Sustainability doesn’t stop at our products. We apply the same standard of lowering environmental impact to all aspects of our business.
@htagvalue>Our Sustainability Story
@htagvalue>The spark of sustainability began for CS in 1995 and continues to illuminate our path today. Sustainable practices are an integral part of who we are today and who we'll be tomorrow. We design for sustainability.
To read about our sustainability journey and the unlikely events that propelled us to become more mindful about the environment and our communities, click below to download our pdf.

Watch this video to learn how sustainability is threaded throughout our history at CS, and how it continues to be an integral part of who we are today as we develop products that keep the future in mind.
How CS Designs for Sustainability
@htagvalue>This section contains general company and product line information. Specific sustainability attributes for a particular product can be found on their respective model pages under the "Data Sheets & Sustainability" tab.
Partner with CS On Sustainability
@htagvalue>
Need help identifying the best products to help your sustainable
project succeed?
Contact Kendra Martz, our Corporate Manager of Sustainability,
LEED Green Associate, Cradle to Cradle Catalyst, and mindful
MATERIALS Ambassador for assistance.
Making sense of sustainability
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Transparency
The disclosure of ingredients in a product. CS can contribute to LEED v4's Materials & Resources credit, Option 1, by offering Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver & Gold products.
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Optimization
The process of improving products from a health and safety perspective. An optimized product generally means a product that uses safer ingredients. CS meets LEED v4's Material & Resources Option 2, by offering C2C Certified Silver and Gold products.
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LEED Compliant
A product that helps a building achieve LEED certification. Products cannot be "LEED certified", but CS offers numerous products that contribute points towards achievement of various LEED certification standards (i.e. LEED 2009, LEED v4, LEED for Schools, LEED for Healthcare, etc.).
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LBC Red-List Free
The Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red-List is a list of worst-in-class materials and chemicals prevalent in the building industry. Red-List chemicals are environmental pollutants, bio-accumulative toxins and other substances harmful to human and environmental health. A product is considered red-list free if it contains none of the 22 classes of chemicals prohibited in buildings seeking a Living Building Challenge certification. The Red-List has gained prominence over the years and is now often utilized as a screening tool, even for those who are not seeking LBC certification.
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Cradle to Cradle Certified
A multi-attribute, third-party certification, administered by the Cradle to Cradle Institute. The C2C certification embodies a design philosophy that addresses five product categories: 1) material health; 2) material reutilization; 3) renewable energy & carbon management; 4) water stewardship; and 5) social fairness. CS has 11 C2C certifications at the Silver or Gold level.
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CDPH Standard Method v1.1 VOC Emission Testing
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC) Emission from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers is an expanded standard for what is commonly known as California Specification 01350. It is one of the most widely used standards to evaluate building and interior products for low chemical emissions. CS offers products that are compliant with General Emission Evaluation CDPH Standard Method v1.1 and have total volatile organic compound (TVOC) results.
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FSC® C007385
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes responsible forest management. By choosing FSC certified products, you are supporting responsible management of the world’s forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. CS offers wood products that are FSC certified.
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Rapidly Renewable
CS offer rapidly-renewable feedstocks, such as bamboo, that contribute to LEED.
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WELL
The WELL Building Standard™ is a building certification standard that focuses on advancing health and well-being in buildings and communities. The WELL building standard is managed by the International WELL Building Institute. CS offers products that contribute to this certification.
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SCAQMD Rule #1168 Allowable VOC Limits
CS utilizes adhesives, caulks & sealants that meet South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168 VOC limits. This is a requirement for LEED IEQ c4.1 and LEED v4 Low-Emitting Materials, Wet Applied Products.
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NAF and ULEF Composite Wood
CS offers products that meet LEED credits for no-added formaldehyde (NAF) resins or ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins.
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mindful MATERIALS (mM)
CS is a participant in mM, a design industry initiative that provides a common platform for manufacturers to communicate transparency and optimization information for their products. Architects and designers can receive access to this free platform by signing up here.
Product Optimization
@htagvalue>CS optimizes its products.
Why would you consider a company that doesn't?
Sustainability CEU Seminar Request
Learn more about our products and services by requesting a Sustainability CEU Seminar.
Our Environmental Policies
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