Green Cabinet Source, KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP)

ESP certified cabinets provide you with a way to showcase your commitment to the environment and knowledge of green products. By using ESP certified cabinets, you can differentiate yourself as an eco-friendly builder and qualify for points from green building programs.

Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly essential in home building; according to the NAHB, 50% of all new homes will be green by 2010. In light of this trend, it is advantageous for your business to use environmentally-friendly building products like ESP certified cabinets. You can feel confident you are providing your future homeowner with the most responsible choice in cabinets, while benefiting your business and the environment. Click here to read more about how ESP certificated cabinets are helping builders earn points toward green building certification.

What makes ESP certified cabinets desirable for people’s homes?
As a criterion in the NAHB Green Building Standard, the first ANSI approved green building rating system for residential construction in the U.S., ESP sets the standard for homeowners looking to integrate eco-friendly cabinets into their home. Certification provides assurance that the cabinet manufacturer is committed to environmental responsibility. For example, the program encourages manufacturers to purchase wood through recognized sustainable forestry programs that help protect the forests. Furthermore, manufacturers earn points for maintaining an energy conservation program, an Environmental Management System and an active recycling program for process waste, all of which ensure resources are used wisely.

Some ESP certified cabinets may meet LEED requirements, but ESP certification itself does not automatically contribute to LEED points. Cabinets can contribute to LEED points only if they are manufactured with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood and have no added formaldehyde. The LEED specifications raise serious issues concerning materials availability, extra cost, questionable performance and durability, and possible substitution of adhesives with their own safety or health issues. LEED certified cabinets are generally much more costly than more readily available ESP certified cabinets.

The KCMA ESP differs from LEED in that it recognizes other than just FSC for sustainable forest management points. It has been well-documented by independent auditors that FSC is not the only credible and proven sustainable forest management system. In addition, KCMA’s ESP takes a more holistic approach to environmentally responsible cabinetry, examining the impact of the manufacturing process, the company’s involvement in the community and the product.