Company Profiles

Herman Miller

United States

An innovative designer and manufacturer of furniture and furniture systems, Herman Miller has been working to reduce the environmental impacts of its products for several decades. The company believes that environmental sustainability and business are mutually benefiting and it uses The Natural Step framework to train employees while implementing a wide array of environmental programs. The company utilizes Design for Environment in product development, and considers issues ranging from materials selection to resource efficiency. Initiatives include a commitment to sourcing all wood from sustainable supplies (since 1991) and utilizing equipment that produces "knit-to-size" fabric, which minimizes waste. Herman Miller has also developed a 100% recyclable office chair made from 70% recycled content. The company was a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council and helped formulate the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification guidelines. Today, Herman Miller is committed to building or renovating its facilities to achieve at least a LEED Silver rating. Areas for improvement for Herman Miller include developing a supplier responsibility code and engagement program to ensure that upstream manufacturing meets the same level of environmental performance that it achieves in its own operations. Portfolio 21 encourages Herman Miller to be more transparent regarding which aspects of its operations are included in its reporting.

To the best of our knowledge the above information is accurate and was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Neither the information presented above nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the security. The views expressed are those of portfolio management as of 9/30/09 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.