Think Before You Buy: Is That Chair Worth Your Money?
Here's Why:
Better Quality and Sustainability: Contract Grade Furniture is designed for durability, ensuring long lasting performance with strong warranties. Unlike cheaper alternatives that degrade quickly, these pieces are crafted with eco-friendly materials and construction methods, contributing to a reduced environmental impact.
Cost Effective in the Long Run: While the initial investment may be higher, durable, sustainable furniture significantly lowers long-term replacement costs. Its longevity not only supports greener practices but also offers better value, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.
Expert Guidance: Our UM Design and Construction Specialists in Facilities Services work closely with you to connect with trusted manufacturers, ensuring your furniture meets both aesthetic and functional needs. Take advantage of their expertise and our state vendor contracts to get high-quality items at a reasonable price. This is an important step as we strive to align our sustainability goals with our purchasing decisions.
Who are Your Contract and Design Specialists?
Kim NielsonSpace Planning/Interior Design Manager
Facilities Services-Planning, Design, & Construction
Kim.Nielson@mso.umt.edu
Smart Seating: Sustainable Investment vs. Disposable Design
The lowest-cost chair is not always the most economical or sustainable choice. Furniture designed for commercial use typically lasts longer, includes stronger warranties, and may contain recycled materials or be recyclable at the end of its useful life.
When purchasing office seating, consider the chair’s expected lifespan, warranty, repairability, materials, certifications, and suitability for a high-traffic university environment.
Example comparison
| Purchasing consideration | University-supported option: Herman Miller Aeron Chair | Lower-cost option: Staples Hyken Ergonomic Mesh Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Contract-grade chair designed for commercial and high-traffic environments | Residential-grade chair designed primarily for home use |
| Warranty | 12-year warranty | 5-year warranty |
| Recycled content | Made with more than 50% recycled content | Not identified as being made with recycled materials |
| End-of-life considerations | Up to 91% recyclable | Limited recycling information |
| Environmental features | Responsibly manufactured and certified for clean indoor air quality | Fewer identified environmental features |
| Manufacturer practices | Manufacturer reports commitments to carbon reduction, renewable energy, fair wages, and safe working conditions in the United States | Comparable commitments were not identified in this example |
Why contract-grade furniture can be the more sustainable choice
A contract-grade chair may cost more at the time of purchase, but it is designed to withstand frequent use in offices, classrooms, and other shared campus spaces. A longer warranty and more durable construction may reduce how often the chair needs to be repaired or replaced.
Replacing inexpensive furniture every few years can create additional purchasing costs, staff time, transportation emissions, and waste. A durable chair that remains in service longer may provide better value over its full life, even when its initial price is higher.
What to consider before purchasing furniture or other office items:
Before selecting the least expensive option, evaluate:
- Whether it is rated for commercial or residential use
- The length and coverage of the warranty
- Whether replacement parts and repair services are available
- The amount of recycled content used
- Whether it can be disassembled or recycled
- Indoor air-quality and material certifications
- The manufacturer’s environmental and labor practices
- The total cost of ownership over the item's expected lifespan
Purchase for long-term value
Sustainable procurement is not simply about buying a product labeled “green.” It means choosing furniture that is durable, appropriate for its intended setting, and likely to remain useful for many years.
For campus offices and other high-use spaces, purchasing a well-supported, contract-grade chair can reduce waste and provide better long-term value than repeatedly replacing lower-cost residential furniture.