More People Comfortably into Less Space

Every project is different - but one central theme that has been running through all of our projects lately is "we need to (comfortably) fit more people into less space". Over the past two years we have have had great success using Allsteel's Reach to accomplish this task.

Reach integrates all of the required workstation storage into the central spine. This eliminates the need for any undersurface storage, and thus makes the entire worksurface usable (in a typical workstation you lose the 18" to 21" where the filing pedestal sits). With more useable work area, we can actually reduce the overall size of the station footprint WITHOUT making the space feel smaller.

Use Allsteel's "space and savings calculator", to see what you can save by using Reach
(click HERE for the calculator).

In addition, because panels are not required to hang overhead cabinets, we can lower the overall panel height, which allows more natural light into the station (a LEED criteria).

See if Reach is the right solution for your next project - feel free to contact us at CSG or Sam Clar for more information.

Options for your Used Office Furniture

One of the questions we are consistently asked by our clients is; "What can we do with our old office furniture?"

The answer to this question depends on the age, condition, and configurations of the product. If the product is less than 5 years old, in average condition (or better), and was designed for a typical office, there is a very good chance that a used furniture dealer or liquidator will actually pay for the product (going rate is .07 to .10 cents on the dollar).

If the product is between 5-10 years old, in average to below average condition, there is still a good chance the liqudator will remove the product at no cost to the owner.

Product beyond 10 years old and/or in poor condition and/or in "custom" configurations, most likely the owner will need to pay a service provider to remove and dispose of the items.

One of the more popular options that has recently developed is the Re-Use/Re-cycle route for old furniture disposal. In this option, companies that specialize in "green" re-purposing of old items will take over the process. These companies generally remove the items and direct them to needy charities or schools. Items that can't be re-used are broken down and recycled, with only the bare minimum going to landfills.

Two companies that specialize in this option are:

Ireuse.com - a San Francisco Bay Area based company, and Revive, a Nova Scotia based company that has entered into a partnership with Allsteel (For information on the partnership click HERE).

For more information on what to do with your existing product, please contact your Sam Clar or CSG account executive, or email me at: john@samclar.com

Some Help in Calculating LEED Credits

In the past 18 months, nearly 100% of our projects have started out with the client or specifier asking us about the "green" factor of our products. With the desire for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification becoming more and more commonplace, being able to quickly and accurately provide answers has become a critical determinant to winning projects.

Within our organization(s), (Sam Clar Office Furniture and The Commercial Services Group), we are fortunate enough to have Rachel Leaverton, a LEED Accredited Professional (AP), on-staff to assist us in navigating the path towards a LEED certified project. In addition to Rachel, we have found that the Gunlocke Company has a great new on-line resource that can also help.

Check out Gunlocke's Green Calculator to quickly find out how Gunlocke's products can help earn LEED credits towards certification.

See How Sustainable Gunlocke's Converge Product Line is with the new Green Calculator