WATERLOO, IA--In January, Omega Cabinetry earned their certification for KCMA's (Kitchen Cabinetry Manufacturers Association) Environmental Stewardship Program after meeting and exceeding a stringent set of environmental criteria. Omega is one of the first four manufacturers to earn certification. Both Omega's Waterloo, IA, and Clinton, TN, manufacturing plants were certified.

Of the certification, Omega Cabinetry's president, John Celoni, said, "Environmental stewardship is a commitment that we take very seriously. We continue to look for ways to creatively and consistently improve our environmental responsibility.";

The ESP was developed in 2006 "to encourage industry policies and practices that benefit the environment and the well-being of society"; and give environmentally conscious cabinet manufacturers an opportunity "to show their commitment to sustainability," according to the KCMA.

The criteria for the ESP are designed to promote the sustainability of natural resources, reduce waste, and to reward those companies who are going above and beyond in their efforts to reduce environmental impacts. More specifically, the criteria are divided into five categories:

Air Quality: Manufacturers must demonstrate their use of low formaldehyde containing raw materials. They must also demonstrate compliance with all local and federal hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) regulations.

Product Resource Management: Manufacturers must demonstrate their use of recycled and sustainable products.

Process Resource Management: Manufacturers must have active recycling and energy conservation programs in place.

Environmental Stewardship: Manufacturers must have a written environmental policy, as well as environmental management systems in place.

Community Relations: Manufacturers must demonstrate their involvement with the community through service or charitable organizations.

For more information about Omega's ESP certification or the KCMA standards, visit www.omegacabinetry.com/KCMA.asp or www.kcma.org.

Kurt Kleidon
kurtk@kleidon.com
330-666-5984

www.kleidon.com