Green Questions & Answers |
Care and concern for the world we live in is part of the core values of Ghent Manufacturing. Preserving the natural environment for future generations requires a commitment to making responsible environmental choices. Each employee is expected to work toward these goals and is encouraged to advise his or her supervisor promptly of any situation that may be in conflict with this Policy.
We are committed to seeking manufacturing materials and practices that are environmentally friendly and finding innovative uses for otherwise waste items. For example, all fall (left over pieces of board) are ground into fine chips and distributed to farmers for bedding and fields. Manufacturing dust particles are collected for the benefit of a clean work environment and are also delivered to farmers. In bound pallets are unloaded and stacked then picked up by pallet manufacturers for shredding or rebuilt/reconditioned recycled pallets.
Our board is currently Carb 1 compliant. We have the ability to produce products with additional level of "Green" including material with "Chain of Custody Certification." For more information about the "Green" movement see below.
What does "GREEN" Mean?
Carb 1 Compliance
In April 2007, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency, voted to implement new limits for formaldehyde emitted from composite wood panels. These new limits will be implemented in two phases starting January 1, 2009. When the final limits are fully in place by 2012, the regulation will establish the toughest production standard in the world for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood panels.
"GREEN" has become the shorthand term for the concept of sustainable development as applied to the building industry. Also known as high-performance building, green buildings are intended to be environmentally responsible, economically profitable, and healthy places to live and work.
- Products made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content
- Products that conserve natural resources
- Products that avoid toxic or other emissions
- Products that save energy or water
- Products that reduce environmental impacts during construction, demolition, or renovation
- Products that contribute to a safe, indoor environment
Is it more expensive to purchase raw materials specified for a "GREEN" project?
Green products do certainly cost more, depending on what type products are being called for in each project, the percentages will vary depending on the type item and the manufacturer.
Are all "Green" Products the same?
No, there are many eco-friendly products available today, products harvested from sustainable natural resources such as Christmas trees, construction type lumber, and cotton clothing are available. Available recycled-content products include road asphalt, playground equipment, patio decking and furniture. The office workplace has many green product choices including recycled-content paper, refillable ink cartridges, and reusable envelopes. Many builders now have raw materials that are environmentally better than traditional building materials. Many substrates in the wood manufacturing sector have improved keeping sustainability, and indoor air quality issues in mind.
Who is pushing "LEED" and why?
"LEED" was initiated by USGBC, United States Green Building Council. Green Building System, Nationally accepted standard for "Green Building." It was established to facilitate positive results for the Environment, Occupant Health and Financial Return
Chain of Custody FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
What is Chain-of-Custody
Chain-of-Custody (COC) is the path taken by raw materials harvested from an FSC-certified source through processing, manufacturing, distribution, and printing until it is a final product ready for sale to the end consumer.
FSC's model of Certification
FSC's model of certification allows products that flow from certified forests to enter the marketplace with a credential that is unique. While consumers already select forest products based on species, grade, visual characteristics, etc., they now can identify products that provide an assurance of social and environmental responsibility on the part of the producer. To do this, the FSC system requires that material be tracked from the certified source, through the COC. Any FSC labeled product can be traced back to a certified source. This aspect of the system is the basis for any credible certification system and the link between consumer preference and responsible, on the ground performance.
FSC is the only forest products certification system to mandate the tracking of materials from a 3rd party, certified source, in order to carry an FSC label on the final product.
For more information, contact:
Forest Stewardship Council U.S.
1155 30th Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 202.342.0413 | Toll free: 1.877.FSC.LOGO
Fax: 202.342.6589
E-mail: info@fscus.org
Website: www.fscus.org
Levels of "LEED" Ratings
- Platinum
- Gold
- Silver
- Certified
|
