| After inhabiting their Eastern Region Headquarters for ten years, the facility manager of EDS (Electronic Data Systems) in Herndon, Virginia decided it was time to "clean house." A walk through the 385,000 s.f. building revealed stacks of old computers--some obsolete, some in decent condition--excess office supplies ranging from typewriters to binders, and, in the warehouse, racks of old furniture in storage.
The clean-out of office space was handled one floor at a time. Large bins were provided for excess office supplies and paper recycling, and all employees were encouraged to roll up their sleeves and participate. Computers and other electronic equipment were also collected. All excess items were brought to a designated "transfer room" to be sorted and evaluated. During the clean-out process, the transfer room became a trading post for EDS employees who took items that they could use in their areas. Hundreds of binders, file holders, staplers, tape dispensers, stacking trays and other office products were re-circulated back into the building.
Eight weeks later, with the assistance of the local volunteer center, a "yard sale" was set up for charities who came and took the remaining items, including typewriters, software, binders and other office supplies. And, of course, all of it was free. Practically everything found a new home. Attendees of the corporate yard sale were also placed on a list to receive the excess computers and furniture.
The furniture was made available on several different days, with schools and charities arriving at the EDS loading dock with pickup trucks, trailers and vans. They presented their wish lists and were rewarded with cabinets, office chairs, desks, credenzas, work tables and more. Thousands of dollars' worth of furniture were donated and EDS had a useable warehouse again. Obviously, this program was very beneficial to the non-profits.
But what about EDS?
The corporation achieved many goals with this program:
- a cleaner, neater building
- more efficient use of office space
- reduced property taxes
- good public relations
- better asset management
Program Results:
- Real estate value of the office space recovered that had been used for storage is more than $200,000 per year.
- Cleared out warehouse space, reducing costs by over $25,000 per year.
- Sent more than 35,000 pounds of obsolete electronic equipment to a recycler.
- Donated more than 330 computers, monitors, printers and other electronic equipment to schools and charities.
- Reused approximately $15,000 worth of general office supplies.
- Donated several hundred pieces of office furniture to charities and schools.
Since the clean-up, the transfer room has been moved and set up as a permanent recycling center for excess office supplies and equipment in the building. Periodically, when it gets too full, charities are called and allowed to take whatever they want. It is working beautifully. Another benefit of the program is that EDS employees who volunteer at non-profits are allowed to take items for use where they volunteer. The program has been a win-win for all involved.
For further information about this program, please contact Lisa Collins at EDS Real Estate, 703-742-1393, or by e-mail at lisacollins@ eds.com |
