Where to Learn More.

We've assembled a number of helpful links in order to provide you with more information.

How LEED Certification Works

"In 1998, the Washington, D.C., trade association U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which has become the authority for builders who want to work with the environment. LEED's green building requirements can be applied to new construction or older homes, but only new homes can be officially certified. The regulations are designed so that construction is healthy and durable for the occupants and the environment."

www.howstuffworks.com/leed-certification.htm

Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI)

"The SFI 2005-2009 Standard promotes sustainable forest management through nine principles, 13 objectives, 34 performance measures and 102 indicators developed by professional foresters, conservationists, scientists and others. The standard addresses key environmental, social and economic forest values – from water quality and biodiversity to harvesting and regeneration."

www.sfiprogram.org/sfi-standard.php

FSC and Chain-of-Custody information

"Before a product may carry an FSC or SCS label, all stages of the production, distribution, and sale of the product must be independently evaluated. Wood must be tracked from the certified forest to the finished product."

www.scscertified.com/forestry/forest_coc.html

US Green Building Council

"The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation."