{"id":118419,"date":"2025-08-26T15:32:45","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T19:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/?post_type=metro_viewpoint&#038;p=118419"},"modified":"2025-08-26T16:21:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T20:21:25","slug":"how-humanscale-is-navigating-the-rocky-shoals-of-sustainability","status":"publish","type":"metro_viewpoint","link":"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/viewpoints\/how-humanscale-is-navigating-the-rocky-shoals-of-sustainability\/","title":{"rendered":"How Humanscale Is Navigating the Rocky Shoals of Sustainability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-sandow-article-header article-header\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-header\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:44% 44%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" src=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//wp-content//uploads//2025//08//HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-scaled.jpg/" alt=\"2 black work chairs, left new, finished and polished while right is old worn out and torn.\" class=\"wp-image-118421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/HIGH_RGB_JPG-24-03-25-Humanscale-Parlay_030-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group article-header_intro none\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"article-date\" aria-label=\"Post Date\">August 26, 2025<\/p>\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-post-title\">How Humanscale Is Navigating the Rocky Shoals of Sustainability<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column article-header_meta is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"summary size-regular\">By rethinking product ownership, repair, and take-back, the furniture manufacturer hopes to push circularity forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-sandow-byline byline size-regular\"><span>By: <\/span><a href=https://metropolismag.com/"//tag//verda-alexandra-and-jon-strassner/">Verda Alexandra and Jon Strassner<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"social-share\"><li><a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////www.facebook.com//sharer//sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmetropolismag.com%2Fviewpoints%2Fhow-humanscale-is-navigating-the-rocky-shoals-of-sustainability%2F\%22 target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M9 8h-3v4h3v12h5v-12h3.642l.358-4h-4v-1.667c0-.955.192-1.333 1.115-1.333h2.885v-5h-3.808c-3.596 0-5.192 1.583-5.192 4.615v3.385z\" \/><\/svg><\/a><\/li><li><a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////www.linkedin.com//sharing//share-offsite//?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetropolismag.com%2Fviewpoints%2Fhow-humanscale-is-navigating-the-rocky-shoals-of-sustainability%2F\%22 target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M4.98 3.5c0 1.381-1.11 2.5-2.48 2.5s-2.48-1.119-2.48-2.5c0-1.38 1.11-2.5 2.48-2.5s2.48 1.12 2.48 2.5zm.02 4.5h-5v16h5v-16zm7.982 0h-4.968v16h4.969v-8.399c0-4.67 6.029-5.052 6.029 0v8.399h4.988v-10.131c0-7.88-8.922-7.593-11.018-3.714v-2.155z\" \/><\/svg><\/a><\/li><li><a href=https://metropolismag.com/"http:////pinterest.com//pin//create//button//?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetropolismag.com%2Fviewpoints%2Fhow-humanscale-is-navigating-the-rocky-shoals-of-sustainability%2F&amp;description=How+Humanscale+Is+Navigating+the+Rocky+Shoals+of+Sustainability\%22 target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"> <path d=\"M12 0c-6.627 0-12 5.372-12 12 0 5.084 3.163 9.426 7.627 11.174-.105-.949-.2-2.405.042-3.441.218-.937 1.407-5.965 1.407-5.965s-.359-.719-.359-1.782c0-1.668.967-2.914 2.171-2.914 1.023 0 1.518.769 1.518 1.69 0 1.029-.655 2.568-.994 3.995-.283 1.194.599 2.169 1.777 2.169 2.133 0 3.772-2.249 3.772-5.495 0-2.873-2.064-4.882-5.012-4.882-3.414 0-5.418 2.561-5.418 5.207 0 1.031.397 2.138.893 2.738.098.119.112.224.083.345l-.333 1.36c-.053.22-.174.267-.402.161-1.499-.698-2.436-2.889-2.436-4.649 0-3.785 2.75-7.262 7.929-7.262 4.163 0 7.398 2.967 7.398 6.931 0 4.136-2.607 7.464-6.227 7.464-1.216 0-2.359-.631-2.75-1.378l-.748 2.853c-.271 1.043-1.002 2.35-1.492 3.146 1.124.347 2.317.535 3.554.535 6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12 0-6.628-5.373-12-12-12z\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg><\/a><\/li><li><a href=https://metropolismag.com/"mailto:?body=https%3A%2F%2Fmetropolismag.com%2Fviewpoints%2Fhow-humanscale-is-navigating-the-rocky-shoals-of-sustainability%2F&amp;subject=How+Humanscale+Is+Navigating+the+Rocky+Shoals+of+Sustainability\%22 target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 12.713l-11.985-9.713h23.97l-11.985 9.713zm0 2.574l-12-9.725v15.438h24v-15.438l-12 9.725z\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column empty-header-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: From Products to Planet: Jane Abernethy\u2019s Mission\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////open.spotify.com//embed//episode//7fFnuLHtYe6i3rhull5MDL?utm_source=oembed\%22><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group none\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"size-regular\">The path to circular design isn\u2019t easy\u2014but it\u2019s essential. In this Q&amp;A, Verda Alexander and Jon Strassner revisit their recent conversation on their <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////www.breaksomedishes.com///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Break Some Dishes podcast<\/a> with Humanscale\u2019s Jane Abernethy. The co-hosts share lessons on circularity, take-back programs, and the bold thinking needed to drive lasting change in sustainable design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>Verda Alexander:<\/strong> Wow, Jon, I\u2019m still buzzing from our conversation with Jane Abernethy from <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"http:////humanscale.com/">Humanscale<\/a>. What