KCMA'S new certification program calls for environmentally sound stewardship: the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn.'s work in developing new programs helps keep cabinetmakers competitive in the global marketplace.

ESP. Just three initials, but they have a wealth of meaning to those involved in the kitchen cabinet industry. Specifically, those companies interested in taking an active role in environmental leadership--locally, nationally and globally.

ESP stands for the new Environmental Stewardship Program, which has been developed by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. The KCMA developed ESP with defined certification requirements, to enable cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to sound environmental practices and sustainable manufacturing. ESP primarily is aimed at residential applications.

"KCMA was one of the stakeholder organizations that participated in the NAHB process to develop the Green Home Building Guidelines that were released in January 2005. New housing and repair and remodeling are major markets for KCMA member products," says C. Richard Titus, executive vice president.

"For years, KCMA has worked to inform the public of the responsible forest management programs practiced by cabinet manufacturers and their suppliers. In 2001, KCMA adopted an industry policy affirming support for responsible forest management practices that promote sustainability. (See page 10.) Specific programs referenced include SFI, CSA, American Tree Farm and FSC. The ESP provides a great tool to organize, encourage and further promote these ongoing efforts," he adds.

According to Titus, it took approximately two years to finalize ESP. "The development process of ESP included member surveys, input by leaders in green building such as Dr. Patrick Moore, the Green Building Initiative, American Forest & Paper Assn., the U.S. Green Building Council and the North American Coalition for Green Building," he says.

This certification program enables cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate sound environmental management and sustainable practices through a rigorous compliance review. In order to qualify, ESP participants must accumulate points in the areas of air quality, product resource management, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations. (See page 6.)

Participants who demonstrate compliance in these categories receive the official ESP designation and are awarded the ESP certification seal to display on their products. Companies do not have to be KCMA members to participate in the certification program.

Since launching ESP at the 2006 International Woodworking Fair, the voluntary certification program has been enthusiastically received by cabinet manufacturers of all sizes, Titus says. To date, 10 companies and 14 brands have already met the certification requirements of the program, with nearly 13 more cabinet companies expected to complete the process shortly.

Currently, the list of certified plants and their locations includes: Canyon Creek Cabinet Co., Monroe, WA; Dura Supreme Inc., Howard Lake, MN; Hagerstown Kitchens Inc., Hagerstown, MD.; HomeCrest Cabinetry, Goshen, IN; Kitchen Kompact Inc., Jeffersonville, IN; Omega Cabinetry, Clinton, TN, and Waterloo, IA; Pacific Crest Industries, Sumner, WA; Showplace Wood Products Inc., Harrisburg, SD; StarMark Cabinetry, Sioux Falls, SD; and Wellborn Cabinet Inc., Ashland, AL.

To date, the following cabinet brands have also met the requirements for ESP certification: American Woodmark, Aristokraft Cabinetry, DecorS, Diamond Cabinets, Diamond Reflections, Kemper Cabinetry, Kitchen Classics, Merillat, Quality Cabinets, Schrock, Shenandoah Cabinetry, Somersby Cabinetry, Thomasville Cabinetry and Timberlake.

"There are many benefits for cabinet companies who participate in the ESP certification program," Titus says. "It requires a solid baseline of sound environmental accomplishments and practices to qualify for certification. That is its own reward, including some economic benefits. Further, the certification is a great promotional tool, as well as providing third-party evidence of compliance with environmental considerations now requested by some consumers and other specifiers."

PROGRAM BENEFITS

In addition to the benefits mentioned by Titus, representatives from many of the companies also say participating in ESP allows them to further expand and promote their company's reputation for environmental achievement.

Canyon Creek was the first KCMA member to have its company ESP certified. According to Bill Weaver, president and CEO, "Our company has a solid record of environmental achievement and this was a natural extension of our efforts. Our customers tend to be concerned about the impact their actions have on the environment and look for environmentally friendly companies to purchase from."

Greg Stoner, president and CEO of MasterBrand Cabinets, agrees. "The past decade witnessed a growing interest in environmentally friendly products for use in new home construction and remodeling. As industries, government and other associations responded by creating their own certifications and standards, the task of specifying 'green' products became increasingly more complex for both the tradesman and consumer," he says.

