Green Programs

There are four primary programs at the forefront of the Green Products movement. Each program has­ components that affect wood products in their specification and use in Southern California.   

• CARB

• FSC®

• LEED

• Greenguard

CARB

The State of California through the Air Resources Board (CARB) has regulated the emission of Formaldehyde from Composite Wood Products. CCR 93120 took effect on January 1, 2009 for Wood Products manufacturers who make, sell or transport these products within or through California.

This Rule affects the wood industry at every level, from panel producer to distributor/importer to fabricator to retailer. The CARB rule will be phased in over a number of years, depending on the product. See the chart below for the Effective Date that fits your business. Definitions are included to help you identify your industry segment.
          
All Composite Wood products sold by Cal Panel are Certified to meet CARB Emission Levels for Formaldehyde as defined by California CR 93120.

• Plywood – Hardwood and Softwood

• MDF

• Particleboard
  

NAF - The drive to reduce emissions of formaldehyde from wood products has resulted in some unique, innovative products. These composite wood products are produced with No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAF) adhesives, may already be CARB Phase 2 Compliant and can contribute to LEED Credit EQ 4.4 (Indoor Air Quality)

LEED Program

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED Program helps Architects, Designers and Building Owners incorporate sustainable building practices and products to design, build and retrofit new and existing buildings.

FSC®

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certifies forest management practices and the chain of custody for the products made from those trees in a world-wide effort to improve the sustainability of forest eco-systems. USGBC has adopted FSC® as the only approved protocol for certification of wood products for the LEED program.

GreenGuard Certified Products

The GreenGuard Environmental Institute has developed procedures to certify products that emit no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) contributing to improved indoor air quality. This certification has been adopted by the USGBC for its LEED Program.

GreenGuard Certified Products can contribute to LEED Credits.

Call us for more information at 800-451-1745