After a major space reorganization and optimization project, Holland Bloorview found a new life for office furniture it no longer needed—while keeping it out of landfill and supporting diverse, charitable causes.

Working with Green Standards, the hospital donated filing cabinets and workstation furniture to three Toronto-area charities:  the Ontario Employment Education and Research Centre (OEERC), Sistering and the Horn of Africa International Development Organization. 

The approach, known as sustainable decommissioning, focuses on reuse and responsible recycling instead of disposal. Twenty-four tonnes of furniture were diverted from landfill through these efforts.

Furniture waste is a growing issue, with millions of tonnes ending up in North American landfills each year. By choosing a more sustainable approach, Holland Bloorview supports both environmental responsibility and the efforts of other mission-focused organizations. 

OEERC improves the lives and working conditions of people in low-wage and precarious employment in Ontario. Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and gender-diverse people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed.  

“By making intentional choices about how we manage our resources, we’re strengthening our community and reducing our environmental impact,” says Stewart Wong, vice president, communications, strategy and sustainability at Holland Bloorview. “Practical decisions in the workplace can deliver meaningful, lasting change.”

Deena Ladd, executive director of OEERC, explained the impact of the furniture donation:  “This is money we don’t have to spend, and it allows us to focus our resources where they’re needed most.”

Space optimization efforts create second life for furniture 

Holland Bloorview is in the midst of a major effort to make better use of clinical and non-clinical space. The work resulted in creating new, accessible workspaces for its growing staff while also increasing much-needed clinical care space. It also created a chance to give a second life to 24 tonnes of furniture, 100 per cent of which were kept out of landfill. 

In total, 59 items were donated to charities, 112 were recycled and the rest were able to be re-used internally. 

Together, these efforts resulted in environmental benefits equivalent to over 10,000 litres of gasoline not burned and the growth of more than 400 tree seedlings over 10 years.

About Holland Bloorview’s Environmental Sustainability Task Force

Formed in 2024, Holland Bloorview’s Environmental Sustainability Task Force brings together staff and family leaders to embed sustainability across the organization. The group works to build awareness, implement greener practices, and inspire collective action.

About Green Standards

Founded in 2009, Green Standards helps organizations responsibly redistribute furniture, fixtures, and equipment during workplace transitions—keeping usable items in circulation and out of landfill.