Sustainability certifications are increasingly requested in hotel and office projects. A detailed look at what to consider when choosing materials.
Why it's asked about more often now
International hotel chains and corporate office tenants increasingly have to report on sustainability across their supply chains. As a result, requesting concrete information from furniture suppliers about material sourcing and certification has become a standard requirement in many tenders.
This shift isn't limited to large chains; mid-size projects targeting green building certifications like LEED or BREEAM also request documented data on the material sourcing and emissions of interior furniture.
1. Certified wood sourcing
Certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) document that the wood used comes from responsibly managed forestry. Being able to request these certificates from your supplier on a per-project basis is an important data point for your own corporate sustainability reporting.
2. Low-emission adhesives and finishes
Formaldehyde-based adhesives used in MDF and plywood production can affect indoor air quality. Choosing materials rated E1 or lower reduces environmental impact and makes it easier to comply with indoor air quality standards.
- E1 or lower emission-class MDF/plywood
- Water-based, low-VOC paints and lacquers
- FSC-certified solid wood and veneer
- Metal and fabric with recycled content
3. Recycled and reusable materials
Using recycled steel in metal hardware, or recycled polyester content in fabrics, are concrete steps that reduce a project's carbon footprint. A modular design approach also allows furniture to be reassessed piece by piece at the end of its service life.
4. The transport impact of local production
Having materials and production geographically close to the project directly reduces transport-related carbon emissions. Working with a supplier that manufactures in Turkey can offer an advantage here compared to furniture imported from further afield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using sustainable materials increase cost? Some certified materials (FSC wood in particular) can cost somewhat more than standard alternatives, but the difference is usually a small share of a project's total budget.
How do I verify a supplier's sustainability claims? Ask for concrete certificate numbers and documentation; favor suppliers who reference verifiable standards like FSC and E1 over generic claims like 'eco-friendly' or 'natural material.'