At a time when sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, the concept of circular economy is gaining ground. The circular economy promotes the reusage, reconditioning and recycling of products to minimize waste and make the most of available resources. Any company or individual can consider donating items, whether furniture or electronic equipment, when they decide to exchange them for various reasons.

At SG GSC we embrace sustainable practices by applying circular economy concepts in many aspects of our business. One of this is the donation of office furniture to NGOs who use it to equip rural schools. This initiative complements the support already offered for many years to partner NGOs through financial support and volunteer activities.

Every year, millions of tons of furniture end up in landfills, contributing to the global waste crisis. At the same time, schools in disadvantaged areas often lack the necessary resources to provide students with an adequate learning environment. Many classrooms are outdated, with damaged furniture, which prevents students from concentrating and learning effectively. The combination of these problems – waste and inequality – calls for innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges.  

Starting with 2023, we donated over 2,700 pieces of furniture to 3 organizations: “Aura Ion”, “Asociația EM.ro” and “Asociația Ai voința, Ai putere”, thus contributing to the transformation of the classrooms into a happier, more motivational and a more creative environment. At the same time, having at least a small contribution to reducing the dropout rate in disadvantaged areas.

Kitchens, lounge areas, classrooms, and other important spaces in 27 schools are now fully furnished and ready to be used by many children in their educational journey. This project not only supports environmental sustainability, but also addresses social inequalities by improving educational environments for those most in need. Studies show that well-designed, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing classrooms can boost students’ morale, increase class attendance, and even improve academic performance.

The impact our project had in reducing CO2 emissions was 138,000/kg of CO2 reduced/year.

« Our commitment to circular economy extends beyond sustainable practices – it’s about creating sustainable value for our communities. Through volunteering initiatives, through financial support, but also through furniture donations to schools in disadvantaged areas, we aim to empower the next generation, while reducing waste at the same time.

Together, we are not only building better learning environments, but we are also building a better future. », says Philippe Gabulon, CEO of SG GSC.

And that’s not all, through our partnership with “Ateliere Fara Frontiere” we are donating our old technical equipment to be processed and recycled by the association. This collaboration ensured that electronic waste is transformed into valuable resources while promoting social inclusion and sustainability.

Another initiative related to reducing waste, but also to circular economy is our partnership with “Crucea Rosie” association. This collaboration enables our colleagues to donate clothes, fostering a culture of giving within our organization. Through volunteering initiatives, we actively participate in sorting donations, ensuring that essential clothing reaches those in need.

This year we’ve had 224 colleagues involved in 58 sessions of sorting clothes.

To go even further and help our colleagues use circular economy in many aspects of their lives, we have a “Comunidar” wardrobe where they can donate clothes no longer used, but in very good shape. This initiative encourages sustainable practices and promotes a culture of reuse, making it easy for everyone to refresh their wardrobe while minimizing waste.

We are proud to have a range of initiatives and partnerships that reflect our commitment to reducing waste and embracing circular economy practices in our daily activities. All these activities that we do together go beyond fulfilling our long-term ESG mission, they make a significant change and have a positive impact on both the planet and the social environment.

Curated by Société Générale Global Solution Centre.