Sustainability is at the Heart of UPLIFT Desk
Recognized as an Austin Environmental Champion
We understand the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations. That's why we've made it our mission to be a leader in sustainable manufacturing. We'd like to share how our commitment to environmental stewardship has shaped our business. At UPLIFT Desk, environmental sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a core value and a driving focus of our company. We’re honored to have recently been named Environmental Champion at the Greater Austin Business Awards. This recognition is just a reflection of the work we’ve committed to every day. Our dedication to sustainable practices span all of our operational activities, from the materials we source to the energy we use.
We were recognized by our power utility company, Austin Energy, for 3 primary reasons:
- Use of sustainable materials
- Our rooftop solar panels generate over a megawatt of electricity; we produce more energy than we consume.
- We’ve planted over 375,000 trees
- We recycled over 120 tons of materials in 2024
Our commitment to sustainable manufacturing
We believe that to truly make a difference, it is necessary to integrate sustainable practices right from the start. We are dedicated to using renewable, eco-friendly materials to minimize environmental impact without compromising quality.
Our most sustainable material, bamboo
Our most popular natural material, bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can sprout up to an inch per hour. It grows back quickly after harvesting, reducing soil erosion and requiring far less water than traditional crops or trees. This makes bamboo a drought-tolerant, eco-friendly solution for sustainable furniture.
UPLIFT Curved Corner Standing Desk in Bamboo
Rubberwood
Our rubberwood comes from Pará rubber trees that have completed their 25-30 year lifespan of latex production. Instead of being discarded, these trees are repurposed for lumber, giving them a second life as high-quality, sustainable wood that helps reduce deforestation pressures.
V2 Standing Desk with Rubberwood Butcher Block Desktop
Eco Curve
We’re proud of our Eco desktops, made from a locally sourced, high-grade MDF (medium density fiberboard) substrate that is created from 100% recycled materials. Certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council, these desktops boast the lowest carbon footprint in the industry and are designed to minimize waste by avoiding edgebanding, adhesives, and solvents.
Harnessing renewable energy
Our commitment to excellence in sustainability produces enough power to run our operations. All of our Austin facilities run entirely on solar energy, down to the electric forklifts in our warehouses. Our rooftop solar panels generate over a megawatt of electricity, allowing us to offset significant carbon emissions. In fact, our solar energy output over the past two years is equivalent to saving:
- 1,000,000 gallons of water
- 160,000 gallons of gasoline
- 125,000 pounds of methane
Solar energy is a cornerstone of our environmental initiatives, providing a renewable and clean power that significantly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. Solar power enhances our energy independence, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for our operations. Additionally, investing in solar technology supports the local economy by creating green jobs and fostering innovation in the renewable energy sector. Our dedication to solar energy reflects our broader mission to promote environmental stewardship and build a more sustainable future for our community and the planet.
Our Austin Showroom and Main Warehouse on Ferguson Lane
Tree Planting and Environmental Impact
We’ve partnered with the National Forest Foundation to plant five trees for every solid wood desktop we sell. As of September 2024, we’ve planted over 375,000 trees, helping to offset our carbon footprint, support biodiversity, and promote reforestation in U.S. National Forests.
Recycling and Waste Reduction
In 2023, our recycling initiatives diverted 255,083 pounds (128 tons) of materials from landfills, including aluminum, plastic, cardboard, and styrofoam. Through targeted programs, we implemented effective practices to minimize the amount of waste generated in our operations. By recycling these materials, we help conserve natural resources and reduce the demand for new raw materials. These efforts are made possible by the collaboration of our team and partners, contributing to a lower overall environmental impact.
Measuring Our Progress
We take pride in the progress we’ve made and measure our impact using key metrics. Our reforestation efforts and solar energy production are tangible examples of how we’re making a difference. Winning the Environmental Champion award is an honor, but our commitment goes beyond accolades. We’re here to continually improve our practices, reduce our environmental footprint, and inspire other businesses to join us on the journey toward a more sustainable future.