Green Standards, a North American environmental firm with Canadian roots that helps companies divert used office equipment from landfills to benefit non-profits, has partnered with General Motors (GM) in a major waste diversion initiative.
The Detroit-based vehicle producer is aiming to repurpose tens of thousands of pieces of furniture and equipment valued at $1 million—items that were displaced by its transformation from traditional automotive company to a business that will redefine personal mobility. The pilot program is expected to benefit about 100 Michigan-based community organizations, with a focus on Detroit.
GM is also teaming up with office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller. The Herman Miller rePurpose Program, managed by Green Standards, is an industry-leading solution for managing surplus corporate assets through a combination of resale, recycling and donation.
Through rePurpose, GM will divert from the landfill nearly all existing furniture, equipment and supplies resulting from renovations occurring at GM’s Technical Center in Warren, the Proving Ground in Milford and global headquarters in Detroit. GM will reallocate some assets to other company locations.
“We view waste as just a resource out of place,” said David Tulauskas, GM sustainability director. “This reuse program enables us to reduce our environmental footprint while making a positive contribution to our community.”
General Motors is the first metro Detroit-based automaker to undergo a large-scale, multi-site campus decommission project. The multiyear office asset reassignment project has the potential to expand across the U.S.
Cody High School in Detroit will be the first beneficiaries of the rePurpose program. In addition to furniture and equipment, employee volunteers from GM, Herman Miller and Green Standards will undertake a three-room makeover to enhance the educational learning experience of students and faculty.
Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for General Motors
Pictured in front is Latoya Hall-King, principal at Cody Detroit Institute of Technology College Prep; second row L to R is Michelle Parker, principal of Cody Medicine and Community Health Academy; and Jonathon Matthews, principal Cody Academy of Public Leadership; back row L to R is Gabe Wing, director of Safety and Sustainability, Herman Miller; Trevor Langdon, executive general manager, Green Standards; and Candice Messing, manager of Facilities Projects at General Motors.
