Background
As part of a broader strategy to modernise its estate, King’s College London sought to relocate 700 staff and fit out 10 floors across three buildings.
Sustainability was central to the university’s objectives, and with Crown Workspace’s support, the project adopted a circular economy model focused on reuse, refurbishment, and responsible redistribution of assets.
Approach
Crown Workspace implemented its Crown Circulate model, integrating:
- LENS Asset Management Tool – audited 8 buildings to assess item condition, location, and reuse potential.
- Renew Centre – the UK’s leading furniture refurbishment hub, restoring items to a high standard.
- Circular Economy Strategy – prioritising reuse and redistribution before any new procurement.
This data-driven, collaborative approach ensured efficiency, transparency, and measurable sustainability outcomes.
Implementation
- Managed 30+ concurrent reuse projects across multiple sites across the university.
- Redistributed over 1,000 furniture items across the estate.
- Coordinated closely with King’s College London’s estates team, led by Harry Warner, ensuring smooth delivery and minimal disruption to academic operations.
Savings & Outcomes
A total of 1,881 furniture items were delivered across the project, of which 932 items (49.55%) were redistributed and 438 items (23.29%) were refurbished from King’s College London’s existing stock. Only 511 items (27.17%) were newly supplied.
In total, 72.84% of all furniture used came from existing university assets, exceeding the original 70% reuse target. These efforts achieved embodied carbon savings equivalent to powering 279 homes for an entire year.
Results & Impact
Environmental – Significant reduction in waste and carbon footprint through reuse and refurbishment.
Operational – Seamless relocation and fit-out completed efficiently within tight timelines.
Financial – Major cost savings achieved through asset reuse and reduced new purchasing.
Strategic – Established a model for future sustainable transformation across higher education.
“Working closely with Crown Workspace, I project-managed over thirty reuse projects, delivering more than 1,000 items to new homes across the estate, reusing over 70% of the furniture delivered major cost savings.”
— Harry Warner, King’s College London
Crown Workspace Reflection
“A brilliant project to be part of! It was a pleasure working alongside Harry Warner and the team at King’s College London to deliver the Campus Futures Project. Coordinating the reuse of over 1,000 furniture items and completing ahead of schedule was a true team effort.”
Sustainable Office Transformation at Scale – Delivered!
This project showcases how circular economy practices, data insight, and collaboration can drive genuine sustainability outcomes at scale.
Crown Workspace is proud to have supported King’s College London in achieving a future-ready, environmentally responsible transformation through Crown Circulate.
Discover how Crown Circulate can help your institution achieve sustainable change. Contact Crown Workspace to arrange an audit or consultation.
