Knoll Environmental Timeline

Transcription

1 Knoll Environmental Timeline Our mission is to manufacture affordable, well designed office furnishings in the most environmentally responsible way Knoll hires full time environmental engineer and redesigns waste water treatment plant at East Greenville facility, reducing harmful effluents. Introduces powder coating technology with no heavy metal pigments on Bertoia Chair and other seating Initiates Clean Technology approach. Partners with vendors to eliminate contaminants at the source Introduces water saving counter float system for power washes Sets goal to eliminate VOCs from all manufacturing operations Initiates use of water based glues to replace VOC emitting solvent based glues in systems production Develops resins and processes for converting solvent based paint spraying to powder coating for all metal products. Reduces material waste by up to 80% and eliminates 99% of metal coating VOCs 1987 Replaces emission producing adhesives with non polluting hot melt glues in seating manufacturing Becomes first OEM in Pennsylvania to adopt HVLP (high volume/low pressure) equipment for spraying water based paints, which is now an industry and EPA standard. Hires consulting firm to begin testing office furniture emissions Submits major products for voluntary emissions testing by Air Quality Science Eliminates use of ODM s (ozone depleting materials) from all manufacturing processes worldwide Joins Green Lights initiative, replaces large portion of existing lighting in facilities with energy efficient solutions. Bulldog chair developed and manufactured for clean technology from start to finish, including returnable and reusable packaging Invests $3.5 million in UV cured curing systems used in Toronto and East Greenville facilities for clear coating veneer panels. Awarded Pennsylvania Governor s Waste Minimization Award. Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 1 of 4

2 1995 East Greenville facility 65.5% below Pennsylvania state standards for VOC emissions. Grand Rapids facility so far below EPA standards it doesn t have to report. Gehry Seating introduced: product offered with an option of maple grown by the Menominee Tribal Enterprise, a sustained yield wood source. Reclaimed red birch obtained from logs sunk in 19th century Midwest logging operations added to wood veneer options, as available Virtually all scrap metals, cardboard and paper in all manufacturing facilities recycled. Sponsors art contests in Pennsylvania and Michigan to raise environmental awareness among grade school children. First major OEM to make panel fabrics from 100% producer colored polyester fibers (completely recyclable, benign pigments, no effluents) Adds Terratex fabrics to textile line, made of 100% recycled PEP from soda bottles. Knoll featured in study and report on American Green Companies published by the Swedish Office of Science and Technology. KnollStudio offers sustainable wood and veneers as option on selected products. Use of returnable packaging expanded to all United States manufacturing facilities Knoll the first U.S. OEM to receive ISO14000 Standard for Environmental Management Systems certification. Knoll the seventh company in the state and first major OEM to win designation as a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen. All hardwoods used in Knoll products harvested from North American managed forests. Established minimums for recycled content in manufacture. Steel: weighted average 25%; Particleboard: 30% (averages 50% today, 100% in Reff, Equity and Dividends) After four years of development and an investment of $2 million, Knoll introduces powder on wood finishing technology, reducing material waste and further reducing VOC emissions. EPA publishes case study on Knoll environmental initiatives Receives Environmental Excellence Award from North York Chamber of Commerce, Toronto, Canada. Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 2 of 4

3 2002 Knoll becomes a founding sponsor of Green Design Education Initiative. GDEI provides information and education on green/sustainable design to the profession. Receives IIDEX/Neocon Canada Sustainable Design Gold Award for Life chair. Knoll REFF included in Hewlett Foundation project-only the fifth in the nation to receive a USGBC Gold level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Enviornmental Design) 2.0 certification. ISO certification awarded for all Knoll manufacturing facilities worldwide. LEED Gold certification in Existing Building Pilot Program awarded to Knoll Lubin manufacturing facility in East Greenville, PA. GREENGUARD certification achieved for all Knoll North America systems, seating, KnollStudio seating and KnollTextiles. Knoll Environment launched as link on the website for info on Knoll environmental action. Knoll U.S. manufacturing facilities more than 90% HAP and VOC free. Knoll FSC-certified Reff furniture chosen by NRDC for its LEED Platinum Santa Monica Regional Office Receives Chain of Custody certification for FSC certified wood products. All KnollTextiles GREENGUARD certified. All Knoll systems, office seating and Knoll Studio seating GREENGUARD certified. Knoll s San Francisco showroom currently under renovation as pilot project for LEED Commercial Interiors certification. Knoll Lubin facility in East Greenville accepted into pilot program for LEED Existing Building certification ISO audit approval for all Knoll manufacturing facilities worldwide under revised 2004 standard. LEED Slver certification awarded to the Knoll San Francisco showroom in the Commercial Interiors Pilot Program. Core office in LEED Gold Lubin manufacturing facility upgraded, following LEED criteria for Commercial Interiors. Knoll East Greenville facility designated an OSHA VPP Star site in recognition of exceptional health and safety programs for employees. Knoll participates in development of the MTS Sustainable Textile Standard, which sets the nternational benchmark for sustainable textiles. More than 90% of wood used to make composite board products contained an average of 93% post-industrial material. Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 3 of 4

