Sustainable Furniture Procurement in Education: A Smarter Approach with the Furniture & Related Services Framework
Supporting Sustainability in Schools with Responsible Procurement
The education sector is increasingly looking for ways to improve sustainability, reduce waste, and make more responsible procurement decisions. From classrooms to administrative offices, furniture plays a significant role in both functionality and environmental impact. That’s where the Furniture & Related Services Framework, launched in March 2025, steps in. Offering schools and public sector organisations a flexible, sustainable solution for procuring high-quality furniture while ensuring responsible environmental practices.
This framework, hosted by The University of Essex and contract managed by Dukefield Procurement, provides schools, academies and the wider public sector with access to a range of suppliers who can provide sustainably sourced furniture, alongside services that help reduce waste and carbon emissions. It’s designed to support Multi Academy Trusts, schools, colleges, universities along with the wider public sector in aligning their procurement strategies with environmental targets while maintaining the highest standards of functionality and design.
Why Sustainability Matters in Furniture Procurement
Furniture procurement often presents hidden environmental challenges. From unsustainable material sourcing to excessive waste generation, the impact on our planet can be significant. The Furniture & Related Services Framework was designed with sustainability at its core—helping organisations make responsible choices that contribute to carbon reduction, waste minimisation, and circular economy principles.
Some of the biggest sustainability challenges in furniture procurement include:
High carbon emissions due to transportation and material sourcing
Non-recyclable materials that end up in landfills
Short lifecycle products that require frequent replacements
Lack of repair and refurbishment programs leading to excessive waste
By appointing a range of suppliers who can provide access to upcycled materials and who use sustainably sourced products and components, thus extending product lifecycles, the framework enables you to make more environmentally responsible decisions while ensuring lasting value from their purchases.
A Framework Built for Sustainability
The Furniture & Related Services Framework offers five distinct contract lots, covering a broad range of furniture solutions:
✔ Lot 1: Office Furniture
✔ Lot 2: Education & Classroom Furniture
✔ Lot 3: Project-Led Design & Specialist Area Furniture
✔ Lot 4: Special Needs Furniture
✔ Lot 5: Specialist Ergonomic Furniture
Through partnerships with leading suppliers, framework users benefit from products and services designed with sustainability in mind. The framework provides access to:
FSC-certified wood and recyclable materials, promoting responsible resource use
Repair, reuse, and refurbishment services to extend product lifecycles
Furniture take-back programs, preventing waste from ending up in landfills
Low-emission fleet solutions, reducing transportation-related carbon footprints
Eco-conscious packaging, eliminating single-use plastics and minimizing waste
How This Framework Supports Carbon Reduction
Public sector organisations, including educational establishments, are increasingly adopting carbon reduction plans to align with the UK’s sustainability and climate strategies. The framework’s suppliers are committed to reducing emissions, waste, and environmental impact through a number of initiatives, including:
✅ A pathway to net-zero by 2040
✅ Fleet electrification, reducing diesel emissions
✅ Environmentally friendly deliveries, reducing transport-related carbon footprints
✅ Upcycling furniture, extending its lifecycle instead of sending it to landfill
✅ Use of sustainable materials, including FSC-certified wood and recyclable components
✅ Comprehensive waste management, including zero waste-to-landfill policies
Added Value for Framework Users
Beyond sustainable procurement, you can benefit from additional cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions:
✔ Furniture repair and refurbishment services to extend product usability
✔ Sustainable disposal programs, ensuring responsible waste management
✔ Packaging waste reduction, eliminating unnecessary plastic and cardboard
For organisations committed to sustainable procurement, this framework presents an easy, cost-effective way to align purchasing decisions with eco-conscious initiatives.
Why Choose This Framework?
Suppliers on this framework hold many accreditations such as ISO 14001, ISO 9001, FISP, and Planet Mark, this framework helps you to ensure that procurement meets the highest environmental and quality standards. It also offers free design solutions, expert maintenance and repair services, and a commitment to local sourcing, reducing emissions from imported goods.
The framework is available to all public sector bodies across the UK, ensuring transparent, efficient procurement for framework users. It empowers organisations to take meaningful steps toward sustainability, while offering cost-effective and high-quality furniture solutions.
Make a Sustainable Choice
By using The Furniture & Related Services Framework, you can support net-zero targets, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable procurement strategy - all while ensuring high-quality, functional furniture solutions.
Ready to explore sustainable furniture procurement? Contact Claire today to learn how this framework can support your organisation’s sustainability goals:
Email claire.makin@dukefield.co.uk
Phone 01204 374 156