Rulon International & Sustainability
At Rulon International, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) being one of our core values. Staying true to that, we’ve proudly held our FSC® Chain-of-Custody certification since 1998 and all of our products are recognized as sustainable and efficient. We’re deeply committed to creating wood wall panels and other products that allow us to lead the market in environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Sustainability is defined as “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance” (Google). While the term didn’t take off until the 1980s, the idea of sustainability was on society’s mind long before then, with the first major environmental law enacted in 1969.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 committed the United States to sustainability, declaring it a national policy ‘to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.’”
Now, the EPA suggests “… a systems-based approach that seeks to understand the interactions which exist among environmental, social, and economic pillars in an effort to better understand the consequences of our actions.” When we follow this approach, we can create sustainable solutions that provide environmental protection while strengthening communities and promoting prosperity (EPA).
What does sustainability look like for us?
- No added urea-formaldehyde (NAUF)
- Products made with sustainably-harvested wood
- Use of recyclable, end-of-life materials whenever possible
- Products that can be applied to LEED and WELL point accrual
- Products that are in accordance with ILFI, LEED, and WELL standards
- Aqueous finishes and glues that virtually eliminate harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Your Project & Sustainability
Outside of considering the three pillars of sustainability and their correlating subtopics as you build, you can make a big impact with your project when you choose to incorporate sustainable products, like wood wall panels.
What are the benefits of using sustainable products for your project? There are many, including:
- Less pollution
- Minimize impact on the environment and human health, and reduce IAQ contaminants (Khoshnava, et al.).
- Reduce harmful pollutants, inadequate ventilation, and subpar air exchange.
- Waste reduction
- Work toward zero-waste by selecting recycled or end-of-life materials.
- Plentiful sunlight
- Lessen the need for electrical lighting by bringing in natural light.
The Harvard Business Review sums it up perfectly, explaining:
Green buildings, as many know, have less negative impact on the environment than standard buildings. Their construction minimizes on-site grading, saves natural resources by using alternative building materials, and recycles construction waste rather than sending truck after truck to landfills. A majority of a green building’s interior spaces have natural lighting and outdoor views, while highly efficient HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials like paint, flooring, and furniture create a superior indoor air quality.
Find Wood Wall Tiles & Other Sustainable Products for Your Next Project
When you opt for products that meet ILFI, LEED, and WELL standards, you’re already working toward a greener building. The best part is that choosing sustainability doesn’t mean giving up your vision. Our products are designed to deliver both beauty and sustainability so you can achieve an award-winning result you’re proud to show off.
To learn more about incorporating sustainable products, such as wood wall panels, into your next project, schedule a design call with our team today!
