BANGALORE (India CSR): Humanscale, the global leader in ergonomic design and manufacturing, has released its 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Headquartered in New York, the company has achieved groundbreaking milestones in sustainable manufacturing under the leadership of CEO Bob King and Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy.
This year’s report highlights significant progress in five core areas: healthy materials, circularity, climate and energy, water conservation, and social responsibility. Notably, 70% of Humanscale’s products by revenue are now certified climate-positive under the Living Product Challenge.
Commitment to Leading Industry Change
A Vision Beyond Words
Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer, stated:
“In 2023, Humanscale’s aim remained bigger than ourselves as we set out to lead and catalyze our entire industry toward greater sustainability. Our success, as always, was grounded in concrete actions rather than carefully worded promises.”
Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale
Humanscale has consistently pushed boundaries to redefine sustainability standards within its industry.
Key Highlights of Humanscale’s Sustainability Journey
Pioneering Sustainability Milestones
Humanscale has achieved numerous industry firsts, including:
2017: First to manufacture with discarded fishing nets.
2018: First to eliminate Red List chemicals.
2019: First to systematically publish Declare labels.
2021: First to use onsite captured rainwater for all production processes.
2022: First to certify all factories as TRUE Zero Waste.
2023: First to have products certified as carbon-negative.
These achievements underscore Humanscale’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.
Progress in Key Focus Areas
1. Healthy Materials
Humanscale prioritizes customer health and safety by using eco-friendly materials. In 2023, the company successfully removed 95% of added antimicrobials from its products, promoting healthier indoor environments for users.
2. Circularity and Durability
The company has long been a proponent of designing durable products optimized for circularity. Recent initiatives include:
Testing second-life chairs to extend product life.
Reducing packaging waste.
Diverting waste from landfills through efficient recycling practices.
3. Climate and Energy Efficiency
Significant strides were made in reducing energy consumption and emissions:
Energy use reduced by 585 MWh through upgrades to air compressors, HVAC fans, and LED lighting.
Scope 1 and 2 climate emissions were cut by over 35 tons of CO2e, surpassing the target of 25 metric tons.
4. Water Conservation
To address global water scarcity, Humanscale implemented a new water reuse system for its powder coating process. This innovation reduced water usage by 32%, achieving 182% of the company’s initial reduction goal.
5. Social Responsibility and Community Impact
Humanscale’s employees actively participated in environmental cleanups and community projects, reflecting the company’s dedication to social impact and sustainability.
Humanscale in India: A Growing Presence
In India, Humanscale offers its award-winning ergonomic products through its authorized distributor, S Cube Ergonomics Pvt Ltd. With exclusive showrooms and experience centers in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, the company also has a presence in over 10 multi-branded stores nationwide.
Prominent clients in India include Visa, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Google, and Pepsico, demonstrating the trust and value Humanscale’s ergonomic solutions provide to top-tier organizations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Manufacturing
Humanscale’s 2023 CSR report reaffirms its commitment to pushing sustainability boundaries and building a circular economy. With initiatives rooted in tangible results and industry-leading innovation, the company is setting benchmarks for others to follow.
By achieving carbon-negative certifications and promoting environmentally friendly practices, Humanscale is not just reshaping the ergonomic industry but is also contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change.
You Learn
Humanscale’s 2023 CSR report is a testament to its dedication to creating a sustainable and equitable future. With groundbreaking innovations, a focus on healthy materials, and community engagement, the company continues to lead by example.
As sustainability becomes a central focus for industries worldwide, Humanscale stands as a beacon of how businesses can align profitability with environmental and social responsibility, ensuring long-lasting impact.
India CSR® is the largest media on CSR and sustainability offering diverse content across multisectoral issues on business responsibility. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting.
