Canyon Creek Cabinets is among the cabinet makers participating in the KCMA's ESP. |
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. has revised the certification criteria for its Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). The new KCMA ESP 04-11 criteria become effective January 1, 2011. Currently, more than140 companies/brands are ESP certified.
Among the changes:
⢠Beginning in 2011, the use of CARB ATCM compliant low formaldehyde emitting particleboard, hardwood plywood and MDF panel products is mandatory. All products must be certified by CARB approved third-party certifiers (TPCâs) in order to quality.
⢠Encourages the use of solid wood and plywood products certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program by doubling the possible points.
⢠Companies who offer chain-of-custody sustainable forestry certification on at least one line of cabinetry earn additional points.
The ESP awards points in each of five categories: Air Quality, Product Resource Management, Process Resource Management, Environmental Stewardship and Community Relations. The program was launched in 2006.
âThe KCMA Board of Directors reviews the ESP specifications annually and acts on the recommendations of its ESP Committee. Third party verification continues to be a critical part of the program,â said Dick Titus, executive vice president of KCMA. âBy re-evaluating these specifications each year, we ensure that ESP maintains its credibility by keeping up with the latest technology, changes in industry standards and new federal/state regulations.â
KCMA ESP certified cabinets can be identified by the ESP seal, located on sink base and vanity base of all certified lines. To obtain a complete list of ESP certified manufacturers and learn more about the program, visit www.greencabinetsource.org.
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