Featured Green Company of the Week: Wood-Mode

As you’ve probably guessed by now, everyone at Cabinets & Designs loves Wood-Mode cabinets. We could, and have, gone on for pages about all the benefits of Wood-Mode/Brookhaven cabinetry. However, we have yet to mention one of our favorite aspects of the company: its commitment to the environment.

In its environmental policy statement, Wood-Mode’s stated goals are to:

• Promote the protection and sustainability of forests and other natural resources through our suppliers.
• Pursue the inclusion of environmentally friendly products and materials into our manufacturing processes where feasible.
• Protect land, water, and air quality by complying with all environmental permits  and regulations.
• Employ energy efficient technologies in our manufacturing processes where practicable.
• Promote our environmental policies and practices to our employees and the public.
• Wood-Mode will strive to meet these goals and show our commitment to being a conscientious corporate citizen by working to protect our environment and conserve our natural resources.

However, goals without action are meaningless. Wood-Mode has taken definite actions toward their stated goals and achieved nationally recognized results.

Wood-Mode is certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) as meeting the standards for its “Environmental Stewardship Program” (ESP).
To qualify for and maintain certification, manufacturers are evaluated annually on compliance in five categories, including air quality, product resource management, process resource management, environmental stewardship, and community relations, as well as energy conservation and recycling programs. Wood-Mode earned 100 out of 105 possible points.

In 1989, Wood-Mode installed and began operating its Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) for the destruction of emissions generated in the cabinetry finishing process.  The RTO destroys 99.4% of captured Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Under optimal conditions, the RTO operates in a self-sustaining mode and does not need any fuel input, significantly saving energy.

Wood-Mode complies with all local and state regulations for the discharge of any waste water, as regulated by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Steam condensate is recovered and re-circulated back to the boiler systems. Sawdust and wood scrap are ground into particles and used as fuel for the entire factory and offices. Scrap recycling also eliminates having to deposit wood waste into landfills. This self-produced fuel, recycled from scrap, is a renewable natural resource, and the most environmentally responsible fuel possible.

Wood-Mode employees have taken initiatives such as using recycled product packaging materials, wrapping paper and packing foam; re-using in-coming packaging fill for out-going shipments; monitoring water consumption for maximum conservation; installing energy-efficient light fixtures and high-pressure humidification equipment to reduce compressed air and electricity usage.
 
All of these steps and others have led Wood-Mode to be eligible for certification or points toward certification from LEED, REGREEN, NAHB National Green Building Standard, Forest Stewardship Council, CARB, Environmentally Preferable Product and EPP Downstream Program.