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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association is a leader in identifying and promoting cabinetmaking companies that exhibit environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. In 2006, KCMA developed its Environmental Stewardship Program, or ESP. It’s an extensive certification process that guides manufacturers in implementing “green” industry policies and allows them to demonstrate to builders and consumers their sensitivity to the environment. The program also encourages homeowners to locate – and purchase from – cabinetmakers that support KCMA’s comprehensive ESP.
KCMA’s ESP scorecard is designed specifically for manufacturers of pre-finished, factory-engineered cabinets. In a self-certification process that covers 18 criteria in five weighted categories, KCMA measures a company’s performance in these areas: air quality (30 points); product resource management (30 points); process resource management (20 points); environmental stewardship (15 points); and community relations (10 points). While a score of 105 points is possible, a minimum of 80 points will earn certification.
In the KCMA program, cabinet manufacturers are measured on such practices as meeting acceptable levels of formaldehyde emissions, using recycled or recovered fiber content, purchasing hardwood through a sustainable forestry program, implementing a recycling program for process wastes, following an energy conservation program, developing an environmental management system, and demonstrating community involvement in charitable organizations.
KCMA’s ESP campaign is the only environmental certification program that focuses solely on kitchen and bath cabinets. Through its annual recertification requirement, KCMA stresses the need for continuous improvement in following and innovating environmentally sound practices. Only companies that earn the certification each year are allowed to place KCMA’s ESP seal on their products.
KCMA publishes a list of ESP-certified manufacturers at www.kcma.org. The association is so devoted to its stewardship program that it launched a sister website – www.greencabinetsource.org – to educate cabinet buyers about the steps cabinet manufacturers are taking to protect the environment. The list of ESP-certified manufacturers is also online here and is frequently referenced by consumers.
According to KCMA, the ESP program is modeled after the Environmental Protection Agency standards and other environmental programs. It’s also endorsed by the NAHB National Green Building Program.
HOW TIMBERLAKE MEASURES UP
Timberlake Cabinetry is ESP-certified and promoted by KCMA. Timberlake’s cabinet products bear the KCMA ESP seal.
Timberlake Cabinetry scored the maximum amount of points in 4 out of 5 categories with a total score of 100 points, out of a potential 105 points, in the ESP self-certification process.
To view a breakdown of the KCMA’s ESP certification standards and scoring system, visit the Exploring ESP section of http://www.greencabinetsource.org.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
[ View a printable KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program PDF ]
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