Remanufacturing Office Furniture through 'Workspace as a Service' Models: A Pathway to Economic, Environmental, and Social Circularity
Open accessAbstract
The global demand for sustainability is reshaping the corporate world, pushing companies to rethink traditional models of asset management and consumption. One area of significant concern is the waste generated by office furniture. According to the US EPA, approximately 8.5 million tons of office furniture are discarded annually, despite its high material and economic value. This paper explores the remanufacturing of office furniture as a sustainable solution, particularly through a “Workspace as a Service” (WSaaS) model, which offers both economic and environmental benefits. By adopting this model, businesses can transition away from purchasing office furniture to a flexible service-based arrangement that supports sustainability while retaining valuable capital. In response to the evolving workforce dynamics—shaped by remote, hybrid, and collaborative work arrangements—companies must evaluate the optimal use of physical office space. This has far-reaching implications for achieving sustainability targets, such as net-zero emissions, meeting Science-Based Targets, and contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. The WSaaS model provides businesses with the flexibility to deploy remanufactured office furniture on-demand, which aligns with their sustainability and green building goals, including LEED certification. The paper introduces a novel concept of "Sustainable Banking," whereby companies can "bank" their furniture assets for future remanufacture. By carefully deinstalling and transporting used furniture with minimal damage, these "cores" can be reconditioned and redeployed to meet new workspace requirements. This process extends the life cycle of furniture and minimizes waste, significantly reducing embodied carbon, energy consumption, and toxic material use. We also explore the creation of economic opportunities in marginalized communities, particularly through partnerships with women-owned and tribal businesses. Through this paper, we highlight how the WSaaS model can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability. We will also present findings from lifecycle analyses (LCA) that demonstrate the benefits of remanufacturing over multiple life cycles and its impact on reducing material waste and energy consumption. The WSaaS model, through its circularity-driven approach, offers a path toward meeting broader ESG goals while fostering resilience and sustainability in the corporate workspace.
Verified 2026-10-18 · 1 reference not checked yet
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
The paper proposes a “WorkSpace as a Service” (WSaaS) model built on Davies Office’s “Sustainable Banking” to remanufacture office furniture through a hub-and-spoke supply chain. It argues this can deliver economic, environmental, and social circularity, citing LCA results and modeled decade-scale impacts.
Key findings
- The US EPA estimates 9.7 million tons of furniture go to landfills annually, with office furniture the major component; the US office furniture market is $15 billion with 5% annual growth expected through 2030.
- A 2016 RIT ISO 14044-compliant LCA found Davies remanufactured workspaces produced GHG emissions equal to 17% of new OEM office furniture; after OEM improvements using more recycled steel, the remanufactured product still generated only 27% of new OEM GHG emissions.
- A modeled shift from 1% to 10% remanufactured office furniture market share over a decade is expected to avoid 2,206,000 metric tons CO2eq, divert 1,587,000 metric tons from landfill, grow 8,140 jobs, and add $16B.
- Remanufactured furniture is 43% less expensive on average than new OEM furniture; Gallup research cited in the paper reports 70% of workers value flexibility, and adaptable workspaces are linked to 25% higher employee satisfaction and a 20% productivity boost.
Methods
- Conceptual/business-model paper proposing WSaaS with “Sustainable Banking” and a hub-and-spoke franchise model, where hubs are remanufacturing centers and spokes are sales, distribution, installation, and reuse centers.
- Uses interviews with furniture remanufacturers and subsequent model calculations to estimate decade-scale impacts; cites RIT’s ISO 14044 LCA comparing Davies remanufactured workspaces to OEM workspaces.
- Technology component: RIT developed ERP requirements for AI image-based core identification, and an ERP vendor’s implementation provided proof-of-concept by automatically identifying furniture make/model and linking it to inventory.
Limitations
- Stated: a future RIT LCA will fully assess the impact of the new supply chain model; further research is needed on ERP/BIM integration and on the social impact of WSaaS, especially job creation and community development.
