The ANSI/BIFMA e3-2024 Furniture Sustainability Standard Now in Effect
Effective immediately, the updated ANSI/BIFMA e3-2024 Furniture Sustainability Standard is now in effect for all E3 clients. This change reflects the latest industry requirements and best practices, supporting our ongoing commitment to service excellence and compliance.
A copy of the updated standard is attached, with all changes clearly highlighted for your convenience.
Clients are strongly encouraged to purchase an official copy of the updated standard directly from ANSI or BIFMA to ensure you have the most current and authoritative version for your records.
Key Changes in the Updated Standard
1. Structural Reorganization
- Standard now organized into three primary sections: Environmental Impacts, Material Health Impacts, and Social Impacts, each with clear progression tiers
2. Enhanced Guidance and Educational Value
- Expanded guidance and harmonization with other leading sustainability programs and stakeholder expectations.
3. Progressive Tiers of Conformance
- Maintains a tiered approach (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum/LEVEL® 1-4) with a detailed summary of requirements per tier in Annex A.
4. Expanded and Updated Criteria
- Environmental Impacts: New requirements for energy and environmental policies, circularity, responsible packaging, and advanced performance metrics for waste, water, and air.
- Material Health Impacts: More robust chemical inventories, assessments, and elimination of chemicals of concern, with a focus on transparency.
- Social Impacts: Expanded criteria for occupational health and safety, wellness, inclusiveness, community outreach, and business conduct.
5. Alignment with International Standards
- Updated references to international standards (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 50001, WELL Building Standard, Greenhouse Gas Protocol).
6. Greater Emphasis on Transparency
- Strengthened requirements for public disclosure of sustainability metrics, chemical inventories, and community engagement.
7. Circularity and Lifecycle Focus
- New criteria supporting circular economy practices, such as take-back programs, refurbishment, recycling, and expanded LCA requirements.
8. Material and Chemical Health
- Stricter requirements for recycled and biobased content, and targeted elimination of hazardous substances.
9. Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness
- Broader requirements for occupational health and safety, inclusiveness, ethical conduct, and supplier code of conduct.
10. Annexes and Examples
- Informative annexes and sample documentation to support implementation and compliance.
Next Steps
- Orion will provide further direction and detailed guidance regarding the updated standard in the fall.
- Additional communications will outline any actions required and offer support as you transition to the new standard.
Thank you for your attention and continued partnership.
The Orion Team