HIGH POINT, NC – The American Home Furnishings Alliance is expanding its sustainable initiatives in 2007, after nearly a decade of promoting environmental stewardship among its member companies. In 1999, the AHFA introduced an environmental management program designed for furniture manufacturers. The program, “Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture” (EFEC), was designed to promote the reduction of a company’s environmental footprint.

“Now our focus is moving beyond environmental management to the concept of sustainability,” said Bill Perdue, AHFA vice president of environmental affairs.

Additionally, AHFA has joined the Sustainable Furniture Council, a coalition of furniture suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and organizations. Perdue is serving on the council’s Standards and Governance Committees to help establish a broad-based sustainability standard for the home furnishings industry. Perdue has also joined the committee developing LEED for residential furniture.