AFA Sustainable Furniture and Fit Out Procurement System – Business Case

The AFA’s Business Case for a Sustainable Furniture and Fit Out Procurement System recommends the implementation of an Ethical Sourcing Policy supported by an industry-led Sustainable Furniture and Fit Out Procurement System to deliver a wide range of benefits across the community, including government, suppliers, the environment, and the community. The AFA will lead the outlined recommendations to reduce the impact of furniture waste and pollution in landfills.

The AFA makes four recommendations:

1. Code of Practice and Accreditation System - Develop a Code of Practice (Policy), a how-to guide, and an accreditation tool kit for supplier accreditation against demonstrable sustainable and circular practices.
2. Data Collection - Manage developing and introducing specialised digital data technology to monitor and measure against imperative metrics.
3. Community Engagement and Awareness Campaign – Misinformation and greenwashing claims are rising. There is a clear need to develop an engagement and awareness campaign to promote, communicate, and educate procurers, buyers, and consumers about sustainable procurement and the unintended consequences of poor procurement.
4. Accredited Procurement Training Programs - Develop courses to provide the skills and knowledge required for roles in government procurement to address the developing Circular Economy across Australia.

Transitioning towards a circular, climate-resilient economy.