and ecosystem impacts. Reducing resource use in manufacturing. Creating products with long useful lives that are serviceable and repairable. Designing products for disassembly and reuse or recycling. See our material recovery options (Appendix 1) Win: Reduce Recycled Textiles Northern Biome is our newest line of contract textiles. The line showcases fabrics made wholly of recycled content. This move limits our need for new, virgin materials and reduces our dependence on the earth s finite resources. For every yard of 100% recycled polyester we use, we save over 1.6lb of new polyester from being produced. Cordillera: 100% post-consumer Cobblestone: 50% post-consumer, 50% post-industrial Mixed woods 20% post-consumer, 80% post-industrial Refresh (acrylic backing): 28.1% post-consumer, 52.1% post-industrial Vicolo (acrylic backing): 100% recycled content Montane (acrylic backing): 68% post-consumer, 26% post-industrial 4

5 Water Air Energy Win: ecoscorecard In March 2013, Keilhauer showed its commitment to transparency by partnering with ecoscorecard to launch an online database of environmental product attributes. Keilhauer s ecoscorecard allows users to view data on all Keilhauer products including: certifications, recycled content, end of life instructions, renewable energy usage in production, packaging, etc. Through this initiative, Keilhauer continues to highlight the ongoing achievements of its Design for Environment program. Water Commitment: Measure and manage natural and energy resource use. Goal: 0 process water use How we do it: Measure use by performing water audits and tracking monthly use. Manage use and ensure water efficiency by: Evaluating processes to ensure best possible water efficiency. Formally considering water efficiency in capital purchasing decisions. Win: Reduce Near 0 Process Water In our manufacturing facility we have reached near zero process water use with water being used only to steam finished seats. While we are surely on the road to best possible water efficiency, we aren t stopping here. We ve set our sights on our whole facility and have installed low flow toilets, and committed to irrigation-free landscaping. We have also reached out to our suppliers to understand their usage and conservation efforts. 5

6 Water Air Energy Air Commitment: Measure emissions by undertaking internal air monitoring surveys, emission audits, and greenhouse gas inventories. How we do it: Measure emissions by undertaking internal air monitoring surveys, emission audits, and greenhouse gas inventories. Manage and reduce emissions by: Implementing transportation strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from parts in and products out. Formally considering emissions in purchasing decisions. Achieving SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certification for seating products. Win: Reduce Blanket Wrapping Over ten years ago our Logistics Manager noticed an opportunity. It was radical at the time, but in Fiscal 2015 it impacted over 73% of our orders. This opportunity saw our products shipped wrapped in re-usable blankets rather than in single-use boxes which means in Fiscal 2015, we avoided using 93,722 boxes! It also eliminated the resources required to make them, and the waste they create. Even more impressively, it allowed us to fit 25%-50% more product on each truck, which greatly cut our greenhouse gas emissions. So while we keep delivering quality seating on time, we also keep reducing our footprint on the earth. Win: Carbon Reporting In 2015, Keilhauer once again voluntarily reported to the Carbon Disclosure Project, in an international carbon reporting program. By reporting, Keilhauer solidifies its commitment to measuring its greenhouse gas emissions- Scope 1, 2 and 3, and to both managing and driving reduction. 6

7 Water Air Energy Energy Commitment: Measure and manage natural and energy resource use. How we do it: Measure by tracking monthly use, and by performing energy audits. Manage use and ensure energy efficiency by: Maintaining equipment and facilities to ensure optimal energy performance. Sourcing energy from renewable sources. Considering energy efficiency in capital investments. Win: Renewable Electricity Keilhauer began its commitment to renewable power in 2006 by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits to account for 60% of its total electricity use. As of September 1, 2012 Keilhauer increased its commitment by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits for 100% of its total electricity use. This renewable energy comes from low impact hydro facilities in our region that are certified by Environment Canada s EcoLogo program. In 2015, Keilhauer purchased power generated from Wind farms. This move takes us one step closer to fulfilling our goal of Closed Loop Manufacturing. Win: Purchase of new cutting machine In October 2014, Keilhauer implemented a new cutting machine to ensure operations remain efficient and to reduce our energy consumption. The new machine will save 10,560 kw/h per year! Win: Green Renovations Keilhauer conducts thorough research on sustainable options before commencing any renovation project. For example, in May 2012 Keilhauer developed a partnership with Partners in Project Green and the University of Toronto s Landscape Research Centre to develop a Green Parking Lot Proposal for their 1450 Birchmount Road facility parking lot renovation. 7

