Herman Miller’s investments in areas such as energy efficiency have resulted in a 32 percent rate of return according to a case study by Forrester Research (via SeekingAlpha).

According to the study, Herman Miller has already reduced landfill waste by 80 percent, hazardous waste by 91 percent, overall emissions by 87 percent, and water usage by 67 percent, while doubling sales to more than $2 billion.

The company uses techniques such as lean manufacturing and the Cradle to Cradle Design Protocol to improve overall efficiency of manufacturing and reduce cost. The company is aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2020.

Herman Miller’s CEO Brian Walker recommends companies that want to green their supply chains  should design products with sustainability as a core principle, put the goals on paper and embrace transparency and meaningful metrics.