Steelcase Examines its Impact on the Environment

The report studies the manufacturer's influence on people, the planet, and profit.

by Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 5/16/2008

Steelcase has released its first annual corporate responsibility report, a 20-page statement detailing the impact that the office furniture major has made in three distinct areas: people, the planet and profit.

Nancy Hickey, Steelcase senior vice president and chief administration officer, says the report provides a measurement of the company that isn’t based on size or scale, but accountability.

"Our mission and core values are deeply rooted not only in our commitment to profitable growth, but also in enhancing the communities in which we live and work," Hickey says. "Only through achievement in each of the people, planet, and profit segments will we truly achieve success as an organization."

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Steelcase was founded in 1912 and now employees 13,500 workers. Its 600 independent dealers helped generate a 2008 fiscal revenue of $3.4 billion.