Mark Hamstra:‘Alliander not only works toward a sustainable power supply in the Netherlands but also towards an improved sustainability within its own organisation. We feel responsible for how we leave our mark on our surroundings.’
In August 2015, Alliander realised a truly iconic project: five existing buildings at its branch in Duiven have been expanded and enclosed by a ‘greenhouse’ with a floating roof. The facility generates its own energy and even delivers energy to its surroundings. During construction, many of the existing raw materials and resources were reused, which contributed in achieving an 80% circular operation.
Circular ladder
Alliander provided Gispen with a perfect opportunity to test our own circular ambitions at large in practice. The circular ladder, a first tool to measure and compare, was used as a benchmark for the project, which allowed us to accurately determine whether a make or model met Alliander’s circular demands. Every single piece of furniture is compliant of these demands.
Our strategy
Gispen took care of refurbishing and technically updating 750 pieces of Alliander’s existing workstations. Many of which have been joined together on site to form dual workstations, including an optimisation for cable management purposes. Tabletops have been replaced and the old pieces have been altered to be used as workstation dividing screens or reused for the construction of locker cabinets. Furthermore, various components of the seats will be easy to reuse at some point. The lighting has also been procured and installed according to circular principles, which saves energy every day. In time and if needed, the furniture will be repaired, replaced or returned but most of all, reused.
Full warranty
Gispen stays responsible for the returns of products in order to guarantee a circular way of conducting business. As for our own products, they will be given a new lease of life in, of course, a circular way. We provide chain management services for the products of our partners.
Photography: Chris van Koeverden
