ATLANTA  — At the International Woodworking Fair,  the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) promoted its Sustainable by Design certification program, which the association said “provides a road map for home furnishings companies to create a corporate culture of conservation and environmental stewardship by integrating socio-economic policies and sustainable business practices in their manufacturing operations and sourcing strategies.”

Open to all AHFA members, there is no cost to enter the certification program. AHFA provides a guidance document and tool kit with sample documents, technical worksheets and case studies. Webinars and educational forums also are available to participating companies. AHFA said it will use “rigorous controls” and conduct an audit of the information supplied by the companies; an annual maintenance audit will be required for continuing certification.

According to AHFA, SBD “takes to the next level” its “Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture” (EFEC) sustainability program, which it developed in 1999. In addition, SBD also focuses on: the environmental impact of the company’s supply chain, the overall corporate environmental footprint, global climate impact and social responsibility.

For more information, visit sustainablebydesign.us.