Humanscale Sponsors Talk Series on Future of Workplace Design

Humanscale and Mohawk Group hosted “Sustainability Talk Series: How Transparency Is Changing the World” — a series of presentations that focused on how manufacturers are creating designs that are healthy, transparent and restorative.

Jason F. McLennan, Founder and CEO of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), shared his insights into sustainable manufacturing with architects and designers in Boston, New York and Washington D.C.

In 2016, Humanscale became the first manufacturer to complete the institute’s rigorous Living Product Challenge. Our Float table and Diffrient Smart chair are the world’s only products to be awarded the full certification — meaning they give more than they take from the planet.

“We’re extremely proud of this accomplishment because the Living Product Challenge is the only certification that requires manufacturers to go beyond reducing the harm they do, and actually benefit people and the environment,” said Jane Abernethy, Humanscale’s Sustainability Officer. “This aligns directly with our goal of having a net positive impact on the world.”

Mohawk Group has also risen to the challenge set forth by the International Living Future Institute. Their Lichen flooring collection was awarded a Petal Certification for being on track to give more resources back to the environment than it uses during the entire life cycle.

“We need to reset the conversation. Often, environmental or social concerns are pitted against economic concerns — especially when people are afraid of change,” said Jane. “Instead, the Living Product Challenge looks at how manufacturing can be part of the solution to social and environmental issues. Then, the world is made better off as the business grows.”