Design 21: Social Design Network

Sustainability: More than a Slogan

The Sustainable Furniture Council is a non-profit industry association founded at High Point, NC in October 2006 to promote sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. The SFC recognizes the overwhelming scientific consensus that our world is experiencing dangerous global climate change. SFC members acknowledge the tremendous urgency, and will take immediate steps to minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content and primary materials from unsustainable sources from any product platform under our control.

SFC members will utilize Life Cycle Assessment as the best method for analyzing the environmental impact of their products, and a verifiable chain of custody as the only acceptable method for tracking wood flow.

SFC members support the triple bottom line of PEOPLE - PLANET - PROFITS and will lead the industry in developing awareness of best practices throughout their supply chains. Members will accomplish this goal by increasing their purchases from suppliers that show continual improvement toward meeting our high standards.

Our goals are as follows:

• To raise awareness of the sustainability issue

• To assist companies in adopting good practices

• To serve as an information clearing house

• To create a symbol of assurance for consumers

• Good Business that is Good for Business

Importantly, we believe that sustainability has become a mandate among the buying public. As consumers become more educated, they seek out acceptable choices that meet their needs for style, value, and eco-responsibility. Our organization is known for its rigorous compliance with established sustainability standards as a safeguard to ensure that all members are in good standing and demonstrably committed to ongoing improvement.

In 2008, we will be launching a public advertising and in-store tagging program for consumers to identify retailers and products which exceed our threshold sustainability standards. Our Standards Committee is currently reviewing all legitimate, independent certification schemes to establish eligibility requirements. All 2007 Applicants who become members in good standing will be considered Founding Members, with a 12-month grace period in 2008 to come into compliance with our standards for Basic or Exemplary membership.

We are currently over 100 members and growing strong, with a presence at all major furniture trade shows throughout the country. The time is now — the solution starts with you!