- Evident: the decade-scale economic, environmental, and social metrics are expected/modeled from interviews and calculations, not measured from a fully deployed hub-and-spoke WSaaS system.
- Evident: the paper does not report detailed interview sample sizes, sampling strategy, or model calculation methodology.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
0 of 10 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
Shifting from today's value of 1% remanufactured office furniture in the market to a goal of 10% would grow $16B within the same time period.
“while growing 8,140 jobs and $16B within the same time period.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Shifting from today's value of 1% remanufactured office furniture in the market to a goal of 10% would grow 8,140 jobs over a decade.
“while growing 8,140 jobs and $16B within the same time period.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Shifting from today's value of 1% remanufactured office furniture in the market to a goal of 10% would avoid 2,206,000 Metric Tons of CO2eq over a decade.
“we expect the beneficial impact of shifting from today's value of 1% remanufactured office furniture in the market to our goal of 10% is 2,206,000 Metric Tons of CO2eq avoidance”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Shifting from today's value of 1% remanufactured office furniture in the market to a goal of 10% would divert 1,587,000 Metric Tons of material from landfill over a decade.
“and 1,587,000 Metric Tons of material diverted from landfill over a decade”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
The Davies system GHG emissions were 17% of that released in fabrication of new OEM office furniture.
“The Davies system GHG emissions were 17% of that released in fabrication of new OEM office furniture.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites RIT
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
In 2016, RIT performed an ISO 14044 compliant comparative LCA comparing Davies remanufactured workspaces to OEM workspaces, showing a reduction in equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (kg CO2eq).
“In 2016, Rochester Institute of Technologie (RIT) performed an ISO 14044 compliant comparative LCA comparing the Davies remanufactured workspaces to OEM workspaces, where a reduction in equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was shown (kg CO2eq).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites RIT
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
RIT developed requirements for ERP software that identify remanufacturing cores through AI based image classification algorithms.
“To this end, RIT developed requirements for ERP software that identify remanufacturing cores through AI based image classification algorithms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites RIT
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
The production of steel was found to be a significant contributor of the environmental impacts of the OEM office system.
“The production of steel was found to be a significant contributor of the environmental impacts of the OEM office system.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites RIT
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
According to Gallup research, 70% of workers value flexibility in how and where they work.
“According to Gallup research, 70% of workers value flexibility in how and where they work.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gallup
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
Davies' nearly complete reuse of the steel found in the office furniture products virtually eliminates those impacts.
“Davies' nearly complete reuse of the steel found in the office furniture products virtually eliminates those impacts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
By embracing remanufactured furniture and a service-based model, companies can reduce their environmental footprint.
“By embracing remanufactured furniture and a service-based model, companies can reduce their environmental footprint”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Remanufactured furniture can contribute to a company's climate and sustainability goals (e.g., LEED).
“and can also contribute to a company's climate and sustainability goals (e.g., LEED).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 15
- May combine two claims. 14
- The quote only partly states this claim. 1
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
FindingreasoningSuccessful implementation of the algorithms by an ERP vendor provided proof-of-concept credibility by automatically identifying the furniture make/model and defining the proper inventory connection.
“Successful implementation of the algorithms by an ERP vendor provided proof-of-concept credibility by automatically identifying the furniture make/model and defining the proper inventory connection.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationAccording to the US EPA, an estimated 9.7 million tons of furniture end up in landfills every year and office furniture is the major component of this material.
“According to the US EPA, an estimated 9.7 million tons of furniture end up in landfills every year and office furniture is the major component of this material.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites US EPA
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Interpretationnone givenBy embracing remanufactured furniture and a service-based model, companies can support economic development in underserved communities.
“support economic development in underserved communities”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe AI modules in modern ERP systems are primarily focused on data analytics, optimizing workflows, and enhancing forecasting accuracy, which is helpful but misses key needs of the furniture remanufacturing industry.
“That said, the AI modules in modern ERP systems are primarily focused on data analytics, optimizing workflows, and enhancing forecasting accuracy, which is helpful but misses key needs of the furniture remanufacturing industry.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). The quote only partly states this claim.
