Herman Miller's Design for the Environment Protocol Makes the Grade at Harvard

published Sep 19, 2007
Herman Millers Design for the Environment Protocol Makes the Grade at Harvard
Harvard Business School students soon will be reading a case study about Herman Miller, Inc., and its Design for the Environment (DfE) protocol.

The case study, entitled "Cradle to Cradle Design at Herman Miller: Moving Toward Environmental Sustainability," was researched and written by Harvard faculty.

Case study authors Deishin Lee and Lionel Bony specifically highlight Herman Miller's DfE protocol and its impact on the design and development of the company's Mirra chair.

Students will review and analyze the company's environmental and financial decisions within the actual historic context of general business conditions and specific product targets.

Herman Miller's DfE protocol emphasizes material chemistry, recycled content, ease of disassembly, and end-of-life recyclability.

Lee and Bony describe the protocol as an example of a corporation "scrutinizing processes through an environmental lens," while striving to enhance overall business performance.