4 2006 Environmental data bases for Knoll systems and seating completed; help clients plan sustainable projects and achieve LEED credits. Knoll participates in Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, joins Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX ) and successfully meets Phase I ( ) requirements. Knoll establishes an Energy Management Program. Knoll partners with non-profit International Design Center for the Environment (IDCE) to begin development of an affordable, universal computer-based Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) tool to support sustainability in product design and manufacture. Knoll partners with Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS) and BIFMA to establish sustainability standards for the Contract Furniture Industry In its commitment to the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), Knoll exceeds required reductions in CO2 emissions. Knoll initiates projects designed to achieve energy efficiencies in lighting, power wash processes and HVAC in all facilities, projecting CO2 reductions of tons by the end of the year. Knoll converts 45% of lighting in its manufacturing space to high efficiency fluorescent lighting. Knoll achieves GREENGUARD indoor air quality certification for KnollStudio Conference Tables. All KnollStudio products are now GREENGUARD-certified. Knoll creates a new Energy Manager position to develop a systematic plan for implemening ongoing energy reductions throughout all company facilities and operations In its commitment to the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), Knoll exceeds required reductions in CO2 emissions. Life and Chadwick chairs receive SMaRT Gold Certification. Knoll partners with The Rainforest Alliance to audit and administer its FSC chain-of-custody certifications and leverage the Company s power with suppliers to increase the long-term supply of FSC-certified wood Generation by Knoll introduced: a lightweight, high-performance chair that is the first in the industry to be rated SMaRT Sustainable Platinum. Clinton Global Initiative Commitment continues with capital investments of more than $2,000,000, increasing CO2 reductions beyond the 10% goal to 10.41% over the baseline. Knoll East Greenville facility a beta testing site for the Intu! Wireless Control System, a technology innovation that utilizes lighting fixtures as a vector for energy saving command and control. Leadership in Clean Technology advanced with Plaforization, an innovative process for the pretreatment of metal parts that utilizes a non-voc, non-evaporating liquid polymer, eliminating toxic sludge and saving one million gallons of water per year. 15th anniversary of The Knoll 8: the principles at the heart of the Environmental Management Program that continues to move the Company toward a sustainable future. Knoll establishes FSC certified wood as the standard for general office open plan systems, casegoods and tables. Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 4 of 4

5 Frequently Asked Questions LEED Q1: How do buildings impact the environment? A1: Buildings have a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. In the United States, buildings account for: + 36% of total energy use + 65% of electricity consumption + 30% of greenhouse gas emissions + 30% of raw materials use + 30% of waste output/136 million tons annually + 12% of potable water consumption Q2: What are the advantages of green buildings? A2: As compared to conventional buildings, green buildings use 20-50% less energy and reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by up to 40%. In addition, they improve the health of their employees, cost less to maintain, enhance building and organizational marketability, potentially increase occupant productivity and contribute to a sustainable community. Q3: What is the business case for high-performance green buildings? A3: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) states: + Companies can recover higher initial costs, if any exist, through life-cycle efficiencies, energy and water reduction, and other savings. + Green buildings can be designed so as to maximize their cost-effectiveness. + Green technologies boost employee productivity. + They also enhance health, comfort and well-being within the workplace, which may result in lower absenteeism and health-care costs. + Clean and healthy buildings may reduce legal claims and liabilities for building owners and operators. + Similarly, they increase property values, thanks to easier maintenance, higher occupancy rates, and greater market value. + Going green may allow companies to take advantage of various state and local incentive programs. + Communities value companies that follow environmentally friendly practices. + Thanks to life-cycle efficiencies and other benefits, going green can help companies achieve more predictable results. Q4: How does LEED fit into this market? A4: LEED provides rating systems that are voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven and based on accepted energy and environmental principles. They strike a balance between established practices and emerging concepts. Q5: What does LEED stand for? A5: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Q6: What is LEED? A6: Developed and administered by the USGBC, LEED is the accepted benchmark in North America for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: + Sustainable site development + Water savings + Energy efficiency + Materials selection + Indoor environmental quality + High-performance green features translate into high value for a building s tenants. April 2008

