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All of our cabinet lines subscribe to green practices and use evironmentally friendly materials.We invite you to review each companies website to learn about their practices.
Additionally, Joni Zimmerman has presented multiple programs on green design and has written a brochure to help clients understand how to evaluate "green" products - they are not all equal!
What Makes a Product Green?
Standards can range from government regulations to industry guidelines to third party certification. The majority of available products have one or more of the health or environmental attributes listed below. Depending on the number of attributes, the product is considered pale green to dark green.
Promtes good indoor air quality.
Durable and has low maintenance requirements
Incorporates recycled content (post-consumer or post-industrial)
Salvaged from existing or demolished buildings and is being reused
Made from natural and renewable resources
Has low 'embodied energy' (energy required to produce and transport the materials)
Can be readily recycled
Is biodegradable
Obtained from local resources and manufacturers
For wood or bio-based products, employs "sustainable harvesting" practices
Can be easily reused in whole or parts
Does not contain highly toxic compounds and it's production does not result in highly toxic by-products.
What Makes a Kitchen Design Green?
Energy Conservation - Minimize the need for artificial lights and additional heat. Use Energy Star appliances
Water Conservation - Use water saving plumbing fixtures and inline hot water systems
Indoor Air Quality - Avoid products that off-gas noxious chemicals. Good ventilation, thermal comfort and acoustical comfort
Natural Lighting - Statistics show that natural daylight improves our mood and productivity
Sustainable Product Choices - Choose wood from companies following the Forest Stewardship Council requirements, woods with quick
re-growth and agrifiber boards
Renewable Practices - Consder counter tops made of wood or recycled materials. Use recycled glass tiles, wall and floor products
Life-Cycle of Design and Products- Assess life-cycle of a product based on environmental and economical effects
Functionality and Aesthetic Timelessness - Create a design that is classic and timeless in beauty.
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