a fantastic episode! Six seasons into our podcast, and I think this one really stood out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>Jon Strassner: <\/strong>Agreed! And we&#8217;re lucky to have Humanscale as a presenting partner this season. They make beautifully designed, user <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//programs//designing-todays-responsible-workplace///">intuitive workspace solutions<\/a>. That\u2019s my fancy way of saying great chairs, sit-stand desks, monitor arms\u2026anything you need to interact with your technology in a more comfortable and functional way. I\u2019m a big fan! We recently welcomed Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer for Humanscale, to the show to talk about what it takes to shift from a <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////www.humanscale.com//sustainability-stories//environmental-sustainability.cfm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">linear to a circular model<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"709\" height=\"841\" src=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//wp-content//uploads//2025//08//refreshed-hero-1.jpg/" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/refreshed-hero-1.jpg 709w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/refreshed-hero-1-253x300.jpg 253w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 100vw, 709px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"631\" height=\"818\" src=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//wp-content//uploads//2025//08//chair-assembly.jpg/" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/chair-assembly.jpg 631w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/chair-assembly-231x300.jpg 231w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group none\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Linear to Circular Shift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>VA:<\/strong> Let\u2019s start with that idea of circularity. For me, circularity is nature. In a forest, for example, nothing is wasted. I think of a fallen tree that becomes home to lots of critters, and then as it decomposes, creating nutrients for the soil and for a new tree to grow. Everything is part of a life-death-circle of life. That\u2019s what circularity means to me: <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//products//humanscale-carbon-negative-path-chair///">a closed-loop system<\/a> where waste becomes life for something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">Jon, how do we apply the concept of circularity to our design industry?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>JS:<\/strong> I love your definition! You get right to the heart of it. Our current economy is built on a linear approach to consumption. We take resources, make products, and throw them away when they are worn out or out of fashion. Linear is bad, but it\u2019s hard to change because our economy needs constant consumption to survive. In a circular economy, we work to keep products and materials out of the landfill. Consumers go out of their way to repair, refurbish, and remanufacture to extend a product\u2019s life cycle. It takes more work. Manufacturers design products that are <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//products//3-companies-giving-office-furniture-a-new-life///">easily repairable, recyclable, and long-lasting<\/a>, to ensure they stay out of landfills. That also takes more work. The journey to circularity is fraught with challenges that require innovative solutions and a shift in market readiness. I really experienced this first-hand at NeoCon this year, where Jenn Chen and I curated an exhibit on circularity called <em>Rewritten<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>VA:<\/strong> You worked at Humanscale for years, so I know you\u2019ve seen the commitment firsthand. My first impression of the company was many years ago, when a rep convinced a client <em>not<\/em> to replace hundreds of monitor arms, and instead refurbish them. A company choosing sustainability over sales\u2014that really stuck with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">And since then, Humanscale has been leading the industry with <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//profiles//jane-abernethy-specify-hotlist///">Living Product Challenge certifications<\/a>. But recently, you and I also learned about their leasing and take-back programs\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><em>According to Humanscale\u2019s website: Actually implementing a circular economy in the furniture industry is challenging due to high recycling costs, logistical issues, and inadequate processing infrastructure. The &#8220;<a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//viewpoints//rent-restore-reuse-furniture///">fast furniture<\/a>&#8221; culture, with its disposable, low-quality products, complicates matters further, requiring significant changes in manufacturing, consumer behavior, and waste management.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exploring a Leasing Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>JS:<\/strong> Yes! Jane shared that Humanscale has been exploring the option of leasing their products. Under this model, Humanscale retains ownership of the chairs, while customers pay a monthly fee for their use. This ensures the products are returned to Humanscale at the end of their lifecycle, allowing for refurbishment and reuse. This makes it easier to bring the product back at the end of its life, refurbish it, and recirculate it. According to Jane, the ideal scenario would involve on-site repairs, extending the life of the products without the need for them to be returned. This reduces transportation emissions and minimizes customer downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>VA:<\/strong> That\u2019s a great way to reinforce take-back, especially since most take-back programs don\u2019t typically get a lot of product returned. But Humanscale also has a takeback program\u2013is this new?