COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AT HENNE JEWELERS
Henne Jewelers is committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. As a family-owned Pittsburgh jeweler serving the community since 1887, we’re continually working to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support a more sustainable future for our customers, employees, and community.
Sustainability is an ongoing effort at Henne Jewelers. Some initiatives are already part of our daily operations, while others are being researched and developed as we continue improving.
Energy-Efficient Renovation and Building Preservation
As part of our 2022-2024 store transformation, sustainability was a priority throughout the renovation process. Our updated showroom and workspaces were designed with long-term efficiency and operational improvements in mind.
Building Preservation: We chose to reuse the existing main building rather than tearing it down and starting fresh, significantly reducing construction waste and material impact.
Adaptive Reuse: We successfully transformed the former Tavern space into a functional, modern retail jewelry store.
Energy & Water Efficiency: We upgraded systems to meet current energy codes, integrating adaptive daylight controls, high-efficiency HVAC, and moderate-flow plumbing fixtures to lower long-term utility impact.
Ongoing efforts include:
- Motion sensor lighting and temperature controls to help reduce unnecessary energy usage
- Low-flow toilets to support water conservation
- Fire suppression and backup generator systems designed to improve long-term building resilience
- Ongoing review of appliances and systems for energy-efficient and ENERGY STAR® options where possible
We believe even small operational improvements can make a meaningful difference over time.
Responsible Jewelry Workshop & Sales Floor Practices
Behind every piece of fine jewelry and every timepiece service is a team committed to craftsmanship and care. We are continually evaluating how our day-to-day operations can become more environmentally conscious while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
Some of our current and developing efforts include:
- Reducing the use of traditional glass cleaners by utilizing water and microfiber cloths to minimize paper towel waste
- Exploring reusable hand towel and other eco-friendly alternatives for customers and employees
- Using reusable shop towels within jeweler workspaces
- Updating chemicals used in our watchmakers’ ultrasonic cleaning processes
- Reviewing chemical labels and researching eco-friendly alternatives when appropriate
- Evaluating best practices for responsible chemical disposal
- Reviewing vendor and supplier partnerships with sustainability and ethical practices in mind
We are also proud to support creativity through sustainability. Henne bench jeweler Jenny Lin has introduced an upcycled jewelry initiative that gives select materials new life through original handcrafted designs.
Paper Reduction and Digital Operations
As technology evolves, we continue working toward more streamlined and environmentally conscious office practices.
Our efforts include:
- Scheduled paper shredding and responsible disposal processes
- Digital receipts and statements offered upon purchase, with printed copies available upon request
- Ongoing digitization of accounts payable records to reduce paper storage and consumption
These operational improvements help reduce waste while also creating a more convenient customer experience.
Employee and Community Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is most meaningful when it becomes part of a company culture. At Henne Jewelers, we encourage employees to contribute ideas and participate in initiatives that support a healthier workplace and community. Current initiatives and future ideas include:
- Eliminating routine ordering of disposable plastic cutlery, paper plates, and cups
- Providing recycling receptacles throughout employee areas, along with educational signage about recyclable materials
- Encouraging use of filtered water dispensers instead of bottled water
We believe some of the best ideas come from collaboration and shared commitment.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE
As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, Henne Jewelers is actively exploring additional sustainability and ethical sourcing opportunities, including potential membership with environmental organizations and similar industry initiatives.
Our goal is simple: to continue building a business that honors craftsmanship, serves customers with integrity, and thoughtfully considers the impact we have on future generations.