GM, Herman Miller and Green Standards Commit to RePurpose: Register Here

General Motors is in the midst of transforming itself from a traditional automotive company to a business that will redefine personal mobility. Enabling more collaboration among employees is a cornerstone of the transformation, so GM has set out to redesign their work environment at several GM locations, resulting in tens of thousands of pieces of excess furniture, equipment, and supplies.

GM has partnered with Herman Miller and Green Standards to repurpose its surplus office assets into $1 million of in-kind donations over the next two years. The pilot program is expected to benefit about 100 Michigan-based community organizations, with a focus on Detroit. Over its lifetime, an estimated 2,000 tons of materials will be diverted as a result.

The Herman Miller rePurpose Program, managed by environmental firm Green Standards, manages such surplus corporate assets through resale, recycling and donation.

Are you a Michigan 501(c)3 nonprofit with a need for some office furniture or equipment such as tables, chairs, cubicles, refrigerators, and more? Fill out this form to be notified of donation opportunities. Organizations all over the U.S. also are eligible to receive donations from other Green Standards initiatives.

David Tulauskas, GM sustainability director, says the efforts are an example of how GM views waste as just a resource out of place.

“This reuse program enables us to reduce our environmental footprint while making a positive contribution to our community,” he said.

GM is investing $1 billion in its Warren Technical Center campus in Michigan. Construction there includes extensive office upgrades in several buildings such as new carpet, furniture, equipment and an open work environment to foster employee collaboration, idea sharing, faster problem-solving and more. GM is also renovating its Milford Proving Ground and Global Headquarters in Detroit.