A new line of environmentally friendly kitchen cabinetry was introduced in 2006 shortly after a Waukesha-based “green” construction company and Chicago-based furniture company collaborated.
Three years ago, Andrew Pace, owner of Safe Building Solutions, approached Jill Salisbury, founder of Chicago-based Environmental Language (el), which is regarded as an authority on the design and fabrication of furniture using environmentally preferred materials and finishes.
“I went to Jill and said, ‘I’ve got this market that we have a healthier alternative for just about every product known. The one thing we’re lacking in is cabinetry, which is normally loaded with formaldehyde,'” Pace said.
The pungent-smelling chemical will most likely be identified as a human cancer carcinogen in the next few years, according to many experts.
From there, the two entrepreneurs created cabinetry to furnish “eco-chic” kitchens.
Safe Building Solutions supplies and distributes the materials and el functions as the designer, which eventuated and christened the el:kitchen line. The el:kitchen cabinetry has finishes that are low-toxin and do not outgas harmful toxins or chemicals. As a result, indoor air quality is better than it would be using stains and finishes that do release such gas.
“Homeowners in North America increasingly want to ensure their living environments are healthful and at the same time are made with environmental sustainable practices,” said Valerie Pace, office manager for Safe Building Solutions and Andrew’s wife.
The el:kitchen line offers bamboo, European beech hardwood and rift-cut oak options for the cabinetry door styles.
The green cabinetry is already taking off. Pace and Salisbury are fabricating all of the cabinetry for Ann Maine, editor of Traditional Home magazine, which has a circulation of about 1 million.
Address: W292 S4498 Hillside Road, Waukesha
Web Site: www.safebuildingsolutions.com
Industry: Green building materials
Innovations: Created a line “green” kitchen cabinetry.
