Herman Miller, Inc., Shares Social Responsibility Progress in 'A Better World' 2008 Report

November 13, 2008

Herman Miller will release its third annual corporate social responsibility report at the Greenbuild Conference and Expo, November 19-21, 2008, in Boston, Massachusetts. Entitled "A Better World," the report measures the company's achievements in environmental advocacy, community service, inclusiveness and diversity, and individual health and well-being.

"A Better World" is based on the company's 2008 fiscal year, which includes June 2007 through May 2008, and focuses primarily on its North American operations. More information about its international operations will be included in future reports.

Learn more about Herman Miller's Environmental Advocacy.

Herman Miller's Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Michael Ramirez describes the report as an essential indicator of the company's commitment to its values. "Our employees' determination to create a better world, and to share the details of our programs and what we've achieved, is a force that will continue to sustain the growth of our business and hopefully encourage others," he said.

Highlights from the report include:

Environmental Advocacy

• Operational footprint reduced by 79 percent since 1994 (base year).
  
  
• Sixty-three percent of electrical energy utilized from renewable sources.
  
  
• Process water use reduced by 70 percent since 1994; reduced over 20 percent during 2008.

Community Service

• Women's Volunteer Day garnered 720 hours of service from employees for 11 agencies supporting women, children and families.
  
  
• Over 569 hours volunteered by employees to clean-up 15 acres of a former landfill site.
  
  
• One hundred employees contributed their time to build a home for Habitat for Humanity.

Inclusiveness and Diversity

• "Design for People of All Abilities" guidelines implemented at all Herman Miller facilities.
  
  
• Employee Inclusiveness Resource Teams (IRT's) initiated to recognize and welcome diversity.
  
  
• Company suppliers screened for their human rights practices through on-site visits and registration requirements.

Health and Well-being

• Health Risk Assessment program established to help employees monitor and improve their health.
  
  
• Initiated onsite employee health education classes and webinars initiated for employees.
  
  
• Recipient of fourth Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star award for health and safety programs.

"For us, contributing to a better world takes many forms--environmental advocacy, volunteering time, and contributing to the health and well-being of our community," said Brian Walker, Herman Miller's President and CEO. "However, we understand that it is not so much a goal as it is a responsibility."

About Herman Miller, Inc.
Herman Miller strives to create a better world around you--with inventive designs and services that enhance the places where people work, heal, learn, and live, and through its commitment to social responsibility. In fiscal 2008, the company's award-winning products and strategic consulting services generated more than $2 billion in revenue. Recognized both for its innovative products and business practices, in 2008 Herman Miller was again cited by FORTUNE as both the "Most Admired" in its industry and among the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America, while Fast Company named Herman Miller among the world's "Fast 50" most innovative companies. Herman Miller trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MLHR.