- Sustainable – products that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The aim of sustainable design is to produce products and services in a way that reduces use of non-renewable resources, minimizes environmental impact, and relates people with the natural environment.
- Renewable - a natural resource such as solar energy, water, or wood, that is never used up or that can be replaced by new growth. Resources that are dependent on regrowth can sometimes be depleted beyond the point of renewability, as when the deforestation of land leads to desertification or when a commercially valuable species is harvested to extinction. Pollution can also make a renewable resource such as water unusable in a particular location.
- Carbon Neutral - a balance between carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels with renewable energy that creates a similar amount of useful energy, so that carbon emissions are offset.
- Carbon Footprint – a “measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide”.
- VOC’s – Volatile Organic Compounds –chemical compounds that have high vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. Considered a factor in indoor air quality issue such as sick building syndrome, VOC’s are generated by paint, wood preservatives, carpets and furnishings.
- Formaldehyde – a VOC. Formaldehyde can pose potential health threats at certain levels by causing reparatory problems and can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. It can cause headaches, aggravate asthma symptoms and allergies.
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests.
- Chain of Custody - A method of verifying the possession, location, movements and condition of evidence, materials, products and substances that contribute to global conservation, community well-being and economic stability from their creation or collection through any point.
- The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) - has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.
- LEED - Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design green building rating system, which is the nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
- Energy Star – A program that rates commercial buildings for energy efficiency and provides EnergyStar qualifications for new homes that meet its standards for efficient building design. Many appliance and some lighting companies offer EnergyStar products for the home.
- GREENGUARD - GREENGUARD Certified products are regularly tested to ensure that their chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable pollutant guidelines and standards for indoor environments.
- ISO 14001 Certification - International Specification that outlines the impact to the environment of products/activities/services. The ISO 14001 plans objectives in quantitative measurable targets and implements the programs to meet these objectives. The initiatives of the ISO 14001 are broad.
- ESP Stewardship - This is a voluntary, performance based program designed to recognize companies that achieve beyond current environmental regulations. In return for their exemplary environmental performance, these establishments will receive program incentives including regulatory flexibility, public recognition and networking opportunities.
- LYPTUS - Hardwood product made from fast-growing Eucalyptus trees in Brazil, these eco-sensitive products are known for their strength, workability and exotic appeal. Available in a variety of grades of lumber, plywood, and veneer, Lyptus is an ideal hardwood for cabinetry, millwork, furniture, and flooring.
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