Sustainable Furniture
Framework Description
Sustainable Furniture is an APUC framework for universities and colleges covering workplace, learning and residential furniture plus circular economy solutions. It is split into four lots, with beds and mattresses separated from other residential furniture. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), with the current term ending on 30 September 2027 and an option to extend by 12 months to 30 September 2028.
Context & Use Case
Estates, residences and procurement teams use it to furnish teaching spaces, offices and student accommodation, and to bring in circular economy solutions that keep existing furniture in use. That lot lets institutions cut waste and carbon from fit-outs and work towards net-zero commitments without a separate tender for reuse services.
Scope of Services
Lot 1 Workplace and Learning Environment Furniture Lot 2A Beds and Mattresses Lot 2B Residential Furniture Lot 3 Circular Economy Solutions
Lots
Lot 1 Workplace and Learning Environment Furniture; Lot 2A Beds and Mattresses; Lot 2B Residential Furniture; Lot 3 Circular Economy Solutions
Who Can Apply
Applications for this framework are closed. Furniture manufacturers, residential suppliers and reuse specialists not appointed should prepare for APUC's re-tender around 30 September 2027, or a year later if the 12-month extension is taken, and build lot-specific evidence in the meantime.
Buyer Benefits
Universities and colleges want furniture that lasts, comes with clear environmental evidence and can be reused when spaces change. A circular economy lot alongside new furniture lets one framework cover both buying and extending the life of existing stock, which supports carbon reporting.
Next Steps
Read the APUC notice on Public Contracts Scotland (DEC520684). Appointed suppliers should push for call-offs before September 2027. Others should prepare lot-specific evidence now, such as material certifications, take-back arrangements and refurbishment capacity, and watch for APUC's decision on the 12-month extension, which sets the re-tender date.
How Athena Can Help
Sustainability evidence carries real weight in furniture tenders, so it needs to be specific. We start by checking which lot genuinely suits your products. Our bid writing and win themes then turn certifications and circular economy practice into scored answers, and our framework preparation service plans the evidence and policies for APUC's re-tender. Athena's public sector bid advisers also help you present social value convincingly. Every draft gets a compliance check before it goes in.
