A roll-out of solar power and biomass facilities; ESG priorities that are evidence-based and underpinning social commitments; providing structured hands-on experience and science-based approach to product innovation have bene. Recognised by this year’s Future of Furniture Awards.
The Excellence in Sustainability award was won by Whitemeadow, recognising a long-term strategy which includes a roll-out of solar power and biomass facilities, along with improvements to packaging, ISO accreditations and investments in Electric Vehicles.
DFS Group was the winner of the Excellence in ESG Reporting award having embedded sustainability more deeply across operations, using the ‘Sofa Cycle’ framework as the basis for its environmental strategy, established transparent reporting aligned with recognised frameworks to ensure its ESG priorities are evidence-based and underpinning social commitments with its Everyone Welcome culture.
A cornerstone of its long-term skills strategy, Ercol’s apprenticeship programme secured the Excellence in Education award. The programme provides structured hands-on experience across key departments within the business, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques, underpinned by wide ranging engagement with schools and colleges.
Jacob Lane, Silentnight sustainability manager was named Sustainability Champion in recognition of his science-based approach to product innovation which aims to address furniture industry challenges around sustainability and his role in developing a Net Zero plan, carbon product passports and annual carbon reports at the company.
‘These businesses are at the forefront of best practice in education and sustainability, and our panel of independent judges returned some very high scores across all categories. This year was an incredibly close competition, with all entrants putting forward some exceptional stories about the work they are doing. It is important to recognise and celebrate the work that will make our sector more sustainable, create social value and provide opportunities for the development of people working in our industry,’ says Phil Spademan, BFA md.