Interpretationnone givenBy developing a WSAAS model rooted on the foundation of 'Sustainable Banking', we can generate economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
“By developing a WSAAS model rooted on the foundation of”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Davies Office has remanufactured office furniture for over four decades and is presently implementing a novel concept of 'Sustainable Banking'.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenBy adopting this model, businesses can transition away from purchasing office furniture to a flexible service-based arrangement that supports sustainability while retaining valuable capital.
“By adopting this model, businesses can transition away from purchasing office furniture to a flexible service-based arrangement that supports sustainability while retaining valuable capital.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThis WSaaS model minimizes the flow of material to municipal solid waste (MSW) because the furniture cores have significant value for remanufacturing and the owner is incentivized to keep the material.
“This WSaaS model minimizes the flow of material to municipal solid waste, MSW, because the furniture cores (used goods returned for remanufacturing) have significant value for remanufacturing and the owner is incentivized to keep the material.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationAn ERP system with custom AI image-based identification can overcome these challenges as evident in the work performed by RIT on AI for core identification.
“An ERP system with custom AI image-based identification can overcome these challenges as evident in the work performed by RIT on AI for core identification.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites RIT
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe WSaaS model, through its circularity-driven approach, offers a path toward meeting broader ESG goals while fostering resilience and sustainability in the corporate workspace.
“The WSaaS model, through its circularity-driven approach, offers a path toward meeting broader ESG goals while fostering resilience and sustainability in the corporate workspace.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenThe flexibility of WSaaS allows company expenses to be coterminous with building lease terms and adjust to employee fluctuations.
“Additionally, the flexibility of WSaaS allows company expenses to be coterminous with building lease terms and adjust to employee fluctuations.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationModern ERP systems are more configurable and use embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to optimize supply chain processes and production.
“Modern ERP systems are more configurable and use embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to optimize supply chain processes and production 1 .”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationOEM office systems have improved their environmental footprint through the use of more recycled steel than in 2016; however, the remanufactured product still generates only 27% of the GHG emissions as those released in fabrication of new OEM office furniture.
“OEM office systems have improved their environmental footprint through the use of more recycled steel than in 2016; however, the remanufactured product still generates only 27% of the GHG emissions as those released in fabrication of new OEM office furniture.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites RIT
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationreasoningBy embracing remanufactured furniture and a service-based model, companies can contribute to a more circular economy.
“and contribute to a more circular economy”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe WSaaS model can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“Through this paper, we highlight how the WSaaS model can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Interpretationnone givenBy carefully deinstalling and transporting used furniture with minimal damage, these 'cores' can be reconditioned and redeployed to meet new workspace requirements.
“By carefully deinstalling and transporting used furniture with minimal damage, these”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenThis process extends the life cycle of furniture and minimizes waste, significantly reducing embodied carbon, energy consumption, and toxic material use.
“This process extends the life cycle of furniture and minimizes waste, significantly reducing embodied carbon, energy consumption, and toxic material use.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenWSaaS represents to the client procuring the furniture an initial cost savings, cost avoidance at end-of-life, and emissions avoidance with remanufactured furniture.
“WSaaS represents to the client procuring the furniture an initial cost savings, cost avoidance at endof-life, and emissions avoidance with remanufactured furniture.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Remanufactured furniture is 43% less expensive on average than new OEM furniture.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Interpretationnone givenThese metrics can be achieved if the innovative WSAAS / hub and spoke model reaches fruition, where a viable supply chain is created incorporating disadvantaged communities across the US.
“These metrics can be achieved if the innovative WSAAS / hub and spoke model reaches fruition, where a viable supply chain is created incorporating disadvantaged communities across the US.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenThe WSaaS model provides businesses with the flexibility to deploy remanufactured office furniture on-demand, which aligns with their sustainability and green building goals, including LEED certification.
“The WSaaS model provides businesses with the flexibility to deploy remanufactured office furniture on-demand, which aligns with their sustainability and green building goals, including LEED certification.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationWaaS capitalizes on this momentum, aligning environments with evolving needs to drive engagement and performance.
