Teknion Visits M Moser Associates' Toronto Living Lab

M Moser’s innovative approach to sustainable design is integrated into every aspect of their workspace. During our visit, we explored how M Moser's dedication to repurposing and reusing furniture, alignment with net zero and WELL principles, and prioritizing the wellbeing of their employees is transforming not only their own perspectives towards office environments, but also how they in turn employ these principles to the design of office environments for their clients.

Rehomed Furniture

An important aspect of M Moser’s carbon reducing strategy is sourcing 51% of the furniture in their new Toronto Living Lab repurposed or reused. This approach supports the circular economy by minimizing landfill waste and reducing embodied carbon. We learned that because of their rehomed furniture choices, their office has 37% less embodied carbon than the average new office space. This reduction, equivalent to 20,000 kilograms of carbon, is like driving 80,000 kilometers—about 10 times back and forth across Canada!   

The design team tells us that repurposing furniture may require more upfront effort in sourcing and specifying, but the environmental benefits are substantial. While repurposing is not a new trend, environmentally conscious forward-thinking like M Moser’s are pushing it forward into the world of contract furniture. A perspective we at Teknion are eager to support, and simplify the process wherever possible. For us, one notable highlight from the living lab’s rehomed furniture line up are the Teknion Routes Multi-Use Stools, affectionately called "top hats" by M Moser. These mobile stools serve multiple purposes in the space: seating, plant holders, team-building game pieces, and even turned upside-down to be drink coolers at events. Once props at a photoshoot, we quite enjoyed seeing them with new life and unexpected uses. 

Thoughtful Design Empowers The Space, and The Space, In Turn, Nurtures Thoughtful Design Choices

Targeting net zero and WELL certifications, the Living Lab left us with the feeling that this is an organization that is invested in people first, through both wellbeing and environmental sustainability. We admire the sightlines to natural elements throughout the space, and design features encouraging activity. That and M Moser’s green library initiative is particularly impressive, aiming for a materials library composed entirely of sustainable choices. This focus on transparency not only pushes them towards a more sustainable future but nudges us, as a vendor, to meet their expectations.  

This approach integrates sustainability into the library itself, making it easy for designers to choose eco-friendly materials early in the process. With a variety of sustainable options at different price points and aesthetics, designers can meet diverse requirements and standards effortlessly. They achieve this with a simple color-coded sticker system identifying if a choice is sustainably acceptable (green), going through the process of becoming certified (yellow) or red flag, do not use (red). Challenge accepted M Moser, we are on a quest for all of our products to proudly wear the badge of a green sticker in your library!  

The Connection Between Environment and the People

The commitment to sustainable practices noticeably extends beyond the physical space to encompass the wellbeing of the people who inhabit it. Real-time monitoring of environmental data, choice and change of postures, a nurturing wellness room for relaxation, it all adds up to a space that is compassionate to its users and a positive energy you can feel - we certainly did during our tour. By designing a workspace that prioritizes health and choice, and immersing themselves in environmental wellbeing, M Moser told us they have seen tremendous uptake and participation in their wellness initiatives resulting in a vibrant culture that shows up and is engaged. This outlook, the design team says, “has not only enabled more events and learning sessions with external partners but has also played a crucial role in attracting new talent to our team.” By being generous and intentional with their offerings, a feeling of reciprocating value has been successfully created.

Final Thoughts

M Moser demonstrates how thoughtful design can positively impact both people and the planet, providing a precedent for others to follow in creating healthier, more sustainable work environments. From thoughtful furniture choices significantly reducing environmental impact, targeting net zero and WELL principles, to optimizing employee comfort through sustainable choices, we left inspired by their dynamic, responsive approach to office design feeling this isn't just sustainable design—it's a movement.  

A very special thanks to Shana, Lauren, Haneen, and Brigitte for their time and enthusiastic walkthrough of their space.