"For example," Stoner adds, "to label a wooden cabinet as 'environmentally friendly' required knowing the source(s) of the wood, the design mix of materials, the manufacturing processes and their yield, and the geographic location of the application. There was no simple and relevant standard to assess the true environmental soundness of cabinetry or its manufacturer.

"The recent development of the ESP certification program by KCMA, now provides a better way for builders, tradesmen, architects and consumers alike to determine how a specific line of cabinetry meets their needs for an 'environmentally friendly' alternative," Stoner says.

"StarMark Cabinetry chose to be a part of the KCMA leadership effort, along with other leading industry manufacturers, to certify its operations and products as being environmentally safe and responsible," says Pete Bendix, vice president, operations. "It is part of our mission statement to be responsible to our community and the environment. We also believe that the consumer is both aware and concerned about the products they purchase, and if given a choice, will choose goods that are manufactured in an environmentally safe process and constructed from safe materials," he says.

According to Bendix, prior to participating in the ESP, StarMark had numerous environmental policies already in place, addressing such things as hazardous materials, employee training and recycling. "The ESP policy was integrated into as many existing policies as possible; however, it also required additional items be added to our overall environmental management. We view the general requirements of the ESP as 'good business' and as something all manufactures should consider, regardless of whether they chose to certify," Bendix says.

Keith Stotts, president, Dura Supreme, agrees. "Dura Supreme Cabinetry has had sound environmental practices as a part of our business strategy for years. ESP certification was a good process for us to benchmark with our competitors against an industry standard. The certification process also provided us an opportunity to confirm our commitment to our established environmental policy.

"Consumer interest and KCMA leadership is helping our industry tell its environmental story. Our products are made from primarily renewable wood materials, so the story is important, positive and relatively easy to communicate," Stotts adds.

"We strongly believe in the program and the principles that it sets fourth," says Bart Brost, engineering manager for Showplace Wood Products. "We have just recently received certification, so we look forward to positive feedback once we begin to promote the certification."

PASSING THE WORD

In addition to the KCMA publicizing ESP through its Web site, advertising and various promotion materials, the individual companies have also announced plans to promote their certification.

"Absolutely we will promote our ESP certification," says Weaver. "We will make support material available to all of our dealers in order for

them to educate their customers, and we will use the seal on all of our literature."

According to Brost, Showplace Wood Products will promote the fact that the company is ESP certified "in all of our communications: Internet site, printer literature, advertising and product packaging."

Stoner offers additional suggestions. "We will initially use customer mailings, Web sites, insets in product brochures and the product stickers themselves to communicate the significance and purpose of the ESP certification as well as MasterBrand Cabinets' commitment to the program. We are also considering public relations forums or events to help spread the message."

Bendix says StarMark will promote the message by posting the ESP logo on its dealer and consumer Web sites, including a link to the KCMA ESP site. "We are also distributing a press release to the media announcing our new certification," he adds.

According to Stotts, Dura Supreme also plans to incorporate the ESP certification into its point-of-purchase materials. "We may also use display plaques in showrooms. We'll ensure that our certification is part of our customer training and may also use other consumer education opportunities, including our Web site and product advertising," he adds.

CONSUMERS RESPOND

Although still in the early stages, manufacturers are already reporting positive responses by their customers.

"We have experienced increased interest in our 'green' status as consumers have become aware of their option to purchase environmentally-certified products. Our customers are pleased that we are committed to maintaining ESP certification through the KCMA," Stotts says.

"We have just recently received certification, so we look forward to positive feedback once we begin to promote [it]," Brost says.

"It is still very early, but the initial responses have been positive," says Stoner. "Our channel customers are telling us that it gives them a good way to talk about MasterBrand's environmental actions and results with builders, remodelers and consumers. It also allows them to provide an option for their customers who demand environmentally sound product solutions.

"At MasterBrand Cabinets, we have currently certified almost 90% of our brands and will have them all certified by the end of 2007," he adds.

Weaver, too, says that Canyon Creek plans to have all of its product lines certified.

As consumers become more savvy, they are requesting products be more environmentally sound. "Customers frequently request information regarding the types of materials that we use for the construction of our products and how they impact the environment," Bendix says. "[They] are concerned about purchasing 'safe' products for the safety of their own homes and have an increasing concern for the environment in general."