6 Q9: Why Certify? A9: Benefits include: + Recognition for your commitment to environmental issues in your community, organization (including stockholders) and/or industry. + Third-party validation of environmental sustainability. + Qualification for a growing number of state and local government initiatives. + Marketing exposure through the USGBC website, Greenbuild conference, case studies and media announcements. Q10: What LEED Programs are available? A10: The LEED rating system offers a roadmap for every building type. The following rating systems are in place or currently in pilot program. + LEED-NCv2.2 for New Construction + LEED-EBv2.0 for Existing Buildings + LEED-CIv2.0 for Commercial Interiors + LEED-CSv2.0 for Core and Shell + LEED for Homes + LEED for Schools + LEED for Neighborhood Development (Pilot) + LEED for Retail (Pilot) + LEED for Healthcare (Pilot) Q11: What are the four levels of LEED certification? A11: LEED is a performance-oriented system where credits are earned for satisfying each criterion. Different levels of green building are awarded based on the total credits earned. The progressive levels are: + Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum Q12: What are the LEED Environmental Categories? A12: Design and construction practices are broken down into five environmental categories and one innovation and design process: + Sustainable Sites + Water Efficiency + Energy & Efficiency + Materials & Resources + Indoor Environmental Air Quality + Innovation & Design Q13: Is Knoll aligned with USGBC? A13: Yes, Knoll is a member of the USGBC and can help companies, healthcare organizations, government agencies and educational institutions achieve LEED certification. Knoll actively promotes third-party certification because it provides the most impartial and trustworthy foundation for industry-wide environmental compliance. Knoll has experience working on numerous LEED projects across the country, including some of our own facilities. Q14: Can Knoll furniture contribute to LEED Credits? A14: Yes, there are numerous credits to which furniture can contribute. On most credits, furniture contributes to overall building materials or the LEED strategy. It is important that Knoll representatives are a part of the LEED team early on in the process. Knoll understands the various LEED programs and submits the required documentation to obtain credits: + Knoll supports environmental initiatives on a local level with a LEED AP. + We will work with the LEED team to provide necessary certificates, calculations and supporting materials. Q15: Can SMaRT products contribute to LEED credits? A15: Yes, SMaRT products can contribute to an Innovation and Design credit for various programs. Q16: Where can I find a list of Knoll customers who have achieved LEED certification or are registered for LEED certification? A16: You will find a list on Knoll Exchange, on the A&D Manager page. Q17: Where can I find more information on LEED? A17: Visit for a wealth of information. You can also search for companies who have achieved LEED certification or who are registered for LEED certification. Search by state for your particular area. April 2008

7 Knoll and Environmental Sustainability Knoll and the FSC Certified Wood Standard Effective December 1, 2009, Knoll established FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood as the standard for general office open plan office systems, casegoods and tables. Once again, Knoll is advancing industry-leading standards for environmental sustainability with an initiative that makes it easier for the design community and Knoll customers to blend environmental responsibility with workplace planning. As a leading advocate for independent third-party certification, which provides the most impartial and trustworthy foundation of industry compliance, Knoll is working with FSC and the Rainforest Alliance to assure that FSC certified wood will be provided without asking, at no surcharge, and at standard lead times on wood open plan office systems, casegoods and tables with the exception of KnollStudio products. The FSC Certified Wood Standard applies to the following open plan office systems Antenna Workspaces, AutoStrada, Currents, Dividends Horizon, Equity, Morrison, Reff Profiles, Template as well as the Graham Collection, Interaction Tables, Magnusson Desks and Upstart Tables. The Big Picture: Why Bother? In 2006, as scientific evidence and public concern mounted on the devastating impacts of global warming, Knoll began to implement a Sustainable Wood Policy targeted to protect endangered forests and promote sustainable harvesting of wood resources. The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that wood and wood fiber used in the manufacture of Knoll products is obtained from environmentally responsible sources. This is a matter of critical importance because forests are vital components of our ecosystem, providing timber and wood pulp, food and medicines, wildlife habitat, and livelihoods and cultural identity for those who dwell in them. Forests also contribute to air and water quality and play a key role in the global carbon cycle. Worldwide, unmanaged and illegal wood harvesting are associated with rapidly disappearing forest resources, diminishing bio-diversity, destruction of local cultures and economies. Knoll and FSC: A Legacy of Working Together Toward Shared Goals Knoll began working with exemplary forest resources in 1993 when we introduced Frank Gehry s bentwood seating collection with an option of sustained-yield maple grown by the Menominee Tribal Enterprise. We initially began collaborating with FSC in 1995 and subsequently with the Rainforest Alliance to develop the North American supply chain for FSC wood. This successful effort at greening the supply chain, which linked our suppliers with Rainforest Alliance experts who helped them improve their processes to meet certified forest standards, has helped make FSC-certified wood more widely available to all manufacturers in the industry. Knoll continues to leverage its power in the marketplace with suppliers to increase the long-term supply of FSC certified wood through partnership with the Rainforest Alliance s SmartSource service Knoll, Inc. Page 1

