A holistic solution that advances the circular economy and engages employees.
The Solution
Incorporating Teknion’s Divert program was part of the holistic approach to supporting sustainability across the project by providing a way to ensure as much of the decommissioned furniture and assets from the old site stayed out of landfill. It also provided a means to reach out and engage with OTPP’s employees, many of whom had a long history at the old location. Setting up an online sale for employees allowed them to purchase a range of assets – from chairs to art – with the proceeds from the sale going to the United Way. Teknion managed the sale, coordinating online payment and organizing pickup of sold items. Adds George Konidis, Managing Director, Real Estate & Workplace Transformation, OTPP “Not only does this support our local community and keep things out of landfill, but also allows our employees to take home a piece of history from the old headquarters.”
While much of the furniture like the workstations were over 10 years old, they were in great shape and could be resold. Ensuring they retained their useful market value and could have a second life through resale after being removed was key. Explains Tim Baxter, Regional Vice President, Corporate Accounts Canada, Divert Canada, Teknion “We had to make sure that these items were dismantled properly, packaged carefully and removed from the building as if it were a new product because it has a second life. You can’t just tear it apart and throw it on a truck.” The removal also needed to be accomplished on time so that OTPP was able to exit the building by the end of their lease.
In addition to inventorying and managing all the decommissioned assets, Teknion coordinated the logistics of how furniture and assets would be removed and where they were going. Says Becky Chan-Lalonde, Director - Real Estate Operations & Workplace Transformation, OTPP “Teknion was at the table with us, planning every step – from what truck was arriving when, to where each piece was going. It was a seamless process.” As a result of these efforts, OTPP was able to divert approximately 98% of their decommissioned furniture from landfill. That equates to over 500 metric tonnes of product diverted which is equivalent to approximately 1,500 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions avoided. George concludes “We feel good about moving into our new space, knowing that we were responsible with how we took care of our past.”