Green Building

Its difficult to make it thru the day without hearing something about "green"  The question is, what does it mean and how will it effect your decision in choosing your cabinet maker? First we must state that there is a difference between "Green Building" and "Healthy Building" as defined below. 

Creative Cabinets is constantly striving to move towards greener healthier building alternatives while still meeting the clients budgetary needs

Green Building FAQ 

Q: What is the definition of  "Green Building"
A: As quoted by Wikipedia; "Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building's lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal."

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Q: What is "Healthy Building"
A: Simply stated, healthy building is choosing materials with the lowest heath risks to the consumer.  These product do not necessarily carry LEED ratings or COC documents

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Q: What is the new California formaldehyde regulation?

A: In April 2007, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a department of the California Environmental protection Agency, voted to implement new limits for formaldehyde emitted from composite wood products. These new limits will be implemented in two phases starting January 1, 2009. When the final limits are fully in place in 2012, the regulation will establish the toughest production standard in the world for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The California regulation governs the formaldehyde in both raw composite wood panels and finished products sold or used in California. Both imported and domestic products are regulated and must be third–party certified and clearly labeled to indicate they meet California’s requirements.

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Q: How does Green building effect my project
A: At this point Green building will only effect your project as much as you allow it.  The biggest concern for most people would be the "off gas" emissions of urea formaldehyde, CARB has set two significant dates to deal with this toxin.  Known as phase 1 and phase 2 these phases will gradually lower the acceptable emission standards from its current unregulated level to its newly regulated levels as follows; Phase 1 <=0.08ppm by 2009 and phase 2 <=0.05ppm by 2011.  These dates have been summarized for simplicity.  Other aspects of Green building would be certified materials and LEED certification.

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Q: What are the health effects of urea formaldehyde
A: As quoted by the EPA; "Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.  Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer. May also cause other effects listed under "organic gases."  EPA's Integrated Risk Information System profile -   www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0419.htm"

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Q: How do I avoid urea formaldehyde
A: Always insist on NAUF (no added urea formaldehyde) materials and keep these materials in mind when comparing prices and manufactures.

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Q: How do I know that my project will be (or has been) manufactured with NAUF products
A: All cabinets, furniture and any other products manufactured for sale or distribution in California must be labeled with its compliance level.  Furthermore Creative Cabinets as would any legitimate shop, will provide you with documentation of the products that will be used on your project upon request.  Don't hesitate to ask for this at anytime during your project.

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 Q: What are certified materials
A: As quoted by FSC; Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.

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Q: How does Green effect my budget
A: In short, roughly 10% for NAUF materials and 20% for certified materials.  If you are considering these option please let us know so we can get you an accurate figure.

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A healthier home means a happier family

 

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