carbon report
Workbench’s Carbon Report and Net Zero Commitment
From designing cutting-edge office furniture to revolutionising how businesses approach sustainability, we are proud to lead the way as the first UK office furniture company to publicly measure and report its carbon footprint.
​
Achieving Carbon Neutrality
One of our proudest achievements is earning carbon-neutral status from 2021–2022. By reducing our carbon intensity by 10% during this period and offsetting our remaining footprint, we’ve set the bar high for sustainability standards in the office furniture industry.
​
We started this process in 2020–2021, aiming to reduce our carbon intensity by 7%. Exceeding that target within a year proves the power of strategic, meaningful changes. However, as with any long-term commitment, we know the road ahead will be increasingly challenging, requiring meticulous planning and targeted initiatives.
Pioneers in Transparency
​
We were the first UK office furniture company to measure and list our carbon footprint publicly on the United Nations website. This step is a game-changer because transparency fosters trust. It also enables our clients to confidently choose sustainable products, knowing their purchasing decisions align with responsible environmental practices.
We publish our Carbon Report on the United Nations’ Climate Neutral Now platform, demonstrating our adherence to international standards like the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
​
What Are Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions?
To better understand our impact, we calculate emissions across three scopes as defined by the GHG Protocol:
-
Scope 1 includes direct emissions from our operations (e.g., fuel used in company vehicles).
-
Scope 2 accounts for indirect emissions related to the energy we purchase and utilise, such as electricity.
-
Scope 3, often referred to as “the big one,” encompasses all other emissions linked to our value chain, including those from suppliers, materials, manufacturing, and product installation.
​
By meticulously tracking and assessing these categories, we have a clear picture of our total footprint and where we can implement impactful changes.
Our Journey to Net Zero
Targeting Net Zero by 2040
To achieve Net Zero by 2040, we’ve set an ambitious plan that balances immediate reductions with long-term strategic investments. While we aim to reduce our carbon intensity by 2–3% annually, we acknowledge that deep supply chain changes take years to reap measurable benefits.
​
For example, a significant portion of our carbon footprint comes from the materials used in our products. To address this, we specify low-carbon options like European FSC-certified timber and steel. These sustainable materials align with our principles of ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
Design for Circularity with "Workbeyond"
While reducing material carbon in the near term is challenging, we’re thinking ahead by incorporating circular design practices into our products. Through our “Workbeyond” programme, clients will soon be able to return used furniture components for refurbishment, reuse, or repurposing. This initiative ensures fewer materials end up as landfill waste in the long term, providing a meaningful reduction in carbon over time.
Offsetting Our Carbon Footprint
When direct reductions aren’t enough, offsetting plays a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality. We’re proud to support the 24 MW Bhilangana Hydro Power Project in Uttarakhand, India.
​
This project provides clean energy to underserved areas, creating both environmental and socio-economic benefits. By investing in initiatives like this, we’re going beyond profit to create value for communities and ecosystems around the world.
Sustaining the Momentum
At Workbench, sustainability is a continuous process. Here are some of the ways we’re strengthening our environmental contributions year-over-year:
Environmental Certification (ISO 14001)
We operate a UKAS-accredited Environmental Management System in accordance with ISO 14001:2015, ensuring ongoing improvements in reducing our impact.
FSC Certification
By using FSC-certified materials, we promote responsible forest management practices while adhering to the highest standards for ethical production.
BREEAM, LEED, WELL Alignment
Our products are tailored to meet the sustainability requirements for projects aiming to achieve certifications like BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. These global benchmarks enhance both environmental performance and occupant wellbeing.
Why Measuring Matters
Understanding our carbon footprint is the foundation of sustainable progress. Measuring emissions reveals not only where we stand today but also illuminates the steps we must take for a greener future. At Workbench, these insights have driven significant improvements and inspired initiatives like rethinking how clients interact with our products at the end of their life cycle.
​
Driving the Change Forward
Sustainability is a collaborative effort, and at Workbench, we firmly believe in constructing a greener future together. By sharing our carbon performance openly and investing in innovative programmes like Workbeyond, we hope to inspire others to take bold steps towards sustainability.
​
For businesses seeking furniture with purpose, we invite you to explore our collections made with responsibly sourced materials and a commitment to reducing carbon at every stage