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><strong>JS:<\/strong> Yup, Humanscale has a <a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////sp.humanscale.com///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">product take-back program<\/a>, accepting used chairs through its <strong><em>Re-Freshed<\/em><\/strong> initiative. In this program, more than 80 percent of each chair\u2019s materials are reused. As Jane explained to us, a take-back program is filled with logistical hurdles. Humanscale would sometimes receive chairs that were still in good condition\u2013how does a customer know when it\u2019s time to send a chair back? Today, this happens less frequently, and many chairs have lived a long life. They also received chairs that were not even theirs. But by taking back used chairs, refreshing them, and selling them at a discount, Humanscale is also making their high-end seating solutions much more accessible. Many consumers are drawn to this as opposed to fast furniture seating that lasts one to three years before it finds its way to the curb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//products//3-companies-giving-office-furniture-a-new-life///">Many companies are talking about circularity<\/a>. It\u2019s really the next great frontier to manufacturing. Humanscale is committed to figuring it out, and I love them for it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">\u201cIt\u2019s not about slapping a recyclable symbol on it and calling it a day,\u201d Jane told us. \u201cIt\u2019s really about systems and bigger-picture thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">Humanscale is integrating long-term design, responsible ownership, and end-of-life strategies that work. As they have for years, they\u2019re showing what\u2019s possible when sustainability is built into the business model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\"><em>Listen to the full &#8220;<a href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////surroundpodcasts.com//break-some-dishes///">From Products to Planet<\/a>&#8221; episode on the Surround Podcast Network.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"post-cards__wrapper is-condensed-default columns-3 single-row\" data-type=\"metro_viewpoint metro_profile metro_project metro_product\" data-amount=\"3\" ><h3 class=\"section-title\">Latest<\/h3><ul><li class=\"card__metro_viewpoint\"><div class=\"post-cards__image\"><a class=\"post-cards__link\" href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//viewpoints//sustainability-news-updates-for-q4-2025///"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//wp-content//uploads//2025//11//AdobeStock_332538740-1024x640.jpg/" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-position: 50% 50%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AdobeStock_332538740-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AdobeStock_332538740-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AdobeStock_332538740-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"post-cards__content\"><p class=\"type\">Viewpoints<\/p><a class=\"post-cards__title-link\" href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//viewpoints//sustainability-news-updates-for-q4-2025///"><h4>Sustainability News Updates for Q4 2025<\/h4><\/a><p class=\"excerpt\">A year of policy ups and downs in the United States has created a fragmented regulatory landscape for the building industry to navigate.<\/p><\/div><\/li><li class=\"card__metro_viewpoint\"><div class=\"post-cards__image\"><a class=\"post-cards__link\" href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//viewpoints//what-is-and-is-not-biophilic-design///"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"508\" src=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//wp-content//uploads//2025//11//ME_25_Biophilia-Web-Image-1024x508.png/" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-position: 50% 50%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ME_25_Biophilia-Web-Image-1024x508.png 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ME_25_Biophilia-Web-Image-300x149.png 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ME_25_Biophilia-Web-Image-768x381.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"post-cards__content\"><p class=\"type\">Viewpoints<\/p><a class=\"post-cards__title-link\" href=https://metropolismag.com/"https:////metropolismag.com//viewpoints//what-is-and-is-not-biophilic-design///"><h4>What Is and Is Not Biophilic Design?<\/h4><\/a><p class=\"excerpt\">The creator of the concept of Biophilic Design explains effective strategies that keep us healthy by bring us closer to nature.<\/p><\/div><\/li><li class=\"sponsored-post ntv-01\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By rethinking product ownership, repair, and take-back, the furniture manufacturer hopes to push circularity forward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1504,"featured_media":118421,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"featured_image_focal_point":[],"legacy_WP_ID":0},"tags":[3733,205,464,3732,1107,3735,865],"metro_tax_domain":[12,76],"metro_tax_topic":[74,18,19],"metro_tax_program":[],"metro_issue":[],"metro_cat_viewpoint":[40],"internal_flag":[2402],"class_list":["post-118419","metro_viewpoint","type-metro_viewpoint","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-break-some-dishes","tag-furniture","tag-humanscale","tag-jon-strassner","tag-verda-alexander","tag-verda-alexandra-and-jon-strassner","tag-workplace","metro_tax_domain-manufacturing","metro_tax_domain-workplace","metro_tax_topic-process","metro_tax_topic-reuse","metro_tax_topic-sustainability","metro_cat_viewpoint-review"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Humanscale Is Navigating the Rocky Shoals of Sustainability - Metropolis<\/title>\n
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