Humanscale uses fewer parts in constructing products, and uses recyclable materials such as aluminum and steel to limit potential impact. In particular, their task chairs use a sophisticated weight-sensitive recline mechanism that offers intuitive functionality, thereby reducing the overall number of knobs, levers and parts required to make the chair work. Humanscale’s environmental philosophy is taken into account at every stage of product development through their Design For Environment process. The Durability and Upgradeability of products is also considered – they build products to last, so they won’t need to be replaced often.

Humanscale’s product design is only the beginning of their environmental sustainability efforts. They also examine their supply chain, manufacturing facilities, showrooms and offices to evaluate the evolution in minimizing their impact. Humanscale monitors its greenhouse gas emissions, waste, energy use and other key metrics that indicate the progress.