Room & Board Announces B Corp Certification

Furniture World News Desk on 1/18/2024

Room & Board, the Minneapolis-based furniture retailer committed to sustainable sourcing and American craftsmanship, announced it is a newly Certified B Corporation™ ("B Corp"). Room & Board and Room & Board for Business, the brand’s commercial arm, join a select global community of purpose-driven companies that are using their businesses as a force for good. B Corps are certified to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
 
This esteemed milestone reaffirms the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society. Room & Board underwent a comprehensive and stringent evaluation of its operations to become a Certified B Corporation, thoroughly examining its impact across key areas such as governance, workers, community, the environment, and customers.
 
“Since the beginning, Room & Board has considered both people and the planet alongside profit,” says John Gabbert, Founder & CEO of Room & Board. “Becoming a B Corp was a natural next step for our company.”  
 
Founded in 1980, Room & Board has believed consumers and the trade should know where their furniture is made, the materials that go into it, and that it will stand the test of time. That is why sustainability has been a cornerstone of the business for over 40 years. As a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, supporter of environment-focused nonprofits, and developer of one of the nation’s largest urban wood supply chains, Room & Board has distinguished itself as a true leader in the sustainability realm.
 
In 2022, the company took a significant leap forward by assembling an experienced sustainability team led by Director of Sustainability, Emily McGarvey, to establish measurable goals for the betterment of people, products, and the planet. As a result, Room & Board has made remarkable progress in achieving its initial goals. It has successfully sourced 85% of its wood sustainably, reached 70% renewable electricity usage in stores and operations, and contributed 2% of profits to support nonprofits across the country.
 
“The furniture industry’s impact on workers, customers, local communities and the environment is significant, making it all the more important for companies like Room & Board to certify and play a part in transforming the global economy. We’re pleased to have Room & Board join the B Corp movement,” shares Lindsey Wilson, Associate Director of Growth at B Lab U.S. & Canada.
 
Room & Board’s B Corp certification serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, propelling the company to raise the bar in its sustainability efforts. Through thoughtful decision-making and pushing the boundaries of responsible practices, Room & Board is determined to leave a positive and enduring impact on the world.
 
To learn more about Room & Board’s sustainability initiatives, visit roomandboard.com/sustainability.

About Room & Board for Business 
Room & Board for Business  Incorporates the Most Durable, Best-Selling Designs from Room & Board’sResidential line products that meet BIFMA certification standards and ACT® performance fabrics. Offering a wide range of custom capabilities including COM orders; by-the-inch options in desks and tables; and customized storage configurations, all products are backed by five-and-ten-year warranties. As a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Room & Board’s ethos is grounded in sustainable design and making long-lasting furniture from responsibly sourced materials. More than 90% of products are made in America from top-quality U.S. and imported materials. Dedicated to the customer experience with proficiency in managing complex orders, the Business Program provides tailored services like bulk quantities, payment terms, free warehousing, and customized delivery solutions. Room & Board for Business is proud to be a Certified B Corporation, solidifying their long-standing commitments to sustainability and the community.