8 Commitment: identify waste streams and work to eliminate them. Goal: 0 waste How we do it: Measure waste produced by performing annual waste audits. Manage and minimize waste created by: Introducing programs that reduce, and then eliminate waste streams. Win: Multi-stream Recycling & 100% Diversion Annual Audits Keilhauer has annual waste audits completed and from this process a yearly Reduction Plan is created and training material established to help drive reduction. 0 to Landfill On April 1, 2013, Keilhauer partnered with local, Greater Toronto Area-based Algonquin Power to convert its waste to energy and achieve 0 waste to landfill. While we continue to strive toward 0 waste, this move ensures that the garbage we can t reduce, reuse, or recycle still has some value through its conversion to energy. Leather Recycling Many of our customers choose leather to cover their seats. Before being sewn, leather hides are cut into patterns and this process leaves behind scrap. In 2003, Keilhauer sought out a recycling partner to ensure the scrap doesn t end up in a landfill. Now, 100% of our leather scraps, or about 9,000 lbs per year, are being recycled into small purses and other accessories. This means our leather gets a second life. Textile Recycling Expanding on our great success with leather recycling, on July 9, 2012, Keilhauer launched a textile recycling program. The program sees textile scraps leftover from the cutting process recycled rather than landfilled. In the first 6 months of the program we recycled 10,500 lbs of fabric. This move takes us one step closer to fulfilling our goal of 0 waste and ultimately Closed Loop Manufacturing. 8

9 Sewing Machine Recycling Event On March 6, 2015, Keilhauer s sustainability efforts continue to expand in its goal to be environmentally benign, socially progressive, and economically successful. Working with Partners in Project Green and The Repair Café Toronto, Keilhauer was able to remove 34 old sewing machines from its production facility, all of which were dismantled and recycled, achieving the following results: 12 skids (6,600 lbs) of material were diverted from landfill and taken to off-site recyclers. The proceeds from selling the scrap metal, over $600, were donated to The Repair Café Toronto. In order to accomplish this, 12 volunteers from The Repair Café, along with Partners in Project Green directed and assisted by Keilhauer staff, dismantled and meticulously separated the materials into these categories: 1. Motor, machine, and metal table base - all taken to a metal recycler. 2. Wood table top - recycled on site. 3. Plastic, paper, and fabric components - recycled on site. By disassembling the main components, we were able to separate not only the metals, by type, and retain a higher yield, but also recycle the plastic and fiber parts and dispose the machine oil safely, rather than letting it seep into the landfill. By considering these broken and old sewing machines through a different lens and by using the resources within our community, such as Partners in Project Green, they have become a conduit for ongoing environmental change actualized through the Repair Café. Donation of old Tradeshow Booth Keilhauer ensures that the products that we employ to run our operations have the longest life-span possible, and to ensure nothing goes to waste, in 2014, Keilhauer donated its custom made tradeshow booth to a local organization, along with Keilhauer tables. 9

