Moving and Using Modular Walls Better
As far as the quality and standards of office furniture is concerned, there are certain guidelines that governing production. Bodies such as the U.S. Green Building Council have set forth rating systems, called LEEDS, to ensure that socially responsible inputs as far as space management and use of modular wall systems used in most offices today.
In fact, there are issues such as the R’s of sustainability (Reduce and Reuse), are the leading indicators integrated in the LEEDS CI Rating System. While they are meant to help furniture manufacturers move forward soliciting some issues regarding its current version may yet be amended based on certain problems such as the flexibility of modular walls in the office setting.
Construction Waste Management 2.1 & 2.2 gives point consideration to the diverting of waste, but no such credit consideration is given when waste isn’t created in the first place by having pre-manufactured elements installed. According to Cornell University an average of one pound of drywall ends up in a landfill site for each square foot of drywall built in initial construction. Even if this goes to a recycler, it creates added transportation pollution, requires conversion energy and it still only refers to virgin drywall – not demolished.
A space made with studs and drywall may have diverted waste during initial construction, but is in no way responsive to the needs of the living, breathing business working inside it. Building out interior spaces using drywall is not sustainable. The EPA estimates changes in these inflexible spaces result in 155 pounds of material waste for every square foot. Electrical components, paint, screws, vinyl and adhesives make all that drywall difficult, if not impossible to safely recycle.
(Source) Interior Design
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