SFC Marks 5 Years of Growth

February 13, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Green on February 14, 2012

The Sustainable Furnishings Council cited progress and set a five-year plan at its board meeting at World Market Center during the recent Las Vegas Furniture Market.

Going forward, the SFC's two main initiatives are driving membership and expanding the education platform. 
 
Membership currently approaches 400, an all-time high, including 150 manufacturers, 120 design firms, and 75 retailers. Interest at Las Vegas Market remained high with 75-plus in attendance at a panel discussion of prominent designers participating in the SFC's DESIGNINGreen national print campaign. Pam Jaccarino of Luxe Magazine led the discussion between iconic interior designer Clodagh, author Lori Denis and lighting guru Randall Whitehead. Market activities generated dozens of membership inquiries and 10 sign-ups on the spot. Immediate focus will be put on American-based manufacturers and major retailers to broaden reach among consumers. Membership is open to anyone meeting simple requirements for a basic corporate level with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Exemplary levels achievable based on proven performance against specified criteria.
 
In education, more 600 participants have taken the SFC-sponsored GREENleaders Certified Sustainability Training course, the only professional accreditation in green home furnishings that is also qualified for continuing education credit by both ASID and LEED. The SFC delivers free education that more than 1,000 people took via online webinars last year alone. Future opportunities include partnering in delivering customized education with retailers, academic institutions such as Savannah College of Art & Design, and local design centers such as the San Francisco Design Center.