modus community project divert

Local community groups furnish for free thanks to Project DIVERT

Project overview 

Modus Workspace, working on RICS’ West Midlands office renovation project, has implemented Project DIVERT, Encore Environment’s award-winning environmental and social value initiative to successfully divert surplus office furniture, kitchen cabinetry and carpet tiles, to two local community groups. 

Project DIVERT ensures reusable furniture and appliances from refurbishment projects are identified and offered to local charities, non-profits and community groups thus avoiding traditional waste streams. 

From the Birmingham based office, various kitchen furniture and fixtures including work tops, shelving, food prep stations and carpet tiles were diverted to Blackwell Adventure, which is owned by the Scout Association County of Birmingham and supports over 25,000 people each year enjoying outdoor adventures! 

Project DIVERT also facilitated the donation of locker units, tall cupboards and carpet tiles to the Woodgate Valley Urban Farm in Birmingham, a registered charity dedicated to offering a range of practical farm work and volunteering experience with a special emphasis upon young people suffering from social exclusion. 

Rachel Rowley, Encore Environment managing director said: “We are delighted to have worked with Modus Workspace and its client RICS – which is globally leading on sustainability issues and empowering its members to embed sustainability considerations into the way they work. Project DIVERT proves there is a better choice for office design and build companies managing refurbishment contracts. Don’t skip items that can be reused – save on waste costs, save carbon and create social value for your local community!” 

The Project DIVERT, Modus Workspace and RICS collaboration has ensured over 1.6 tonnes of furniture and appliances have been diverted from waste streams to local organisations, this equates to a carbon saving of 665kgCO2e. 

Click the link below to see more figures on this case study.

ProjectDIVERT-MODUS-RICS