Content about Sustainability

Leviton, a global manufacturer of electrical devices, unveiled the latest entry to its Evr-Green line of residential, commercial and public electric vehicle charging systems – the Evr-Green 320 Level 2 Home Charging Station. 

SFI Inc., the non-profit organization that oversees the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program, has issued a statement criticizing the third and latest draft of LEED 2012 for only issuing LEED points or credits for certified wood that is “FSC or better.”

SFI maintains that the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which administers the LEED program, continues to put up artificial barriers, shutting out 75% of North America’s forests that are certified by programs other than the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber, used in decking, railing, trim and other building materials, is projected to rise 13% per year until 2015, according to a report from The Freedonia Group.

The Natural Marketing Institute’s (NMI) new white paper, "Is Sustainability Sustainable?" contains insights from the group's consumer trends study.

Written by Frank J. Lampe and Monica Emerich, Ph.D., the white paper on green attitudes is available here.

Archbold, Ohio-based WoodTrac Ceiling System by Sauder is promoting environmental standards, including recent energy conservation measures, mandating material recycling and air quality preservation. In addition to product production guidelines, the WoodTrac product features a unique “green” design that saves raw materials. 

According to Sauder Woodworking, more than 90% of the WoodTrac Ceiling product and packaging is made from recycled material.

A green-focused home improvement retailer called TreeHouse was born last month when the founders opened a 25,000-sq.-ft. store in Austin, Texas. 

The business owners said they recognized the growing demand for sustainable and healthy-living products, which are organized across the store in the categories of health, performance, corporate responsibility and sustainability.


One theme of the store: Being green doesn't always mean you have to pay more or change your lifestyle.

A new U.S. Forest Service study is urging U.S. builders to prioritize wood as a green building material due to its environmental benefits, low carbon emissions and verifiable third-party rating system for “green” certification.

The authors of “Science Supporting the Economic and Environmental Benefits of Using Wood and Wood Products in Green Building Construction” reviewed the scientific literature and found that using wood in building products yields fewer greenhouse gases than using other common materials.

Coastal Supply Co., a supplier of bagged soil, mulch and stone products to such companies as Home Depot and Lowe’s, has been purchased by Harvest Power, which processes organic materials to generate energy. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Coastal Supply is a Delaware-based company that distributes its products through 14 states. The company will be renamed Harvest Garden Pro, but Joe Kollock and Steve Liffers will continue to lead the company as co-presidents.

The phaseout of the standard, energy-inefficient incandescent light bulb has caused confusion, controversy and more than a few myths as the 2012 deadline approaches. Thomas Edison’s descendents have even been dragged into the controversy. Separating fact from fallacy is not all that difficult (as long as you steer away from politics). After interviewing manufacturers, retailers and trade organizations involved in the world of light bulb commerce, Home Channel News has put together a list of misconceptions about the upcoming phaseout. 


Lowe’s home improvement stores, in partnership with General Electric (GE), will introduce an electric vehicle charging station for home or commercial use at five California stores this August. Following the California introduction, the E WattStation will be available to 60 total stores in September, Lowe’s said, and nationwide through Lowes.com.

A new state law that requires carpet manufacturers to add five cents to every square yard of carpeting sold or shipped into California went into effect on July 1. The purpose of the new fee is to incentivize carpet recycling and encourage the production of products made from recycled carpets.