ADDED COST FOR COMPLIANCE?

While one might think there would be an upcharge to produce certified products, that has not been the case.

"Depending on how the certification changes a company's buying behavior, especially in particleboard, plywood and hardwoods, yes, that is a possibility," Bendix says. "In our specific situation, we were able to certify materials already in use and obtain KCMA ESP certification with little change in materials. We will not be passing on any additional expense of our certification to the consumer," he adds. StarMark has certified all of its product lines and brands, which are produced in its Sioux Falls, SD, facility.

Weaver too, says he saw no increase in Canyon Creek's manufacturing costs. "To date there has not been a higher cost to produce ESP products," he says. "Most of our vendors have products available to meet the needs of the program."

Stoner agrees. "MasterBrand Cabinets has achieved the certification for its product lines using currently specified material sources and standard operating processes."

"Based on our past commitment to environmentally sound business practices, we don't anticipate significant added cost in order for our business to maintain ESP certification," Stotts says. "Provided the requirements for certification don't become excessive and/or drastically change our material procurement or manufacturing processes, and that our third-party vendors share our commitment to the ESP standards, there [should be] no cost impact to consumers."

Rather than an increase in costs, Brost says Showplace instead expects a financial gain on its investment. "We would actually state the opposite--as energy conservation, scrap, and recycling efforts improve, we expect to realize associated savings."

Compliance, however, has not come without change.

"We elevated our recycling efforts across all waste streams, resourced alternate plywood supplies, and had to become very familiar with our suppliers' environmental programs," Brost reports of Showplace's efforts.

Weaver too, notes some changes made at Canyon Creek. "We made some changes with our stain lines, the manner in which we purge guns and the waste this created. We had an initial investment into this change, but it will be quickly recovered due to reduced use of stain materials, reduced disposal cost and reduced changeover times." Weaver adds that the certification process also helped the company identify some areas for improvement, such as its solid waste streams.

"MasterBrand Cabinets has been driving our environmental stewardship internally for a number of years," Stoner says. "We have conducted numerous internal audits and system checks that have positioned us well to be responsible stewards. As a result, there was very little change required.

"The main impact on manufacturing was in the area of record keeping and activity tracking," he adds. "The ESP process gave us another good way to gauge the effectiveness of our current manufacturing processes, and to plan future improvements."

Instead of focusing on the manufacturing process, both Dura Supreme and StarMark looked instead at the material supply chain.

"The major change for our business wasn't directly related to any of our current manufacturing processes. Rather, it involved working with our hardwood suppliers to ensure that their business practices complied with ESP standards, especially involving harvesting lumber from renewable resources." Stotts says.

"The audit process reinforced our commitment to incorporate ESP standards into our product development and manufacturing processes. It also requires ongoing third-party (vendor) commitment and environmentally responsible raw material specification." he adds.

Bendix echoed Stotts' findings. "The potential for improvement always exists. In addition to evaluating materials used, the ESP certification process forces a company to thoroughly review its general environmental management. It will require us to measure our waste streams and implement waste reduction efforts throughout our company.

"We were fortunate in that we did not need to change processes or materials to comply with the program," Bendix adds. "Most of our certification work entailed obtaining proper documentation from the supply chain and internal policy writing. There were several key learnings that came from the audit process. Clearly, it is essential that our sourcing group continue to work closely with our environmental staff in selecting vendors, as materials are a key criteria in earning points. We also discovered that some of our suppliers were already providing environmentally superior products, but hadn't actively promoted the benefit. Finally, we realized that the amounts of certified hardwood on the market, at competitive cost and quality levels, are insufficient to meet market demands."

WORK IN PROGRESS

According to Titus, ESP is a work-in-progress and will be updated as needed to reflect new processes, materials, procedures and regulations. "We will be open to cross promotion and other ideas to further the key objectives of the program," he says.

The certification is renewable annually. KCMA staff is available to provide advice and technical assistance to facilitate the process.

"The reapplication process should require less time than the original application, but key documentation and other data necessary to confirm compliance over the years will be an ongoing requirement," Titus says.

