Silver Lake--Christine Morlan, WFCP & IDS Associate, of CB Interiors is now a GREENleader Accredited Professional. As the home furnishings industry's most comprehensive training program, the GREENleaders certified sustainability training provides manufacturers, reps, retailers and designers with the knowledge and credentials to differentiate themselves as experts in sustainability.

The GREENleaders program was developed in conjunction with the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), a professional non-profit coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and designers formed to promote sustainable practices within the industry. The SFC is considered the leading organization in green home furnishings with the best opportunities for education and networking.

To date, nearly 100 manufacturers, retailers and interior designers have enrolled in the GREENleaders certification program, with many more on the way. This industry first exam course was created by a LEED-AP and vetted by the Sustainable Furnishings Council board, including ranking staff of World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, and one of the two co-founders of USGBC/LEED.

The six-unit GREENleaders program covers a wide-range of topics pertinent to the home furnishings industry and sustainability, such as environmental issues, sourcing green products, and designing and operating green interiors. Jeff Hiller, President of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, and GREENleaders developer, says "As an organization we are particularly proud to offer the first substantial educational content for our industry. With this program, we in the home furnishings industry have the opportunity to understand not only the detrimental effects we cause to the environment, but perhaps more importantly, the solutions for mitigating these effects through our practices."

Other GREENleader APs have already weighed in on this sentiment; GREENleaders "clearly illustrated how little we know or are aware of when it comes to sustainability" says one recent AP of the program. "However, it's been a great learning experience and I have been applying and integrating what I have learned to not only my business, but to my personal life as well."
If you're interested in becoming a GREENleader visit www.sustainablefurnishings.org or call 919-967-1137 for upcoming opportunities.