“WaaS capitalizes on this momentum, aligning environments with evolving needs to drive engagement and performance.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
InterpretationreasoningThis allows companies to avoid making a net Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) purchase for a new or remanufactured asset, because they instead use WSaaS.
“This allows companies to avoid making a net Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) purchase for a new or remanufactured asset, because they instead use WSaaS.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
The US office furniture market is $15 billion with 5% annual growth expected through 2030.
“The office furniture industry encompasses a $15 billion US market with 5% annual growth expected through 2030”
The paper relies on this without support.
Standard industry practice is to dispose of office furniture when businesses close, downsize, or remodel.
“Currently, standard industry practice is to dispose of office furniture when businesses close, downsize, or remodel.”
The paper relies on this without support.
There are few viable avenues for the bulky, mixed material stream, so the furniture primarily goes to waste streams.
“Since there are few viable avenues for this bulky, mixed material stream, the furniture primarily goes to waste streams.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Davies Office has remanufactured office furniture for over four decades and is presently implementing a novel concept of 'Sustainable Banking'.
“For over four decades, Davies Office (Davies) has remanufactured office furniture and is presently implementing a novel concept of”
The paper relies on this without support.
Acquiring, storing, and maintaining inventory of remanufactured furniture is a significant undertaking from a centralized location.
“Currently, the effort to acquire, store, and maintain inventory of remanufactured furniture is a significant undertaking from a centralized location.”
The paper relies on this without support.
It takes over one year to train employees to accurately identify parts and correctly link them to inventory for future orders today.
“it takes over one year to train employees to do this today.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Remanufactured furniture is 43% less expensive on average than new OEM furniture.
“Lastly, remanufactured furniture is 43% less expensive on average than new OEM furniture and can also contribute to a company's climate and sustainability goals (e.g., LEED).”
The paper relies on this without support.
Companies that embrace adaptable workspaces see 25% higher employee satisfaction and a 20% boost in productivity.
“Companies that embrace adaptable workspaces see 25% higher employee satisfaction and a 20% boost in productivity.”
Cites
1. Morrison, C., AI in ERP: The Next Wave of Intelligent ERP Systems, Available from: https://www.top10erp.org/blog/ai-in-erp
(n.d.)
Unresolved2. Lehmkuhl, C., Workplace as a Service: A Thought Experiment in Office Evolution; Available from: https://www.gensler.com/blog/workplace-as-a-service-office-evolution
(n.d.)
Unresolved3. Rochester Institute of Technology, Third Party Testing Verifies the Positive Environmental Impact of Remanufactured Office Furniture, Available from: https://www.daviesoffice.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Davies-LCA-Case-Study_jb.pdf
(n.d.)
Unresolved4. Rochester Institute of Technology, Life Cycle Assessment, Comparison of a Remanufactured Steelcase Avenir® Office System at Davies Office, Inc. to an OEM Office System, 2016
(n.d.)
Unresolved5. Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association, LEVEL Certified Remanufactured Furniture, Available from: https://www.bifma.org/mpage/levelcertifiedproducts
(n.d.)
Unresolved6. Rochester Institute of Technology, Davies Office, Seneca Holdings, One Boat Collaborative, Re-X Before Recycling / Gen 7, Available from: https://www.herox.com/ReXBeforeRecycling/round/3022/entry/52527
(n.d.)
Unresolved
Flagged first, then by citations
6 of the 6 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
- Authors
- Davies Office, Pilgrim, D., & Buckley, M.
- Venue
- Proceedings of the 2025 REMADE® Circular Economy Technology Summit & Conference
- Publisher
- REMADE Institute
- Published
- 2025
- OpenAlex
- W7128735350
- Semantic Scholar
- 13c947f154c9ccfdbdec8018ba76eb4468207c91
- Cited by
- 0
- References
- 6
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- conference paper
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Facilities and Workplace Management
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Sustainable Design and Development
- Keywords
- circular economy, sustainable banking, embodied carbon, remote and hybrid work, LEED certification, women-owned businesses, ESG, life cycle assessment
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