Huston & Company naturally embodies the foundations of ecological responsibility, while striving to take additional steps to be proud stewards of our planet. We design and build furniture to last a life time, and this concept of lasting quality and value is inherently “green.” Because each piece of furniture is built to last multiple generations, we sign and date each piece with confidence knowing it will not need to be replaced or added to a landfill. With this concept as the foundation, we also make continuous, conscious decisions to ensure as little impact on the planet as possible.
Our materials:
We can meet all requirements for materials in LEED certified projects such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, and No-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes. We work closely with our lumber suppliers to make sure the wood we use has been harvested in a sustainable manner. We use American hardwoods such as Cherry, Maple, Oak, and Ash, all of which are found in our region, reducing the overall carbon foot print associated with long distance shipping. We continue to research and explore new materials– including bamboo, recycled steel, and paper stone– to integrate into our designs and offer our clients.
Solar:
In February of 2012, we worked with Revision Energy to install an array of 48 solar panels on our roof to offset power usage. In December of 2016, with Revision’s help, we added another 53 panels. On average, our solar arrays are expected to produce 32,787 kWh per year, which equates to between 95% and 100% of the annual electrical needs of the company, offsetting roughly 50,799 lbs of CO2 emissions from traditional sources of grid electricity per year.
Clean Finish:
In March of 2012, we began use of a new finish that helps our workers breathe easier, and will further diminished our carbon footprint. This new finish, which is just as durable and beautiful as our previous finish, is an ultra-low formaldehyde, low odor finish, greatly reducing off gassing concerns during the curing and drying process.
Every Bit Counts:
At our workshop in Kennebunkport, Maine, our employees are dedicated to recycling and the company creates very little waste. All wood scraps from the production of our high quality furniture are used in the workshop’s woodstove drastically reducing heating needs. Sawdust from cutting and sanding furniture parts is bagged and donated to a local organic farmer. Even small wood shavings are saved for a local family with a small flock of chickens.