W A L L
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G O L D F I N G E R
E N V I R O N M E N T A L
S T A T E M E N T
We are committed to increasing our use of wood products from responsibly managed forests, our recycling of waste materials, and to decreasing our “carbon footprint� through reduction of energy use and purchase of carbon offsets.
FACTORY PROCESSES
BUILDING
In 1976, we moved into an abandoned mill, formerly the Nantanna Woolen Mill, in Northfield, Vermont. Over the past 32 years WallGoldfinger has renovated the space into the modern facility we have today.
LIGHTS
Working with a grant from Efficiency Vermont, we have replaced all the fluorescent bulbs in the factory with Super T-8 and T-5’s.
WINDOWS
Over half of the glazing in the factory has been replaced with insulated, energy efficient windows.
DUST SYSTEM
A second dust system was recently installed at the factory. This system pulls the sawdust through the filters of the exterior system and then brings the clean air back into the facility. This has saved tremendously in heating costs.
COMPRESSOR
The warm air from the compressor is ducted outside in warm months, and inside in cold months. This also saves in heating costs.
MOTORS
The majority of our production motors are new and highly efficient. Slow-starting motors ramp up to reduce electrical surges.
CARBON CREDITS
We are working with Native Energy’s carbon offset program to fight global warming by helping build new renewable energy projects. We are offsetting our yearly business operation and keeping 334 tons of CO2 out of the air. Our financial contributions are helping build a wind system in South Dakota, and a farm methane system in Vermont.
FURNITURE MATERIALS
LUMBER
We are certified to produce furniture from well managed forests as a Forest Stewardship Council “Chain of custody” manufacturer.
VENEER
Working with SmartWood, a Vermont based certification provider, we have set up systems to track certified lumber, veneers, and panels from certified vendors through our manufacturing process.
CORES
Our vendors can supply us with FSC certified MDF panels, plywood, and other panel materials which can earn LEED points. Our lightweight panels are made from plantation grown balsa.
ADHESIVES
We manufacture the majority of our furniture with polyvinyl acetate glue. This adhesive is nontoxic, and solvent and urea formaldehyde free.
FINISH
Catalyzed lacquer top coats are applied with Air Assisted Airless Spray guns, which give 28% more transfer over traditional guns. We won the Vermont Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention for work in cutting pollution in our finishing systems.
SYNTHETIC LEATHER
We have pioneered the use of synthetic leather in our furniture. The nylon fiber matrix is manufactured in the United States, does not contain any PVC or plasticizers, and does not emit toxic gases.
BLANKET WRAP
As an alternative to expensive and wasteful plywood crates, WallGoldfinger has established a system for blanket wrapping the majority of our furniture. The blankets are reusable and no packaging material is needed.
SHIPPING
We ship in our own trucks, and many of our clients are less than 500 miles from our factory, earning LEED points.
FACTORY
RECYCLING
Paper – Office paper and trade magazines are recycled Computers – Outdated computers are donated to our employees and local nonprofits Rags – Virgin rags are recycled Metal – Stainless steel, bronze cutoffs, steel strapping, screws and bolts are recycled Oil – Recycled to local service station Pallets – Our veneer pallets are used as sheep fencing / other pallets are used as fuel for boiling down maple syrup by local producers Non-redeemable bottles and cans are returned to the local recycling center Saw dust – Used at local land fill for road filler Solid lumber – Used by architectual students for models / wood cut-offs are used by our employees in home wood stoves Color copiers – Print toners and cartridges returned to manufacturers for recycling
ORGANIZATIONS
WallGoldfinger, Inc. 7 Belknap Street, Suite 3 Northfield, Vermont 05563 P 802-485-6261 F 802-485-6267
www.wallgoldfinger.com
SmartWood
www.rainforest-alliance.org
Forest Stewardship Council
www.fscus.org
Efficiency Vermont
www.efficiencyvermont.com
Vermont Environmental Consortium
www.vecgreenvalley.org
Vermont Business Environmental Partnership
www.vbep.org
Vermont Environmental Assistance Partnership
www.veap.org
Vermont Public Interest Research Group
www.vpirg.org