It is possible, Titus adds, that ESP could eventually become an ANSI/ KCMA standard. "KCMA has been recognized by ANSI as a consensus standards developer for well over 40 years. The process used to develop ESP should satisfy ANSI consensus requirements. To move in that direction would require KCMA Board approval."

ABOUT THE KCMA

With more than 380 members, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. is the only national trade association that exclusively represents cabinet manufacturers, decorative laminate product fabricators and suppliers to the industry. Active membership is limited to manufacturers of cabinets and fabricators of decorative laminate products. Suppliers to the industry are considered as associate members. Both active and associate members are represented on the board of directors and are actively involved in KCMA activities. The association recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary.

For more information about the KCMA, see article on page 27 of this section or visit www.kcma.org. You can also contact the KCMA by phone at [phone], FAX: [phone] or via e-mail at [e-mail].

HOW THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM WORKS

The administration for the Environmental Stewardship Certification Program is similar to the existing ANSI/KCMA A161.1 performance standard for cabinets. Any manufacturer of pre-finished, factory-engineered cabinets may participate; companies do not have to be KCMA members. No testing is required, but documentation and records are necessary to verity compliance. Certification will be awarded on an annual basis, based on compliance in five categories.

These categories contain 18 different criteria, with a total of 105 possible points. Because manufacturers may not be able to comply with every category or criteria, only 80 points are required for ESP certification. The breakdown of required points by category is as follows:

* Air Quality 30

* Product Resource Management 30

* Process Resource Management 20

* Environmental Stewardship 15

* Community Relations 10

Participants "self-certify" by completing and returning the appropriate reporting forms to the KCMA Director of Certification, 1899 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

POINTS AVAILABLE BY CATEGORY

I. Air Quality:

A. Particleboard purchased meets the formaldehyde emission level of the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification: 75% or greater (1, 3) 10

B. MDF purchased meets the formaldehyde emission level of the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification: 75% or greater (2, 3) 10

C. Plywood purchased meets PS-13 for construction and industrial panels or ANSI/HPVA HP-13 for formaldehyde emissions: 75% or greater 10

D. 75% of products are finished domestically and finishes used emit no greater HAPS than allowed by local plant operating permits 10

II. Resource Management--Product:

A. Particleboard purchased meets the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification for recycled/ recovered fiber content: 75% or greater 10

B. MDF purchased meets the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification for recycled/recovered fiber content: 75% or greater 10

C. Manufacturer utilizes a written training plan on an annual basis to educate hardwood suppliers of its purchasing preference for certified hardwood lumber 10

D. Hardwoods purchased are certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program (See KCMA Sustainable Forestry Statement). 100%=10 points; 90%=9; 80%=8; 70%=7; 60%=6; 50%=5; 40%=4; 30%=3; 20%=2:10%=1 point variable

III. Resource Management--Process:

A. Manufacturer has an active recycling program for process wastes in at least two of the following product categories: cardboard, paper, plastic, wood, solvents 10

B. Manufacturer has a program for tracking and reducing process wastes with documented goals and reports (EPA Performance Track and/or state specific programs) 10

C. Manufacturer uses internal or external process by-products to generate alternate energy services, e.g. electricity, steam, or other 5

D. Manufacturer has a documented energy conservation program 5

IV. Environmental Stewardship:

A. Manufacturer has a firm commitment to environmental quality as evidenced by a written policy statement. 5

B. Manufacturer has an Environmental Management System (EMS):

i. Not certified by third party 5

ii. Certified by third party 15

C. Manufacturer reviews environmental practices/policies of key vendors and contractors 5

D. Manufacturer has a documented program which promotes the use of renewable/ recycled materials or products 5

V. Community Relations:

A. Manufacturer demonstrates community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations 5

B. Manufacturer has had no major non-compliance citations from any federal state or local environmental regulatory agency in the previous 12 months 5

(1): Remaining 25% must meet ANSI A208.1

(2): Remaining 25% must meet ANSI A208.2

(3): Requires third party certification

SUSTAINABLE FOREST BELIEFS

ADOPTED BY THE KCMA SEPT. 20, 2001

The forests not only provide outstanding environmental benefits, but also provide an array of renewable wood products and derivatives that are widely used in paper, packaging, building furnishings and a host of other applications The global wood products industry, therefore, has an inherent responsibility to the environment and, in particular, a responsibility to the world's forests and their sustainability. As industry leaders, we fully support responsible forest management practices that promote first sustainability and that result in long-term economic and environmental benefit.

