Steelcase Wins Circle of Excellence Green Achievement Award
International Furnishings and Design Association Recognizes Sustainable Leadership
New York – May 6, 2010 – Steelcase Inc. announces today that it was the recipient of the Green Achievement Award from the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) at its annual Circle of Excellence Awards, hosted by its New York chapter. The awards program recognizes individual talent, corporate initiative and significant accomplishments within the design and furnishings community.
“It is an exceptional honor for Steelcase to accept this award and to be in the distinguished company of our fellow honorees,” said Angela Nahikian, director of Global Environmental Sustainability, Steelcase Inc. “We are grateful to the people inside and outside of our company, including our customers, the design community and our partners, who work every day to deliver a sustainable future for the planet and its people.”
Steelcase has long embraced its ability to positively impact the planet. In 2006, the company set a goal to reduce its environmental footprint 25 percent by the end of 2012, the year of its 100th anniversary. Additionally, Steelcase is the sole sponsor of the Wege Wind Energy Farm in Panhandle, Tex., making the company the largest buyer of wind power in the furniture industry. Steelcase is a global leader offering more Cradle to Cradle certified products than any other company, with 69 in total. The IFDA recognized these achievements, as well as advances in reducing product packaging, greening our supply chain and our end of product life programs.
Joan Blumenfeld, principal of Perkins+Will, presented the award commenting on Steelcase’s long-term sustainability commitment, partnership and actions. She commended the company for its “transparency and openness about the progress they have made and the work yet to be done.”
Steelcase was among seven Circle of Excellence award recipients including The Alpha Workshops, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Benjamin Moore, Interior Design magazine and Charles Pavarini III Design Associates.
“This year’s awards were our most exciting yet,” remarked IFDA NY President, Su Hilty. “We are especially proud that honorees reflect changes in our industry and the ability to offer solutions to pressing local and global issues.”
Angela Nahikian accepted the award for Steelcase at an event on May 4th at New York City’s renowned Union League Club. Jim Druckman, President and CEO of The New York Design Center served as Master of Ceremonies.
About Steelcase
Steelcase Inc. helps create great experiences — wherever work happens. Our brands offer a comprehensive portfolio of workplace furnishings, products and services, inspired by nearly 100 years of insight gained serving the world’s leading organizations. We are globally accessible through a network of channels, including over 650 dealers. We design for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Steelcase is a global, publicly traded company leading our industry with fiscal 2010 revenue of approximately $2.3 billion.
About IFDA
IFDA (the International Furnishings & Design Association) is the only organization whose members represent the total design and furnishings industry in all its aspects. With 16 chapters nationwide, plus a chapter in Japan and members in Australia, the Middle East, Caribbean and United Kingdom, IFDA provides a professional forum for communication and interaction among its high-profile members. Celebrating its 63nd year, the association is structured to increase public awareness of the furnishings and design industry. For information on membership or to learn about upcoming events and programs, visit ifda.com
Contact:
Sara Whitman
212.931.6121
swhitman@peppercom.com