Sustainable forestry consists of management practices that ensure the health and growth of our forests for future generations. As the population expands and the economy grows, responsible people are concerned about our forests, and they want assurances that our forests will always be there. Companies that rely on healthy and productive forestland for their livelihood have a keen self interest in making certain that forests remain healthy and productive.
It is our goal to reduce our total carbon emissions by 10% annually and while we were successful in delivering a reduction in 2009, we fell short of our goal with an overall reduction of 8.1%.
As the 2009 carbon footprint calculation indicates we had a very successful year from the perspective that we reduced our electrical energy consumption by 16.8% and our natural gas consumption by 10.7%. It should be noted that the carbon emissions related to our electrical energy use is approximately 40 times that of our natural gas use. We use very little natural gas and almost no other fossil fuels, as most of our facility is heated with wood waste.
Almost 80% of the carbon emissions related to our manufacturing activity is emitted by boilers that utilize waste wood fiber for fuel. We believe that there is no such thing as “good CO2”, but from a global warming perspective the wood fiber carbon source is to a degree offset by regeneration in local forests, and through the sequestration of carbon in our solid wood furniture. We are disappointed not to achieve a 10% decrease (actual was a reduction of 6.0%) in this specific source of carbon emission, but feel that if we were to fall short on one particular source it is perhaps best that it is the wood fuel piece.
Speaking of carbon and the advantages of solid wood, for every metric ton of solid wood furniture we produce approximately 500 kg of carbon is “locked up” until such time as your Harden either burns or decays. Given the longevity of our product we’re confident that we have sequestered a lot of carbon over the years! Review the chart below and see how other products stack up against solid wood.
SFC Awards Harden 2008 Silver Exemplary Status
Harden Furniture has achieved 2008 Silver Exemplary status from the Sustainable Furnishings Council — the first furniture manufacturer to achieve this honor. As one of SFC's founding members, Harden has again exhibited its commitment to preserving our planet and enhancing future resources.
To qualify for Silver Exemplary Status, Harden participated in a rigorous application process and document adherence to the following criteria:
• 15 to 25 percent of wood products must be FSC-Certified or equivalent
• 1 to 25 percent of products other than wood are made from recycled or bio-based materials
• Completion of “Carbon Footprint Report,” reviewing detailed analysis of energy output in operations
• Positive impact on supply chain improvements as a result of efforts
Harden scored additional points for sourcing and shipping its products within a 500-mile radius, which reduces carbon emissions; paying 100% of its employees a living wage; and creating The Living Canopy Program, a New York state-based educational initiative which also generates funds for land and water restoration efforts.
SFI Certification
The “Sustainable Forestry Initiative” (SFI) program is a comprehensive program of forestry and conservation practices designed to ensure that future generations of Americans will have the same abundant forests that we enjoy today. It's among the largest sustainable forestry and certification programs in the world, encompassing nearly 180 million acres of forestland throughout North America.
As part of Harden Furniture's green initiative, we offer the world's first bio-based foam - Preserve™, produced by Hickory Springs® Manufacturing Company, partner with BiOH® polyols. The foam is made with soy rather than petroleum, and is a standard option for most upholstery items in the Harden line.
For more comprehensive information on the company and its environmental policies, please download the Harden Environmental Statement...