"Going Green”
But what does it really mean?
What does it mean to be “green” in the furniture industry? Our office furniture manufacturers are working hard to reduce their manufacturing emissions, cut down on VOCs in their products and achieve some of the certifications created to ensure quality products are being manufactured with the environment in mind. Below defines some of the certification labels that are common to the office furnishing industry.
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Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification from the Greenguard Environmental Institute designates consumer products with low chemical and particle emissions. This applies to any product that is used in office environments and other interior spaces including furniture and cleaning products. Products are tested for formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, breathable particles, ozone, and other pollutants that are potentially harmful. Similarly, the Greenguard Environmental Institute has created a Greenguard Children and Schools Certification Program which applies to products placed anywhere a child may learn, play, or live. Furniture with this certification has even lower emissions than the standard Greengaurd Indoor Air Quality Certification. This certification was created because children are more sensitive to interior pollution than adults. The Greenguard Children and Schools Certification aims to keep children healthy through the reduction of exposure levels to VOCs. Our furniture manufacturers continually seek Greenguard certification for their new products with low emissions. This helps designers and consumers select products that are better for their interior environment. We at Today’s Systems Corporation recommend manufacturers that have Greenguard Certified products. Selecting office furniture with low VOC emissions will improve the office environment and promote a healthy workspace. |
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The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was created to oversee the responsible use of the world’s forests. FSC certification ensures that the wood used to create furniture and other wood products is harvested responsibly. FSC certification enables the consumer to make an informed decision about the product that is being selected. The standards that FSC has set will help prevent global deforestation. Office furniture with the FSC certification makes a difference because it supports FSC’s endeavors in preventing the conversion of natural forests and habitats globally, prohibits the use of pesticides and genetically modified trees, and protects the rights of indigenous people around the world. Today’s Systems Corporation applauds the efforts of furniture manufactures who select FSC certified wood to create their products. Their commitment to the environment will help ensure that planet is maintained for generations to come. |
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California Air and Resource Board (CARB) was established to maintain healthy air quality, find solutions to air pollution, and implement changes that would reduce air pollution. This program is one of the most effective in the world. Their program certifies products that are CARB compliant, which ensure that VOCs have been reduced and the product will not be a significant contributor to the degradation of indoor air environments. While CARB was set up to reduce emissions specifically in California, any product can be evaluated to be CARB compliant. CARB Compliant office furniture will help keep offices and workspaces healthy and productive. |
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Green Office Information