June 23, 2008—American furniture manufacturer Harden has been certified Silver Exemplary Status with the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC), becoming the first furniture manufacturer to achieve that honor.
The Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) was formed in 2006 to set standards for and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the furnishings industry. The member-based organization is dedicated to helping the furniture industry establish practices that will help reverse global warming trends by minimizing carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, non-recyclable content and primary materials made from unsustainable sources.
To qualify for Silver Exemplary Status, manufacturers must participate in a rigorous application process and document adherence to the following criteria:
- 15 to 25 percent of wood products must be FSC-Certified or equivalent
- 1 to 25 percent of products other than wood are made from recycled or bio-based materials
- Completion of “Carbon Footprint Report,” reviewing detailed analysis of energy output in operations
- Positive impact on supply chain improvements as a result of efforts
Harden scored additional points for sourcing and shipping its products within a 500-mile radius, which reduces carbon emissions; paying 100% of its employees a living wage; and creating The Living Canopy Program, a New York state-based educational initiative which also generates funds for land and water restoration efforts.
With the new designation, Harden products can display SFC Silver Exemplary Status hang-tags, a communication tool to help educate the design community about its quality sustainable practices.
For more information, see the Harden Web site.
