How does a cabinet manufacturer qualify?

The program sets out five categories of environmental performance for which a manufacturer can earn points by meeting specified criteria. A manufacturer must accumulate at least 80 points out of a possible 105 points to qualify for certification. Each year the manufacturer must submit supporting documentation to re-certify. (See the "Environmental Sustainability" section on the previous page for an explanation of the five categories.)

Why did KCMA develop the program?
With the growing interest in “green homes” and development of nationwide standards to define and certify them, it became clear that it was in the best interest of the industry to define what “green” means in terms of kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This standard was developed by the Association and is closely aligned with the National Association of Home Builders Green Home Building Guidelines (2005) criteria.

Does the rating help home builders qualify in the “green home” certification programs?
At this point in time the rating in and of itself is not specifically recognized by any of the green home standards. KCMA has been in discussions with NAHB staff to get this standard incorporated by reference in the next revision to their guidelines. Some of the conditions used to qualify for the ESP program will also help a builder/home owner qualify for points in some green home programs.

What is a “green home?”
A green home is one that generally meets high levels of energy and water efficiency and its design has been thoroughly reviewed on many facets which range from home size utilization and landscaping to the selection of materials, finishes, appliances and lighting. Most standards focus on new homes but in some programs renovated homes can qualify as well.

Why would someone want a “green home?”
● Lower operating costs resulting from the energy and water efficiency aspects of the design.
● Tax incentives and rebates offered by electrical utility companies and the Federal Government.
● Increased health and comfort from the features that control humidity, reduce chemicals exposure and improve air exchange and filtration.
● Enhanced durability and less maintenance from the incorporation of building materials and construction details that strive to increase the useful life of the whole house.
● Higher re-sale value.

What are the basic criteria for a green home?
The criteria vary slightly from program to program but the key areas include:

● Lot design, preparation and development
● Resource efficiency
● Energy efficiency
● Water efficiency
● Indoor air quality
● Operation, maintenance and homeowner education
● Global impact

Many programs specify mandatory and optional design characteristics in each category. A home can qualify for various levels of “green home” status depending on how many optional characteristics are achieved beyond the mandatory ones.

Who administers or oversees these green home programs?
There are over 30 state and local programs as well as two nationwide programs. The National Association of Home Builders launched their Green Home Building Guidelines and certification program in 2005 and the US Green Building Council set out their residential green home standard in late 2006. The process to qualify a home varies among the programs, but typically a builder applies to the overseeing body prior to construction to have his plans approved. In some programs there will be one or more inspections or performance tests required during construction or at completion which must be passed for the final certification to be issued.

How long have these programs been around?
The earliest certification programs date back to the early 1990’s.

What role do cabinets play in a green home?
In the overall qualification program, cabinets play a very minor role in determining a home’s “green” status. The few instances that cabinets can help earn points relate to their materials and construction, and their impact on indoor air quality.

● The composite wood materials can earn points if they are made from recycled wood fiber or agrifber. They also can earn points if the binders and adhesives do not contain formaldehyde.
● The hardwood components can earn points if they come from forests that are certified under one of the recognized sustainable forest management programs or are recycled or recovered from use in prior construction. For example, if the wood for the doors and front frames was milled from old beams recovered from a demolished building.
● The finishing materials used can qualify for points if they are low VOC formulations.
● The cabinets themselves can earn points if they are made near the home's site reducing energy consumed in transportation to the job site.
 

Can Wood-Mode and Brookhaven Cabinetry help a home builder qualify for
“green” status?
It depends on the program under which the builder is qualifying the home for certification. In some programs our cabinetry can earn points but in others they can’t. The applicable program would have to be identified and researched to determine the potential points Wood-Mode and Brookhaven cabinets could earn.Most programs call for the required use of materials that are frequently not available for high volume cabinet production. Wood from certified forestry programs or re-milled from demolished buildings is available in very limited quantities. Composite panels made without formaldehyde resins in the binders are currently not widely available or economical. Similarly, plywood without formaldehyde in its adhesives is available but only in limited quantities.

What is Wood-Mode's position on the issue of Formaldehyde?
 Wood-Mode utilizes a variety of composite wood products in the components used in the   construction of its cabinetry. The type of composite wood can vary dependent on the type of cabinetry ordered. Many composite wood products use urea-formaldehyde resins in their adhesives and these products can off-gas trace amounts of formaldehyde. All of the composite wood products that Wood-Mode uses meet the current CARB Composite Wood Product Regulation (2009) for formaldehyde content.

Wood-Mode produces a wide variety of custom cabinetry with different construction components in a multitude of finishes; consequently, determining a specific formaldehyde level for each possible combination would be complicated. Wood-Mode periodically tests its cabinetry to measure its general formaldehyde off-gassing range. It has been determined that this range is below all of the HUD guidelines for wood products.

Are there really many homes being built under these programs?
At the recent NAHB Green Building Conference in St. Louis, industry professionals expect to see green building certifications on 40-50% of all new homes built by 2010. This compares to an estimated 2% of homes built in 2005.

For additional information, visit:
www.KCMA.org

(Current as of January 1, 2009)