GREEN BAY, WI – KI, manufacturer of office furniture and storage solutions for education and healthcare facilities, has earned a “Green Master” designation, the highest tier attainable in the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s Green Masters Program.

The company was judged on a comprehensive range of sustainability issues, including energy and waste management, as well as educational and community outreach.

“KI has exemplified leadership in the sustainable business realm,” says Tom Eggert, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. “There is great potential to make the contract furniture industry more sustainable and we hope others follow in the footsteps of KI.”

In 2013, KI installed a 115-KW solar panel system on the roof of its design center, which in over the course of one year, saved an estimate of $15,600 in energy costs and generated enough electricity to power 530 homes for seven days, the company says.

KI has also implemented a set of guidelines for engineering and manufacturing environmentally friendly products, and has developed alternative recycling streams for waste powders and textile scraps.

“Our commitment to sustainability and sustainable manufacturing practices and procedures are important to our customers, who emphasize good stewardship of the environment and want to do business with companies that share this commitment,” said Norman Nance, vice president of environmental initiatives at KI.