Von Löwen Designs

Congratulations to Copeland Furniture who was recently named the winner of the second annual Sage Award. Sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) and Cargill’s BioH Polyols, the Sage Award recognizes true innovation, excellence, and leadership within the home furnishings and bedding industries in the areas of sustainable business practices, social responsibility and profitable growth.

Evolving from just a one-man operation in an old garage in East Corinth, Vermont, to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the banks of the Connecticut River in Bradford, Copeland had made a commitment to earth friendly manufacturing practices long before ‘green’ became the next marketing strategy in residential furniture. It seems as though the local culture in Vermont (always a great place to hang your hat) has historically placed a high value on preservation, and can be witnessed practically everywhere – from Vermont’s pristine, picturesque landscapes and forests, to the many small towns permeating with cherished and commemorated New England architecture. Maybe it’s just the energy here; but there’s no doubt that these values continue to endure, penetrating deep into the core of the Copeland Furniture mindset.

Copeland Furniture sources most of their lumber locally from the flourishing Northern Forest and are actively involved with the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program. Moreover, Copeland is one of the founding members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, and one of only eight companies worldwide that qualify for the Council’s silver exemplary status.

Copeland Furniture’s environmental initiatives touch every aspect of operations, with 90 percent of the electricity used to power their manufacturing equipment coming from low emission resources. They are converting their heating plant from oil-fired hot water to wood-fired and utilizing their own waste scrap as fuel, in addition to taking steps to reduce the use of all non-recyclable materials in their packaging. A water based, formaldehyde free finish may be specified for all Copeland Furniture pieces. These finishes are every bit as durable as a traditional catalyzed lacquer with the added benefit of drastically reduced VOC emissions at the factory and off-gassing in the home. Regardless of the totality of Copeland’s achievements, their sentiment toward sustainability remains a dynamic process of continuous improvement, rather than a determined and fixed criterion.

With a solid selection of furnishings for your bedroom, office, and dining room, together with a nice assortment of finishes and hardware, Copeland Furniture is well worth a look for anyone with an appreciation for designs strongly influenced by the Arts & Crafts, Mission, Shaker, and Scandinavian movements.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.