Furniture

Timeline for this product group

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Dates and stages in the timeline are an estimate – contact us for an accurate update on progress for particular products.

  Stage 1: Initial ‘Buying For Government’ standards are developed from existing environmental standards, external expertise or by the Commission and discussed at cross-Government Steering Groups.
  Stage 2: Initial cost benefit analysis undertaken to provide indicative whole life costs and market capacity appraisal for the relevant product group.
  Stage 3: A Cross-Government Steering Group reviews the initial draft standards taking into account Green Public Procurement criteria and agrees draft standards.
  Stage 4: A partial cost benefit analysis and market capacity assessment is prepared (likely to be largely based on initial cost benefit analysis) and a review document published for a shortened stakeholder review period, as part of wider evidence gathering.
  Stage 5: A full cost benefit analysis and market capacity assessment carried out and final draft standards developed.
  Stage 6: Short stakeholder with other Government Departments and the results are fed back to the Cross-Government Steering Group.
  Stage 7: The mandatory standards are finalised for SPPS Project Board approval.
  Stage 8: The mandatory standards are submitted to the Defra Minister for final approval.
  Stage 9: 3 month lead in period before the new standard goes live.



This section covers the official Government Buying Standards for sustainable procurement of furniture.

What does sustainability mean for furniture?

From office chairs and desks to seating in dining and communal areas, public sector buyers need to procure a range of furniture. In terms of specifications, however, buyers can find furniture that minimises the use of harmful and hazardous substances in production and surface treatment. This includes substances that do not biodegrade effectively.

Any wood used must follow the government policy on timber – essentially meaning it must be from sustainable forests.

Where possible, good practice in furniture buying looks to maximise the use of recycled and renewable materials.

All central government departments and their related organisations must ensure that they meet at least the mandatory Government Buying Standards when buying goods and services in the product groups covered on this site.

Forthcoming changes in this area

These specifications were published in July 2010 following stakeholder review.

Read the specifications for:

See also

 

Page last modified: 11 July, 2011