CKC has a LEED Certification through Minnesota Green Star. It is our goal to build with products and techniques that save energy, are sustainable, and create a healthy home. Our designers will guide you through green product selections and work with you to attain any level of certification desired.

CKC includes as standard practice:
X• Recycles cardboard, plastic, glass, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and metals
X• Reuse salvage lumber if possible
X• Uses engineered lumber
X• Vents range hoods to outside
X• Uses Insulated electrical boxes

Other options that Homeowners can request:
X• Energy Star Appliances
X• Dimmers, timers or light sensors
X• Recycle products: appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, sheetrock and concrete
X• Insulation: Formaldehyde-free, cellulose or spray foam, and Green Fiber Cocoon
X• Low VOC paints, adhesives, sealers, grouts and caulk
X• LED (Light Emitting Diode) or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lighting)
X• Windows and doors: energy efficient with low-e glass
X• Natural Light: add solar tubes or skylights
X• Gray water from your sink or shower is used in the toilets.
X• Toilets with water saving technology
X• Showerheads and faucets that conserve water
X• Paperless drywall to inhibit mold productions

Cabinetry
Both of our manufacturers: Crystal Cabinet Works and Medallion Cabinetry, are within 60 miles of the Twin Cities. They are certified in the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Association. The ESP is designed as a framework for manufacturers to highlight sound environmental business practices concerning: product and process resource management, air quality, environmental management policies, systems and community relations.

Green Core Cabinet boxwork by Crystal Cabinet Works
Earns all available points for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
X(LEED) programs
X— no-added urea-formaldehyde resins
X— renewable wood fiber box work of 100% recycled exterior-grade particleboard
X— Green-Core Plus is a plywood made with a patented soy-based resin
X— wood species certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
X— low-emitting water-based finishes (VOC)
X— recycle bi-products
X— rapidly-renewable door materials (Lyptus and Bamboo)

Volatile Organic Compounds
VOC’s are substances that react with other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight to form smog. Both Crystal Cabinet Works and Medallion Cabinetry have high standards and maintain low VOC’s in their paints, finishes, stains and adhesives. Choose prefinished cabinets to avoid toxic sealers in your home.

Wood Species – Select Lyptus or Bamboo
Lyptus is a premium-grade hardwood that is grown in South America on highly productive plantations. Wood is produced in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. Lyptus thrives in the warm climate of Brazil permitting harvesting in just 14-16 years, as opposed to 50-70 years in colder regions. The wood is desirable for its workability, strength and finish ability.

Bamboo, a rapidly renewable plant-based product. It restores itself for use in just 5 years and requires less energy to harvest and produce than other lumber products. It can be used for cabinetry, flooring, fabric and window treatments.

Veneer versus Solid Wood Doors
By selecting a veneer door, you reduce the amount of wood required to manufacture your cabinetry, hence saving on our natural resources.

Appliances
Replace old appliances with Energy Star products. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping citizens save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. See the list of Energy Star partners at www.energystar.gov Just some of the appliance manufacturers included on this list are: Bosch, Dacor, Fisher and Paykel, GE, SubZero, U-Line, Viking and Wolf. Keep in mind that “bigger” is not always better.

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