Skip to Content (press ENTER)
North America
Canada
Investor Type
United States
Latin America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Mexico
Panama
Uruguay
Asia Pacific
Australia
Investor Type
China (中国大陆)
Investor Type
Hong Kong (香港 – 中文)
Investor Type
Hong Kong - English
Investor Type
Japan (日本)
Investor Type
Korea
Investor Type
Singapore
Investor Type
Taiwan (台灣)
Investor Type
Europe
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
 
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Investor Type
Sustainability

Decommissioning Barings’ Hartford Office

October 2023 – 2 min read

In the first in the series looking at how we lead by example in our operational sustainability, Anita Benton, Barings’ U.S. Head of Corporate Properties, speaks about how we saved 46 tons of material from landfill in the sustainable decommission of our Hartford office.

Tell us about the Hartford office decommission:

We decided to relocate our Hartford office at the end of our lease in 2022 and were responsible for disposing of approximately 24,000 square feet of very outdated furniture. Luckily, through negotiations with the landlord, we were able to leave the external office and conference furniture for a future tenant—that left 90 workstations and task chairs, 78 storage and file cabinets, and numerous miscellaneous items and ancillary furniture that needed to be removed. And on a deadline.

Why did you decide to do this so sustainably?

In line with our overarching sustainability goals, I’m always looking to find innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment and our societies through our operations.

Through our global furniture partner, Teknion, I found out about two other organizations: Divert, who help clients achieve their goal of zero waste, and Green Standards, who partner with organizations on sustainable office decommissions.

As we’re looking to achieve net zero in our global operations, I jumped at the chance to work with them to contribute to our firm-wide sustainability ambitions.

What was the process, and what happened?

To begin the project, we assessed the site, then had a walk-through with Divert. We created a complete inventory of items to be removed, as well as a list of “specialty projects”. These included services that must be provided by a certified vendor, such as removing power and cabling from furniture before dismantling.

Divert recommended we partner with Green Standards for the project. A formal proposal was prepared and accepted, and work began.

barings-sustainability-decommissioning-image1.jpgFurniture including tables, chairs and filing cabinets were disposed of in the decommission of Barings’ Hartford office

What was the highlight of the project for you?

The highlight of the partnership with Green Standards was that 100% (46 tons) of the items removed were diverted from landfill, with 90% recycled and 10% donated. This led to:

  • 60 tons of CO2 emissions avoided.
  • 90% of materials recycled.
  • $9,340 worth of furniture donations made to support three local charities.

barings-sustainability-decommissioning-chart1.jpg

How important is it that some of the furniture was sent to local charities?

10% of the furniture was donated to good causes. Knowing that it wasn’t just needlessly sent to landfill, but that it is breathing new life into local community organizations, is a very rewarding feeling.

barings-sustainability-decommissioning-image2.jpgNon-profit organization Auxil Tech Foundation were one of the beneficiaries of Barings furniture, including filing cabinets, tables and chairs.

How does it make you feel to have driven such an impactful project?

I am very proud to have introduced Divert and Green Standards to Barings, and to have played my part in moving us one step closer to our net zero goals. I always strive and push for innovative thinking in all my projects – for example, in the decommission of our Boston office, we diverted over 12 tons from landfill after leaving furniture for the new subtenant.

I’m excited that we identified a partner with a highly successful and trackable process to help us move one step closer to our sustainability aims.

The document is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument or service. The material herein was prepared without any consideration of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of anyone who may receive it. This document is not, and must not be treated as, investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment research.

In making an investment decision, prospective investors must rely on their own examination of the merits and risks involved and before making any investment decision, it is recommended that prospective investors seek independent investment, legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice as appropriate.

Unless otherwise mentioned, the views contained in this document are those of Barings. These views are made in good faith in relation to the facts known at the time of preparation and are subject to change without notice. Parts of this document may be based on information received from sources we believe to be reliable. Although every effort is taken to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate, Barings makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information.

Any forecasts in this document are based upon Barings opinion of the market at the date of preparation and are subject to change without notice, dependent upon many factors. Any prediction, projection or forecast is not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance. Any investment results, portfolio compositions and/or examples set forth in this document are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not indicative of any future investment results, future portfolio composition or investments. The composition, size of, and risks associated with an investment may differ substantially from any examples set forth in this document. No representation is made that an investment will be profitable or will not incur losses. Where appropriate, changes in the currency exchange rates may affect the value of investments.

Investment involves risks. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Investors should not only base on this document alone to make investment decision.

This document is issued by Baring Asset Management (Asia) Limited. It has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Contact Us to Learn More.

 


The form was successfully submitted.

There was a problem submitting the form.

 

Any data collected will be processed according to Barings’ Privacy Notice. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of any promotional message we send, or by contacting us using the contact details set out in the Privacy Notice.

 

Related Viewpoints