As industry leaders while encouraging the continued and expanded use of forest products, we are committed to promoting the principle of the conservation and the intelligent use of our natural resources. To demonstrate our commitment, we endorse the policy of promoting the sustainability of forests.

We care about our forests. It is our commitment and our challenge to promote the practice of sustainable forestry to meet the environmental and human needs of today without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations.

We recognize sustainable forestry certification can serve as confirmation of work already being accomplished toward improved forest management. An absence of certification, however, does not mean there is a lack of quality forest management.

We applaud companies and landowners that practice and encourage sustainable forest management based on the concept of continuous improvement.

We recognize that there are a variety of different, credible sustainable forestry management systems and policies in place or in development throughout North America and the world. We do acknowledge these programs are worthy of consideration to the extent they all share the common goal of promoting forestry management techniques that encourage the long-term sustainability of the forests * The American Tree Farm System 

* The Canadian Standards Association 

* The Sustainable Forestry Initiative 

* The Forest Stewardship Council 

* Pan European Forest Certification Council

* International Tropical Timber Organization

* ISO 1400 Environmental Management

We strongly endorse the implementation of an international framework of mutual recognition between credible and market-oriented sustainable forest management standards and certification systems.

We recognize the importance of landowner outreach and education and logger training in achieving a broad commitment to wise forest use and sustainable forestry.

We will educate our members and customers in the global wood products community about environmental and forestry issues and about our own individual initiatives and policies.

We will regularly review this Statement of Beliefs to ensure that it reflects new knowledge and other opportunities that may arise for us to exercise leadership in the evolution of standards for sustainable forest management.

PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

In addition to the voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program. the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. also sponsors the nationally-recognized voluntary testing and certification program for cabinets. ANSI/KCMA A161.1, Performance & Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets. This program is referenced by U.S. government agencies, architects, builders, remodelers and other specifiers. These cabinets also comply with the provision of Paragraph 611-1.1. "HUD Minimum Property Standards--Housing 4910.1" 9/8/86.

Cabinets that comply and bear the KCMA certification seal are recognized in the marketplace as a quality product, able to perform after a rigorous battery of tests simulating years of typical household use. Tests are performed by approved third-party independent laboratories. Samples for testing are selected in an unannounced visit to the manufacturing plant

Requirements for certification under this standard include:

* All cabinets must be fully enclosed with backs, bottoms, sides, and tops on wall cabinets; and backs, bottoms, and sides on base cabinets, with certain specified exceptions on kitchen sink fronts, sink bases, oven cabinets, and refrigerator cabinets.

* All cabinets designed to rest on the floor must be provided with a toe space at least 2 inches deep and 3 inches high.

* All utility cabinets must meet the same construction requirements as base and wall cabinets.

* Doors must be properly aligned, have means of closure and close without excessive binding or looseness

* All materials must ensure rigidity in compliance with performance standards.

* Face frames, when used, must provide rigid construction.

* For frameless cabinets, the ends, tops/bottoms and back shall be of a thickness necessary to provide rigid construction.

* Corner or lineal bracing must be provided at points where necessary to ensure rigidity and proper joining of various components.

* All wood parts must be dried to a moisture content of 10 percent or less at the time of fabrication.

* All materials used in the cabinets must be suitable for use in the kitchen and bath environment where they may be exposed to grease, solvents, water, detergent, steam and other substances usually found in these rooms.

* All exposed plywood and composition board edges must be filled and sanded, edge-banded, or otherwise finished to ensure compliance with the performance standards.

* All exterior exposed parts of cabinets must have nails and staples set and. holes filled.

* All exposed construction joints must be fitted in a workman-like manner consistent with specifications.

* Exposed cabinet hardware must comply with Builders Hardware Manufacturing Assn. finishing standards.

For further information about the voluntary performance standard, including a complete description of the testing methods for measuring a cabinet's structural integrity, drawer and door durability, and finish quality, visit KCMA's Web site at www.kcma.org.