Herman Miller’s Better World Report
February 24, 2011
- 2010 Herman Miller Better World Report
Herman Miller puts out their Better World Report each year to share what they are doing to “Build a Better World Around You.” There are four categories that they highlight: Community Service, Inclusiveness & Diversity, Health & Well-being, and Environmental Advocacy. Building a better world is not just a goal for Herman Miller, but a part of everyday life. It is part of why they remain on Fortune’s 100 “Most Admired Companies” and was named an “innovation all-star” on Fast Company’s list of innovative companies. Some of the highlights:
Community Service
- Herman Miller allows each employee 16 paid hours/year to work with a charitable organization of their choice
- 24 cities across the US and Canada participated in the We Care event for the 13th year
- This year’s Habitat for Humanity house that Herman Miller volunteers built is LEED-rated with gas and electric bills not exceeding $30
- Exceeding the goal of 10,000, Herman Miller employees logged 13,640 volunteer hours
Image from Better World Report
Inclusiveness & Diversity
- 100% rating o Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign
- 1200 west Michigan children received backpacks filled with school supplies that were prepared and distributed by I&D teams
- Herman Miller presence at national conferences including National Urban League, Out & Equal Workplace Summit, US Business Leaders Network, and National Hispanic Corporate Council
- Celebrated 20th anniversary of Supplier Diversity Program – total spend with minority-owned business 14.5% (goal is 15%)
"Things that Matter" from Herman Miller
Health & Well-being
- Employees are encouraged to car/bike pool and log their hours to be entered into monthly drawings for $50 gift certificates
- Employee receive reimbursements for purchasing a bike, hybrid or fuel-efficient car, and helmets when riding a motorcycle or scooter
- Herman Miller’s Injury Incident Rate per 100 employees is 2.8 vs. the industry average of 5.9
- Four Herman Miller facilities were recognized by the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program
Image from Better World Report
Environmental Advocacy
- As of May 1, 2010, Herman Miller uses 100% renewable electrical energy in every world-wide facility
- 7th year on Dow Jones Sustainability Index
- Herman Miller’s energy reduction efforts equal not driving 7.5 million miles, or planting 950 acres of trees, or saving enough energy to power 475 averaged size homes for one year
Click here to read the report. You’ll be inspired by founder DJ DePree and CEO Brian Walker.
Compass: Technology and Utility Flexibility
January 6, 2011
Herman Miller Compass System
Herman Miller’s Compass System is one of the breakout stars of 2010. It is modular, flexible, attractive, caregiver friendly, durable, cleanable, and prevents infection.
Compass Infastructure
Since Compass is modular, it is innately flexible and poised for change. Herman Miller’s website says it best: “The components are easily assembled, removed, rearranged, and refreshed. Storage can be quickly relocated, headwall utilities can be easily accessed, added, or modified, and damaged product can be easily replaced without demolition. The result is unmatched flexibility.”
Compass Chase
Demolition is especially difficult in Healthcare environments – not to mention it’s strain on the budget. Utilizing a 3.5” chase quickly accommodates factory provided pre-plumbed and pre-wired utilities such medical gasses, nurse call code blue emergency power, normal power, voice and data, and more. Keeping in mind that the Healthcare industry is always changing, Compass was designed with the future in mind. Ease of tile removal allows for quick access for changes in utility and maintenance. So, as the requirements change, you can increase or decrease the level of utilities.
The U of M STSS Center: Thinking Green and Choosing DIRTT
November 2, 2010
- DIRTT at the U of M’s STSS Center
Intereum and DIRTT have partnered on several successful installations at the University of Minnesota. The latest installation for the new Science Teaching and Student Services (STSS) Center will be toured by the IIDA Northland at 6:00PM on November 8.
The building has five stories and overlooks downtown Minneapolis, the West Bank and the Mississippi River. It is across the street from the Weisman Art Museum, so it was designed to be a stand-out building. The STSS Center exceeds Minnesota’s stringent B3 sustainable design code and will seek LEED Gold certification.
DIRTT at the U of M's STSS Center
DIRTT has an extremely strong environmental story, so it is a no-brainer to include it in a building that is shooting for LEED certification. But there were other considerations… DIRTT’s ICE and ICEVision softwares permitted the U of M to plan, budget and visualize the project so there were no surprises with the installation. DIRTT’s ability to use the U of M’s own custom glass allowed for the glass to be conducive with the rest of the building’s features and elements – it is performance glass that features a custom ceramic frit pattern to improve energy efficiency and building performance. Intereum and DIRTT were able to work within the schedule of the U of M and were present at the construction meetings. The result is a beautiful technology-driven building that houses two large lecture halls, five multipurpose classrooms and 10 active learning classrooms.
For more information about this tour, visit the IIDA Northland Website.
For more information on Intereum and DIRTT solutions, email us at betterwaystowork@intereum.com
FUSION 2010
October 22, 2010
- Zero Landfill Winning Garment by Intereum
The event took place on October 15 at the Depot in Minneapolis. Attendees were dressed to impress and gathered around a white, sparkling catwalk. The judges were introduced: Allison Hamzehpour, Anna Lee, Mary O’Regan and Christopher Straub. After a brief introduction, DJ BOB kicked up the music as the models hit the runway.
Intereum's Sonya Sweeney
There was a new category this year: Zero Landfill. Intereum took the prize for this category as our garment was made from more than 75% recycled goods.
After the show ended and the awards were handed out, attendees jumped onto the lighted runway and turned it into a dance floor.
Herman Miller Helps Twitter HQ Become Green
May 27, 2010
Earlier in the week the Treehugger blog posted a story about all the Eco-Friendly products used in Twitter’s new Headquarters. They were sure to point out the use of Herman Miller Caper Chairs in the conference rooms.
From Treehugger:
“The interior space seems to have a dialogue with the surrounding buildings. The views out the window and the neighboring facades feel like an extension of the rooms. I particularly love this photo showing the post-its matching the colors of the space and backdrop.
The Caper Chairs by Herman Miller in the conference rooms are comprised of 21% recycled materials with a Greenguard certification.”
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