Coverings Etc Corporate Social Responsibility Profile 2008

ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION
Our mission at Coverings ETC is to care for the environment - from the products we showcase, to the practices by which we operate, to the way in which we contribute to the community. At Coverings ETC, we strive to set an example for sustainable leadership and responsibility for a better world. Our on-going commitment to these initiatives is showcased each year with our C3: Coverings Contemporary Collection of Future Friendly™ hard surface design solutions. Our materials have been awarded third party certifications and listings from Cradle-to-Cradle, Material ConneXion, NSF, GreenSpec.

Green construction methods incorporate the reuse of storm water on site and reduce the impacts on local natural habitat. Green design focuses on environmentally friendly building materials and energy efficient applications. Green buildings are healthier for the occupants by relying more on natural daylight for illumination and by using less toxic building materials. We are members of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and our products can help contribute toward points with the "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) certification process.

Green initiatives encourage environmentally superior sustainable design, reward the builders willing to make better homes and offices, and make an important statement about the positive directions in which our community is heading. Coverings ETC provides in-house consultation to architects, designers and developers of green construction, and our LEED® Accredited Professionals on staff are available to assist in the selection of materials that can contribute toward credits with the United States Green Build Council in the certification of a project.

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
Coverings ETC offers green design solutions as a service - to our environment and to our clients. By using recycled products we can help to save trees, reduce landfill and lessen greenhouse emissions. Our manufacturer's report information as it applies to the standards of the goal, re: recycled content, manufacturing policies etc in order to substantiate data, and we have LEED® Accredited Professionals on staff to assist with green goals. Our in-house initiatives include the installation of skylights, recycling of shredded office paper for packing material in the warehouse, French drains in the yard to allow storm water runoff to return to the water table, and a green roof at our new facility.

Our manufacturing plants are all qualified by the International Standards for environmental practices UNI EN ISO 14 001. We source hard surface tiles and slabs that contain not only recycled materials, but recyclable materials as well. In addition, our materials require little if no maintenance and the life cycle assessment factor (LCA) is superior to other flooring materials. Our corporate facility green initiatives include recycling of bottles, cans, glass, all paper; printing of collateral on recycled paper with soy inks; purchase of renewable energy certificates; remodeling of spaces using green standards; and furnishings with recycled materials.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS
Bio Glass (TM) slabs are made from 100% recycled and recyclable glass, suitable for flooring, countertops and decorative walls. Eco-Terr(R) tiles and slabs are non toxic, easy to install and maintain. 70% pre-consumer recycled content (marble aggregates) with 30% cementitious binder containing 5% pre-consumer recycled content (fly ash). Eco-Cem(R) sheets are non-toxic and formaldehyde free with 20% post-consumer recycled content (wood pulp) with 80% cementitious binder containing 5% pre-consumer recycled content (fly ash).

CORPORATE POLICIES AND BENEFITS
Coverings ETC is an equal opportunity employer offering employees flexible schedules, health insurance, paid vacation and sick days, and a retirement program. Weekly staff meetings are held with presentation from all divisions to management for continual development of best operational and administrative policies. We work hands on with our manufacturing plants who comply with all applicable European standards and our CEO visits all facilities quarterly.

CORPORATE GREEN INITIATIVES
Coverings ETC plans to implement the increased usage of post-consumer recycled packaging, to reduce packaging material usage; to feature post-consumer recycle (PCR) Forest Stewardship Council-certified cartons produced from 100% wind energy; to establish a wind energy program; to purchase certificates to offset carbon dioxide emissions; and to organize an employee carpooling, bicycle and public transportation program. LEED for Commercial Interiors is the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, productive places to work; are less costly to operate and maintain; and have a reduced environmental footprint. Coverings ETC has embarked on a program to seek LEED-CI certification for all showrooms.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Coverings ETC is a member of other global organizations who collaborate to make a better world. International issues and concerns for the planet and the people come to the forefront and businesses can help to generate awareness and foster programs to raise consciousness. To help make a difference, we need to understand why it’s better to conserve, car pool, eat local, reuse, reclaim and recycle. Our showrooms host on-going educational series and special events related to environmental education and responsibility. In addition, we are members of the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation and we sponsor an adopt-a-nest program for our select clientele.

CORPORATE CHARITABLE PROGRAM
Our 2008 charitable initiatives include the St Roch Project in New Orleans and the Affordable Housing Foundation in Miami. Coverings ETC supports projects guided by principles of sustainability, and has donated approximately $16,000 worth of Future Friendly™ materials Eco-Cem® and Eco-Terr® to the Faubourg St. Roch Project which will revitalize a neighborhood in New Orleans www.strochproject.com/sponsors  Affordable Environmentalism is the name of the game in the City of Miami. Coverings ETC supports affordable housing with a charitable discount on Eco-Terr® kitchen counter materials.