Hand-crafted, solid wood furniture manufacturer Gat Creek has won the 2012 Sage Award for environmental excellence.
The Sage Awards were launched in 2008 by the American Home Furnishings Alliance to seek out and spotlight environmental innovators from whom others in the home furnishings and bedding industries can learn. The competition is open to retail, manufacturing and supplier companies in both the furniture and bedding industries.
Gat Creek, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., was singled out for the 2012 honor for approaching furniture manufacturing in a holistic manner – taking pride not only in what's made, but how it's made. The company actively supports the responsible management of forests and sources all of its raw materials and production locally.
In 2008, Gat Creek received Chain of Custody Certification from, the Forest Stewardship Council, and it is continually working to certify additional products. The company closely monitors energy consumption and is continually upgrading lighting, motors and air compressors to the most efficient equipment available. In 2009, the company converted all of its heat to a renewable biomass boiler system using off-cut lumber and sawdust as its only fuel.
Gat Creek formally tracks 100 percent of its waste streams, and it was recognized as a Top Environmental Steward by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for reductions in hazardous wastes. The company also developed an innovative storm water management system that has proven so effective it is exempt from annual state monitoring.
As the largest private employer in its county, Gat Creek provides a safe, environmentally sound workplace for its employees. The company also is a leader within its community, contributing generously to educational and youth activities, community organizations and charities.
President Gat Caperton actively promotes sustainable business practices within the home furnishings industry. He served as a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and is one of only seven manufacturers to have earned that organization’s Silver Exemplary status.
“From product design through all aspects of production, Gat Creek is an exemplary example of a sustainably run organization,” said AHFA’s Bill Perdue in presenting the award.
