Pamela Groberman Media & Public Relations Goes Green

We believe that the perfect combination of sustainability goals mandates a decision making process that balances the business application with quality lifestyle. In 2004, Pamela Groberman Media & Public Relations (PGMPR) took the lead in the sustainable movement. More and more businesses are beginning to consider the environmental impacts of the resources they use, but very few take their concerns to the level of Pamela Groberman Media and Public Relations Inc. in the pursuit of an eco-friendly work environment. In the spring of 2004, PGMPR carefully redesigned its office space to be as green as possible, down to the very last detail.

Going green is a complicated endeavor, as every aspect of office design including furniture, paint and hardware must be considered carefully for its ecological impact on the environment. Despite these challenges, Groberman & HGTV's Designer Kelly Deck worked together to create an office that fulfils the needs of both sustainability and style.

The goal of the office was to include pieces made of woods, glass, metals and fibres that were recyclable and had the least negative impact on the environment, in addition to being esthetically pleasing. This resulted in all desks, the bar (yes, there's even a cocktail bar!) and the boardroom table being built with reclaimed fir and chairs constructed with aluminum and recyclable plastics. The office also features a custom-built recyclable sofa comprised of hemp and rubber. Yet, even though these furniture choices are ecologically conscious, they certainly don't sacrifice style: classic designs were chosen, including a Noguchi table and Eames chairs built by Herman Miller, an environmentally responsible manufacturer.

The office was also hand-painted with water-based, no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, which are non-toxic and safer for your health and the air. Painter Peter Polivka, along with his crew from Sophia's Studio, spent two and a half weeks (8 hours a day) painting the 2500 square-foot office by hand to avoid using harsh sprays used by other businesses for large spaces.

But in the end, all the detail-oriented work was worth the effort. The loft-style space is bright, open and welcoming, with a contemporary West Coast chic flavor, and its uncluttered, simplistic design is fresh and relaxing.

"There's an elegance to it," says Deck.

With its stylish yet sustainable decor, the new green office doesn't conform to long-existing stereotypes about what it means to be eco-friendly, breaking the mold and challenging old assumptions.

"We want to be leaders," says Groberman, "We wanted to show that to be sustainable, you don't have to have a low-style office."

But the consideration of the environment doesn't end with the interior design. PGMPR implements a full recycling program, including the recycling of paper, glass and plastic. The company prefers to be energy smart and replaced all lighting to accommodate power-smart bulbs and installed low-flush toilets. Business cards are printed on 100 % post-consumer recycled paper with vegetable inks and all documents are printed on recycled paper, something the company encourages its clients to consider when they are designing their own reports and promotional materials.

The PGMPR team also recently implemented a new "GOTO" system – Groberman Office Takeout Offsets – to help reduce the amount of unnecessary food packaging waste produced by the team. Read about this and other green ideas in Pamela's columns in 24 hrs and VLM.

With all of these unique office features, Pamela Groberman Media and Public Relations shows that it is a business with a conscience that cares about the future of the environment.

Please note, the pink part of our "Pink & Green" category is our corporate colour. We love pink!