Humanscale Releases CSR Report for 2023

Bangalore  – New York head-quartered Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products, from seating to height-adjustable desks, has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report for 2023. The report details tangible strides the company has made toward a circular business model and reinforces its sustainability pillars. Led by CEO Bob King and Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy, Humanscale’s sustainability program remains dedicated to creating measurable change across climate, water, energy, and circularity. Humanscale is also proud to announce that 70% of products by revenue are now certified climate-positive under the Living Product Challenge.“In 2023, Humanscale’s aim remained bigger than ourselves as we set out to lead and catalyze our entire industry toward greater sustainability,” said Jane Abernethy. “Our success, as always, was grounded in concrete actions rather than carefully worded promises.”In India, Humanscale has been selling its award-winning products that include ergonomic chairs, sit/stand desks, new monitor arm line and the ergonomic tools through its Authorised Distribution Partner, S Cube Ergonomics Pvt Ltd (S Cube), having their Exclusive Showroom and Ergonomics Experience Centre at Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune with presence in 10+ multi-branded stores across India. The company has high-profile India customers that include Visa, LinkedIn, WellsFargo, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Google, Bank of America, Pepsico etc.Humanscale has been a pioneering force in advancing sustainability, with a record of significant industry firsts:

• 2017: First to manufacture with fishing nets
• 2018: First to remove Red List chemicals
• 2019: First to systematically publish Declare labels
• 2021: First to use onsite captured rainwater for all production
• 2022: First to have all factories TRUE Zero Waste certified
• 2023: First to have products carbon negative certified

The 2023 CSR report details Humanscale’s progress in five key areas: healthy materials, circularity, climate + energy, water, and social responsibility. This report is an essential resource for understanding Humanscale’s impact and continued climate-positive efforts.

Healthy Materials

A core Humanscale principle is to create products that promote customer health and safety. In 2023, the company aimed to remove all added antimicrobials from its products, reaching 95% completion.

Circularity

For decades, Humanscale has designed durable, long-lasting products optimized for circularity. Recent initiatives include a pilot to test second-life chairs, packaging reduction, and waste diversion.

Climate + Energy

Humanscale made significant progress in reducing climate impact and energy use. New air compressors, HVAC fans, and LED lighting installations led to a 585 MWh reduction in energy use, 836% of the original target. Scope 1 and 2 climate emissions were reduced by over 35 tons of CO2e, exceeding the 25 metric ton target.

Water

As water scarcity intensifies, Humanscale prioritizes conservation. In 2023, a new water reuse system for powder coating helped the company reduce water use by 32%, reaching 182% of its initial 25% reduction goal.

Social Responsibility

Community impact is central to Humanscale’s values. In 2023, employees volunteered at environmental cleanups at various locations.