All carbon footprints

What’s the carbon footprint of an office desk?

The average office desk emits
15.00-150.00 kg CO₂e

Available to measure with Arbor’s platform
The carbon footprint of an office desk ranges from 15 to 150 kg CO₂e, with an average of approximately 82.5 kg CO₂e per unit. Understanding the environmental impact of office furniture helps brands identify ways to measure and reduce product-level emissions.
Why do product carbon footprints (PCFs) matter?
Carbon Equivalent Calculator

What is an office desk's carbon footprint equivalent to?

Using Arbor’s Carbon Equivalent Calculator, let’s see what the average an office desk’s carbon emissions are equivalent to, assuming an average of 82.50 kg CO2e.

How can you reduce an office desk's carbon footprint?

Here are 3 ways you can lower the carbon or decarbonize your an office desk’s carbon footprint.

Sustainable Materials

Switch to recycled or sustainably sourced raw materials.

Efficient Manufacturing

Opt for energy-efficient manufacturing processes to minimize emissions.

Design for Disassembly

Optimize packaging to reduce transportation emissions.

Arbor's platform

Want to measure the carbon footprint of your office desk?

We make product-level carbon accounting simple, reliable, and tailored to furniture.

Office Desk
Manage
Office Desk
Carbon footprint
82.50 kg CO₂e
Versions & Prototypes
Versions
Carbon footprint
Office Desk
Active
82.50 kg CO₂e
Office Desk 2024
82.50 kg CO₂e
Office Desk 2023
82.50 kg CO₂e
Prototypes
Carbon footprint
Office Desk - 20% Recycled
82.50 kg CO₂e

FAQs

What is the carbon footprint of an office desk?

The carbon footprint of an office desk varies widely depending on materials and manufacturing, but on average it is around 82.5 kg CO2e. If considering the full range, it can be as low as 15 kg CO2e or as high as 150 kg CO2e, reflecting different production processes and materials used.

How much CO₂ does an office desk emit?

An office desk typically emits around 82.5 kg CO2e during its lifecycle. The range varies from 15 to 150 kg CO2e depending on the materials and manufacturing process. This estimate includes production, transportation, and disposal impacts.

What are the main sources of emissions from an office desk?

The main sources of emissions from an office desk include the production of materials like wood, metal, and plastics, which contribute to the carbon footprint. Additionally, energy used for lighting, computers, and other electronic devices at the desk adds to the overall emissions, typically ranging from 15 to 150 kg CO2e with an average around 82.5 kg CO2e.

How do I calculate the carbon footprint of an office desk?

Arbor offers the best method to calculate the carbon footprint of an office desk. Alternatively, you can use emission factors and follow LCA standards to estimate the footprint. For a typical desk, the range is about 15 to 150 kg CO2e, with an average of around 82.5 kg CO2e.

Is an office desk sustainable?

An office desk's sustainability depends on its materials and manufacturing process. Typically, desks made from recycled or sustainably sourced wood have a lower carbon footprint. On average, a desk can produce around 82.5 kg CO2e, but eco-friendly options may significantly reduce that impact, making them a more sustainable choice.

How can companies reduce the carbon footprint of an office desk?

Companies can reduce the carbon footprint of an office desk by choosing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, which typically emit around 82.5 kg CO2e. Additionally, encouraging employees to use the desk efficiently and opting for refurbished or eco-friendly furniture can significantly lower emissions.

Are office desks bad for the environment?

Office desks can have a significant environmental impact, with their carbon footprint ranging from 15 to 150 kg CO2e. The average impact is approximately 82.5 kg CO2e, depending on the materials and manufacturing processes used. Choosing eco-friendly or recycled desks can help reduce this footprint.

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