10 Commitment: conduct business honestly and ethically while empowering employees to lead change. How we do it: Provide employees with a safe and healthy workplace where: The principles of fairness and mutual respect are achieved through communication, education and commitment. A zero tolerance policy for workplace violence, harassment, discrimination, and violations of human rights is upheld. All applicable health and safety legislation is met or exceeded. Promote fundraising and volunteer efforts that support local community groups and charities. Communicate and educate on sustainability, while challenging employees to lead individual and business change. Use fair hiring practices in agreement with the Human Rights Code and Keilhauer s Recruitment, Posting, Selection and Administration Policy. Ensure employees and contractors abide by Keilhauer s Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement. Allow employees and contractors to accept gifts from suppliers, vendors, partners, and customers only when: They are reasonable and customary. They arise from the standard course of business. They encourage or improve business relationships without inappropriately influencing Keilhauer decisions. Health & Safety We go above and beyond when it comes to Health and Safety and preventing workplace injuries in our facilities. Workplace Safety inspections are conducted on a monthly basis and a Joint Health and Safety Committee meet quarterly to discuss and implement safety measures. As a result, we maintain zero lost-time claims in This demonstrates the success of our commitment to eliminating and preventing workplace injuries. Inclusiveness & Accessibility Keilhauer and its employees value and prioritize inclusiveness and accessibility and it is demonstrated in the workplace culture. In addition to policies implemented to guide our employees, Keilhauer conducts regular Accessibility, Accommodation and Inclusivity training for all current and all new employees so that everyone in the company is trained. 10

11 Take Our Kids to Work Day In the fall we partnered in Take Our Kids to Work Day that brought the students to work with Keilhauer staff and learn about career possibilities. Gift Drive Over the holiday season we undertook a gift drive that saw 84 of Pathways students receive a holiday gift bag full of items to make their educational pursuits and holiday season a little bit brighter. YMCA Donation In July 2012, Keilhauer supported its local YMCA by donating 32 chairs to fill its facilities and learning paces, including the YMCA Academy- a secondary school that teaches teenagers with learning disabilities. Walk Now for Autism Speaks Toronto Our Payroll & Benefits Specialist Jaime has a son with autism so in June a group of Keilhauer employees lace up their shoes for the cause. In 2011, the team raised over $5,900 for Autism Speaks Canada. That s equivalent to each one of our employees donating $35! In 2014, $7,015 was raised, winning the Gold Award for highest online donations. Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart Every year, Team Keilhauer riders jump on their bikes in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation. In 2011, the group raised $9,965, $21,800 in 2012, $22,457 in 2013, and $19,808 in That makes a 4-year total of $73,760 for the cause! With this, our enthusiastic riders have the thrill of speeding along Toronto s main thoroughfares while supporting such a worthy cause. This year, the team s goal is an impressive $25,000! CIBC Run for the Cure In 2013, Team Keilhauer laced up their running shoes in support of Breast Cancer Research, raising $3,233! In 2014, Team Keilhauer surpassed their goal of $1,500 by raising an impressive total of $2,580! Lead Organizer Sandra Britt also donated 23 of her hair to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. That donation went towards wigs for cancer patients. HEATWAVE Toronto Corporate Challenge th Anniversary On July 13, 2014, in support of the Sick Kids Foundation, Team Keilhauer again rallied together to raise funds and participated in Toronto s Largest Beach Volleyball Event at Ashbridges s Bay in Toronto. 11

12 SCS Indoor Air Quality Certification - Indoor Advantage Gold Certification All Keilhauer seating has been awarded SCS Indoor Air Quality Certification - Indoor Advantage Gold. SCS Indoor Air Quality Certification identifies products that contribute to healthy indoor environments. It requires products to meet rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that easily separate from a product at room temperature, and that we can be exposed to through our skin, by ingestions, or in breathing. To maintain certification, products are required to undergo annual re-certification. Certificates can be viewed at: McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Cradle-to-Cradle Keilhauer s Simple Chair 9323 has earned silver designation from MBDC Cradle-to- Cradle Certification program. Cradle to Cradle evaluates products and materials for human health, environmental health and recyclability by looking at 5 core aspects: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social responsibility. MBDC s goal is for companies and their products to leave a positive footprint on the planet (instead of reducing a negative one). The framework is led by three key tenets: Eliminate the concept of waste Power with renewable energy Respect human and natural systems BIFMA level Keilhauer products are level certified at level 2 (gold). level is the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer Association s (BIFMA) multi-attribute sustainability standard (ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011). This third-party audited standard evaluates products against four key elements: materials, energy & atmosphere, human & ecosystem health, and social responsibility. To maintain certification, products are required to undergo annual monitoring. 12

