Top Ten PDFs - on Sustainability

Though nothing in life is free, reports, newsletters, dissertations and guides in PDF on the Web, available at no charge, come close. And as most "free" things are made available for a reason, you should be cautious. With that in mind, for the cost of toner and paper the following 10 PDFs are an information bargain.

This last part of the series includes PDFs about green design, eco-materials, recycling and waste reduction. The first part of the series focused on the design process and the second part on manufacturing, materials, safety and management. Contact VCR if you have suggestions for future series.

To download any item click on cover image.

(In 2005 VCR published another "top ten" on marketing.)

Schiavello Furniture: Environment Report 2002

This report is published annually by Australian office furniture manufacturer Schiavello. It lists the environmental goals of the company and the measures it is taking to achieve them. The "facts" are listed in three base areas: Sustainability Principles, Policy and Design Principles. By making its environmental programs public, Schiavello is setting a standard for others to emulate or surpass.

Environmental Self-Assessment for Wood Furniture Industry

Published by the New York State Department of the Environment, this document has applications to wood furniture manufacturers worldwide. Written in a classic checklist format, it allows manufacturers to assess their business practices and polution prevention programs to reduce waste in energy, solvents and packaging materials.

VOC Reduction in Furniture Manufacturing

This Environment Canada technical report was published with the input of Canada's major manufacturers and suppliers. It addresses measures to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a by-product of many furniture finishing operations, large or small. The report includes a set of draft standards for solvent management, training and equipment maintenance.

Sustainable Development Issues Scans: Office Furniture Industry

This report for Industry Canada provides an introduction to environmental, economic and social sustainability issues for Canadian office furniture manufacturers.
 
 
 

Green Seal Report: PB and MDF

Manufacturers or designers using or specifying particle board or MDF panels will find this Green Seal report an invaluable guide. It lists the various environmental consequences of fibre type, adhesives, production methods and virgin wood content. For example, approximately 25% of U.S./Canada panels incorporate an average of 34% virgin wood; therefore, panels using waste and or non-wood fibre (straw) are more environmentally benign.

Wood Waste Recycling In Furniture Manufacturing

Waste accounts for 5% of the operational costs of furniture production, according to this UK report. To reduce costs significantly the report advocates less reliance on land fills and more on-site and off-site recycling alternatives. Written with the input of 72 manufacturers, the recomendations provide practical advice and understanding about the bottom line.
 

Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvent
Adhesives for Foam Fabrication

Solvent-based adhesives used by the upholstered furniture industry are a major source of air polution. This case study of four U.S. foam fabricators looks at alternatives to these noxious substances. Two of the fabricators studied are based in California and have successfully complied with their home state's higher environmental standards by switching to one-part latex/synthetic water-based adhesives.

Whats in the Design?

This Design Exchange case study explains the move to sustainability by three Toronto-area office furniture manufacturers. Nienkämper is using veneer more economically and reducing solid wood content. Teknion is responding to customer concerns about recyclability, VOCs and shrink-wrap packaging. Knoll (along with Teknion) is offering FSC-certified wood, and its shop floor uses water-based processes almost exclusively.

Review of the Environmental Impact of Wood Compared with Alternative Products Used in the Production of Furniture

Austalia's Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation compares published information on the environmental impact of wood used in the production of furniture. Literature surveyed for this study generally supports the view that wood products have less impact on the environment than alternative materials such as plastics and metals.

From Forest to Furniture

Although a few years old, this reprint from Environmental Design and Construction is an excellent overview of wood certification issues for North American furniture producers. It explains FSC criteria, sourcing problems and the personal experiences of manufacturers such as Neil Kelly Kitchen Cabinets.
 

VCR welcomes your contributions to this top ten.