For eco-friendly cabinets, look to the KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) for guidance. Certification is awarded annually based on compliance in five categories: air quality, product resource management, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations. The KCMA program focuses exclusively on kitchen and bath cabinets, like Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc.

Introduced in 2006, KCMA developed the ESP to encourage practices that benefit the environment and communities served by cabinet manufacturers. The ESP goes beyond other environmental programs by taking a holistic approach to certification. It holds the industry to high standards for their products, forest sustainability, and manufacturing processes. The voluntary certification program provides a way for cabinet companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Resources:

• Why choose certified cabinetry for your home?
• KCMA ESP 06-16 standard

Values of ESP certification

• Forests not only provide outstanding environmental benefits, but also an array of renewable wood products and derivatives.
• We encourage the continued and expanded use of forest products.
• We are committed to promoting conservation and the intelligent use of our natural resources.
• We support and encourage responsible forest management practices that promote sustainability and result in long-term economic and environmental benefits.
• We are committed to educating our members and customers in the global wood products community about environmental and forestry issues.

Benefits of ESP participation

• The status and prestige of participating in a program and setting new standards in sustainability.
• Recognition on the KCMA website.
• Technical advice and assistance from KCMA staff to help keep companies in compliance. Or, in case of failure, assist in returning companies to compliance.
• Use of the ESP seal for display on cabinets as well as in advertising and promotional literature.
• The ESP program is periodically audited by ANSI (American  National Standards Institute) for program compliance.

5 Reasons to Purchase from an ESP Certified Manufacturer

1. Air Quality. ESP certified cabinets are made with materials and finishes that greatly reduce emissions from the cabinets.
2. Product Resource Management. The materials used in making the cabinets are sourced in an environmentally friendly way.
3. Process Resource Management. The manufacturing process is environmentally friendly.  Process waste is tracked, reduced, and recycled. Additionally, there is a focus on energy conservation.
4. Environmental Stewardship. The manufacturer has a written policy statement concerning a firm commitment to environmental quality.  In addition, the facility may have an environmental management system. It may also require a review of vendor’s environmental policies, use renewable/recycled materials, and ship cabinets through an EPA SmartWay Transport partner.
5. Community Relations. The manufacturer has a commitment to the community through service and/or charitable giving.  

To learn more about eco-friendly cabinets and how they can benefit your Denver kitchen remodel, contact us or visit our showroom.