13 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Product After a rigorous audit process, in 2013 Keilhauer facilities became FSC certified allowing the sale of FSC certified product. As of August 2014, Keilhauer s Juxta line of tables are now FSC Certified. Keilhauer is currently working to expand this program to other product lines in 2016! Product Take-Back Keilhauer currently offers a product take-back program for its Tom chair. The program requires customers to ship chairs back to Keilhauer s Toronto facility for full recycling. 13

14 Appendix 1 - Material Recovery End of Life Material Recovery Opportunities Once your Keilhauer chair reaches the end of its life, it doesn t need to end up in a landfill. In fact, many of the parts and materials it contains still have value, and can be reused or recycled to avoid an afterlife as waste. Reusing the materials is the best option, since the material gets a new life in its current form. No energy, water, or other resources are needed to break it down or alter it. Recycling is the next best option. Though it does require energy and other resources to recycle, the material still gets new life when it is used to make another product. Material Reuse Keilhauer products are built for long useful lives. Often products are still in great condition at the end of their lives, and only suffer from small issues like an over worn part, or a stained or ripped cover. In these cases you can: 1. Reuse as much of the original chair as possible, and contact our Parts Department for replacement parts, to have a new cover sewn, etc. Keilhauer Parts Department can be reached by phone at or by at parts@keilhauer.com. 2. Make the repairs. If you don t have the skills in-house to do so, check for local repair people in your area. Our Parts Team may also be able to provide recommendations. Material Recycling When re-use is not an option, recycling should be approached. You can recycle doing the following: 1. Disassemble the chair. This can often be done by hand with standard tools like screwdrivers, Allen keys, and side cutters for staple removal. 2. Separate all dissimilar materials. Foam should be separated from plywood, nylon from polyester, metal from polyurethane etc. - If you are unsure what materials comprise the product, you can find construction data at keilhauer.com. Select your product, and view the construction tab. To identify plastic types you can look for resin codes stamped on all plastic components. 3. Become familiar with your local recycling options. - Identify recycling companies and scrap metal dealers/recyclers. - Understand your municipality s recycling guidelines, and what they will and will not accept. 4. Know that the recyclability of a material depends on: - Volume available - Whether there is an end market for the material - Purity of the material (avoid coatings, mixed materials, etc.) - Availability of recycling infrastructure (is there a collection method, a processing facility, etc.). 14

15 Appendix 1 - Material Recovery 5. Recycle the materials. The following outline provides some ideas of how to recycle common Keilhauer materials: Metal Type: steel, aluminum Recyclability: widely recycled How to recycle: contact local scrap metal dealers or recycling companies Value: steel $0.50/lb. - $0.60/lb. USD; aluminum $ $0.95/lb. USD Plastic & Foam Type: polypropylene, polyethylene, glass-filled nylon, nylon, PET, ABS, urethane, polyurethane foam Recyclability: - polypropylene and polyethylene widely recycled - glass-filled nylon, nylon, PET, ABS, urethane, polyurethane foam recyclable How to recycle: - polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, PET, ABS contact local recycling companies or recycle through your municipality (if accepted) - glass-filled nylon, urethane, polyurethane foam contact local recycling companies Value: $ $0.35/lb. USD Wood Type: hardwood, plywood Recyclability: recyclable How to recycle: contact local recycling companies Value: $0 - $1/board foot USD Textiles Type: leather, nylon, polyester Recyclability: recyclable How to recycle: contact local recycling companies Value: leather $ $0.32/lb. USD; nylon/polyester $ $0.25/lb. USD Do you own a Tom chair? Did you know Keilhauer offers a take-back program for its Tom Chairs? Just ship the chair back to: 1450 Birchmount Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M1P 2E3, and we ll handle the recycling for you. 15