Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Steelcase

Our Net-Zero Future

Steelcase is committed to a net-zero future. We were the first in our industry to set science-based targets and are on the path to achieving our near-term target of 50% emissions reductions in our operations by 2030. In 2020, we became the first in our industry to become operationally carbon neutral when we committed to annually finance verified carbon offset projects and purchase 100% renewable energy equivalent to our scope 1 and 2 emissions, respectively.

Now, we are advancing our commitments by targeting to eliminate over 90% of our carbon emissions across our value chain by 2050. We plan to make real and sustained emissions reductions in our products, operations and transportation as the core of our net-zero commitment. Working with our customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders, we can make a difference at a greater global scale than any one of us alone. We plan to counterbalance any residual emissions at the end of our target period through solutions that remove carbon from the atmosphere and permanently store it.

Environmental Sustainability

Design for Circularity

For over 100 years, we have designed and built products of the highest quality and durability — built to last, maintaining the value of materials for as long as possible, and as a result we’re able to offer one of the strongest extended warranties in the industry. And when our furniture has outlived its usefulness, we connect customers with a network of end-of-use service providers to give it new life through reuse, repair or recycling.

We explore circular business models throughout the world to capture and redeploy the value of furniture after its first life. We have pilots underway to explore refurbishment solutions to help refresh your space while reducing your environmental impact. Steelcase furniture remade and returned to a like-new state can help your organization contribute to the circular economy, reduce waste from entering the landfill and lower carbon emissions.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

Our Approach to Social Innovation

Our world faces many tough challenges today — from the climate crisis to racial inequalities to education accessibility. As a global organization, we have the responsibility and opportunity to lead the efforts that address these issues around the world. To truly make a transformational difference, we need to operate in new ways by establishing a more inclusive and innovative approach where a range of people, taking different actions, are all pointed in the same direction — a global community of changemakers making a local impact.

This led us to create our Better Futures Community, which brings together our clients, dealers, employees and community partners to expand upon our efforts around the globe. When we take collective action in our communities, we’re helping the world work better.