November 23, 2007—Nurture by Steelcase announced that it has earned Silver Cradle to Cradle product certification from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) for its Viridian line of casegoods. Viridian is the first healthcare-specific product to receive Cradle to Cradle certification, says Steelcase.
Viridian is the 23rd product from the Steelcase family of companies to receive Cradle to Cradle certification.
Developed by Nurture’s Softcare division, Viridian’s core material is made from low emission Scientific Certification Systems-certified pre-consumer recycled wood fiber. Viridian cabinets feature environmentally -sensitive edge-banding developed in Europe. The cabinets’ edging is considered the most environmentally -sensitive in the furniture market because it is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) instead of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which releases chlorine and hydrochloric acid during combustion. The cabinets also feature recycled aluminum hardware components. The Viridian product line qualifies for a number of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits covering commercial interiors, new construction and existing building areas.
Cradle to Cradle Certification provides a company with a means to tangibly and credibly measure achievement in environmentally-intelligent design and helps customers purchase and specify products that are pursuing a broader definition of quality, says Steelcase. This means using environmentally safe and healthy materials; design for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency; efficient use of water, and maximum water quality associated with production; and instituting strategies for social responsibility.
For more on Nurture by Steelcase, see the Web site.
