Transforming campuses and communities with General Motors

Since 2016, Green Standards’ partnership with GM has diverted 7,000+ tons of surplus furniture from landfill while making in-kind donations of more than $1,000,000 to 102 non-profits through the sustainable decommission of multiple corporate campuses in Michigan, spanning millions of square feet.

Challenge

General Motors is in the process of transforming their corporate campuses and work environments to foster collaboration among employees. They partnered with Green Standards to repurpose tens of thousands of pieces of office furniture and equipment that would no longer have a home at their headquarters, campuses, and facilities. The goal was to keep these surplus items in use through in-kind donation, to the benefit of more than 100 Michigan-based community organizations.

With planned renovations at General Motors’ Technical Center in Warren, the Proving Ground in Milford, and global headquarters in Detroit, GM required a turnkey solution provider to manage the decommission process at several locations.

Solution

Green Standards managed the entire process, including the dismantling, removal and relocation of each item, and coordinating between the movers, buyers, local non-profits and specialized recyclers. We also provided documentation and in-depth environmental and social impact reporting to help General Motors capture and review the outcome of the sustainable office decommission projects.

Result

Through our program, General Motors kept 7,112 tons of surplus office furniture and equipment in use, with a landfill diversion rate of 99.9% across all project phases. To date, Green Standards has facilitated in-kind donations worth $1,075,450 to 102 non-profits and charitable organizations in Michigan.

Our continuing work with General Motors benefits the many communities in which they operate, reduces landfill, and helps build a circular economy.

Asset Distribution