Recognized by the National Wildlife Federation and Sustainable Furniture Council for Sustainable Wood Sourcing Practices and Performance
Room & Board, the Minneapolis-based furniture company focused on American craftsmanship and sustainability (+ commercial furniture through Room & Board Business Interiors) is among the Top Scorers on the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) 2019 Wood Furniture Scorecard.
Developed in 2018 the Wood Furniture Scorecard measures how sustainable a company is when it comes to its wood supply—evaluating a company’s use of recycled and reclaimed wood + how companies source virgin wood. The Scorecard examined 100 companies based on two major categories: responsibility on wood sourcing practices and performance, taking into account corporate policies, goals and practices and the importance of forest health in purchasing decisions. Room & Board, along with 21 other North American companies, placed in the “Top Scorers” category.
The modern American-made furniture company, pinned as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2019, is known for continually innovating and advancing their commitment to the environment and beyond. By 2025 Room & Board plans to source more than 50% of wood from certified sustainable U.S. sources or reclaimed sources.
Reporting on this goal annually, they work with manufacturing partners on an ongoing basis to increase the amount of wood from certified recycled and reclaimed sources. Room & Board and its manufacturers seek out local wood and purchase timber from certified sustainable sources including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. (AHMI) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). They also collaborate with their manufacturing partners to avoid illegally harvested or traded lumber, helping uphold conservation values and proper forest management.
A shining example of this passion for environmental innovation in action is the company’s recent and unique partnership with the USDA Forest Service to pilot a program in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, aimed at improving American communities environmentally, socially and economically. As part of the Urban Wood Project, Room & Board works with an ecosystem of non-profits to reclaim old-growth timber from abandoned row homes and turn it into modern, sustainable furniture and decor sold at their store locations nationwide and online.
To date, Room & Board has salvaged more than 60 row homes (the equivalent of five miles of lumber that would have otherwise found its way to a landfill) and helped create 30 jobs for those under-served in Baltimore. With the Urban Wood Project, Room & Board affirms its commitment to positively impact the environment and to give back to the community, one modern piece at a time, with stunning one-of-a-kind products like the McKean cabinets, Hanneman Stools and Henson Lamps.
ABOUT ROOM & BOARD
Since 1980, Room & Board has focused on the simple idea that good design should be beautiful, affordable and long-lasting. The company works closely with American artisans to offer modern furniture and accessories created using natural and responsibly sourced materials— even custom pieces — that fit the needs of modern life. The company is proud that more than 90 percent of the products it sells are crafted in the United States to give customers the best combination of quality and price. Room & Board has showrooms in 17 locations nationwide and is online at www.roomandboard.com.
ABOUT ROOM & BOARD BUSINESS INTERIORS
Room & Board Business Interiors is the crossroads/intersection of living + working well—it is everything you love about Room & Board’s modern home furnishings, plus specialized services and commercial-grade furniture options for the contract industry, designers and architects. High-volume discounts are available exclusively for professionals purchasing through Room & Board Business Interiors. Connect with the BI team to learn more.
ABOUT THE WOOD FURNITURE SCORECARD
The Wood Furniture Scorecard was developed in 2018 to promote good forest management. Members of the furniture industry might unknowingly be contributing to the loss of forest cover, which is a more and more urgent issue. Deforestation and poor forest management are threats to wildlife species throughout the world, as well as to clean water and climate security. Furniture consumers are worried about the planet. 84% of those surveyed by the SFC described themselves as “very concerned” about global deforestation.
The Wood Furniture Scorecard website gives consumers sustainability information on their favorite retailers and offers guidance and tools for companies to improve and implement their wood sourcing policies.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE FURNISHING COUNCIL
The Sustainable Furnishings Council is dedicated to promoting healthy environments inside and out. SFC provides the most comprehensive information on environmental, safety, and health issues in the home furnishings industry and champions initiatives that improve products and processes. The SFC and its Members work to address sustainability and social issues, and offer clear information to consumers, the media, and other partners. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest.