Life Cycle Analysis of Three Steelcase Furniture Models
This project evaluates current activities in regard to implementing sustainable design strategies into the product development process at Steelcase Inc. A life cycle inventory of three Steelcase products was performed to evaluate their environmental performance throughout production, use, and end-of-life management. Products include a panel system, a work surface and a filing system. The environmental profile includes energy consumption, waste generation, and air and water pollutant emissions including greenhouse gases. This profile is used to identify opportunities for improvement and to help communicate environmental issues to product development staff. This research also provides a basis for analyzing existing as well as emerging standardization and certification schemes related to building and interior design, such as the LEED Interior framework.