8 Recent milestones include: Year Milestone 2003 Chain of Custody Knoll receives FSC certification authorizing it to provide customers with Certification Chain of Custody certification for Knoll wood products meeting stringent FSC standards Knoll Wood Policy Knoll introduces a wood policy, including a controlled wood clause based on the FSC model, responding to evidence that over one half of the world s original forest cover has disappeared, much of that over the last 50 years, with alarming implications for climate change, species extinction, and the economic and cultural survival of people living in rainforest regions FSC Certified Wood Knoll establishes FSC certified wood as the standard for the vast majority of Standard Knoll open plan office systems and tables. These efforts are part of a continuous improvement process that recognizes that sustainable wood harvesting practices can contribute to stopping and eventually reverse devastating environmental and social trends and that Knoll can be part of the solution. Furnishing the Workplace with the Environment in Mind As the largest contract supplier of FSC certified furniture in North America, the Knoll FSC Standard raises the sustainability bar by bringing virtually all of the Knoll core systems business under the FSC umbrella, affirming that, at Knoll, sustainability is business as usual. We are able to carry out this ambitious program because we have spent more than a decade: + Developing the supply chain for sustainable wood + Creating the infrastructure in our business and manufacturing processes for sourcing, tracking and incorporating FSC wood into our products, and + Building FSC certification into our ISO process. FSC and LEED. We selected FSC as our third party certifier because it sets the most stringent standards, including baseline prerequisites that must be met to earn certification. It is a benchmark standard and the only wood certification standard recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ). Importantly, unlike some other certifiers, FSC addresses all three measures of sustainability: environmental, economic and social equity. Knoll partners with Rainforest Alliance, the largest FSC certifying body, to audit and administer our FSC chain of custody certifications. The new Knoll FSC standard also provides some immediate measurable benefits. It can help: + Knoll customers achieve LEED credits. + Secure the FSC certification that is a prerequisite for SMaRT (Sustainable Materials Rating Technology) from MTS (Market Transformation to Sustainability), a comprehensive consensus sustainability standard that addresses 80% of the world s products and has been adopted by more entities than any other product certification. Page Knoll, Inc.

9 Without Special Request, Without Additional Charge, Without Extended Lead Times Knoll brings its FSC standard to our customers without special request, without additional charge and without extended lead times. + The Knoll FSC Standard encompasses 95% of the wood in systems and tables manufactured at Knoll facilities. + The Standard applies to all Knoll products with laminate and North American natural veneer surfaces, specifically V2 Cherry, Maple, Oak and Walnut. These four substrates encompass the following finishes: V2 V312 Bronze Cherry V316 Maple V411 Light Walnut V415 Peacock Green Walnut V417 Old English Walnut V418 Smoked Walnut V421 Chalk Oak V423 Light Oak V425 Amber Oak V427 Brown Oak V433 Light Fawn Cherry V436 Medium Brown Cherry V3 V513 Graphite Oak + Five non-domestic veneers (Anigre, Beech, Makore, Sapele and Sycamore) and Techwood veneers are not included at this time. However, Knoll is currently working to obtain these species through FSC sources. With the institution of this new standard, FSC Chain of Custody certification will be included on all invoices for Knoll office systems and tables as specified above Knoll, Inc. Page 3

10 Knoll and Environmental Sustainability Knoll and the level Certification Program What is level? level is the certification program for the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association's (BIFMA) furniture sustainability standard. BIFMA has established level as a common framework against which to evaluate the environmental and social responsibility of a variety of products. level is part of BIFMA's ongoing development of voluntary product and industry standards that support safe, healthy and sustainable workplaces. To achieve level certification, Knoll partners with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), known for its integrity and scientific rigor. In the BIFMA level certification process, a product, the organization and facilities that produced it are scored according to sustainability criteria in four areas: Materials; Energy and Atmosphere; Human and Ecosystem Health; and Social Responsibility. level is Understandable The level standard is applicable to all business and institutional furniture. level is modeled after the U.S. Green Building Council s LEED Rating System. level provides a single, transparent way of understanding and communicating what sustainable furniture product is. - Human and Ecosystem Health - Social Responsibility In order to achieve a level certification, a manufacturer must partner with a recognized, independent third-party certification body. Knoll partners with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), the first to certify products to the level program; SCS is known for its integrity and scientific rigor. level is Definitive level has three conformance thresholds: level 1, level 2 or level 3 certification. level 3 is the highest award a product can achieve. Knoll level Certified Products Knoll has achieved level 3 certification for the following products: Antenna Workspaces AutoStrada Calibre Dividends Horizon Generation by Knoll MultiGeneration by Knoll Reff Profiles Series 2 level is Comprehensive In the BIFMA level certification process, a product, the organization and facilities that produced it are scored according to sustainability criteria in four areas: - Materials - Energy and Atmosphere 2011 Knoll, Inc. April 2011