EMvironment

UNI EN ISO 14001 Certification

In 2004 Ernestomeda obtained certification under UNI EN ISO 14001, a voluntary international standard certified by the independent body SGS , world leader in the inspection, auditing and analysis of goods, services and industrial systems.

Ernestomeda has always been committed to improving its corporate processes and their impact on the environment. Energy consumption, noise pollution, atmospheric emissions, waste management and wastewater outflows are constantly monitored.

Environment-friendly habits in the kitchen: electricity

  • When purchasing, choose appliances with high energy efficiency (e.g. class A+); you will optimise your initial investment thanks to substantial energy savings, meaning less financial outlay in the future.
  • Check that your gas hob is adjusted correctly: a yellow flame means excessive gas consumption, while if the flame detaches from the burner cap, there is too much air. Always call in skilled staff for any adjustments.
  • When heating foods, a microwave oven is preferable to a conventional one: since it does not need warming up, it provides large energy savings.
  • When using heating and air-conditioning systems, ensure thermostat settings are proportional to outdoor temperatures. You will make significant cost savings without reducing the level of comfort inside your home.
  • Light your home using modern, high-efficiency lamps (fluorescent or LED). Although the initial outlay is slightly higher, they will bring you financial savings in the long term.
  • Remember to switch off televisions (or other similar appliances) using the master switch; appliances of this kind keep consuming energy even when in standby mode.

The Environment-Friendly Panel

On 1st January 2009 Ernestomeda has also chosen to manufacture its kitchens using Idroleb, the Environment-Friendly Panel with the lowest emission of formaldehyde, a substance which can be emitted in gaseous form by some resins used in wood processing.

The Idroleb Environment-Friendly Panel guarantees maximum emission values of 0.35 mg/litre on all output, below the limit of 0.4 mg/litre required by the Japanese F**** standard (the world’s most restrictive), placing it in the ULEF (Ultra Low Emission Formaldehyde) category.
The environment-friendly panel is a particle board panel made from 100% post-consumption wood through a unique production process that creates a perfect synergy between industry and the environment.

Environment-friendly habits in the kitchen: waste

  • Try to organise your waste collection system as well as possible, separating each type of waste (for example aluminium, paper, plastic, glass, wet waste, etc.).
  • Compact bulky waste when possible (bottles, tins, boxes, cans).
  • Prefer products in recycled or easily recyclable packaging, such as those made from just one material.
  • If you have a garden or a large balcony, use organic and green waste to make compost for your flowers.

At the end of your kitchen’s life cycle.

All Ernestomeda products are designed and built to last over time. By increasing the product’s lifetime, Ernestomeda reduces the consumption of materials and energy needed to replace it, and encourages a culture of sustainable development.
And when the time comes to replace your kitchen, consider the possibility of
  • reusing some or all of it, for example in a holiday home;
  • taking it to a “garage sale”, or donating it to charity;
  • contacting the specialist disposal centres in your town.

If it has to be scrapped, if possible, try to separate the various components of the kitchen (wood, glass, aluminium, etc.) and recycle them through separate disposal, giving the materials new life and preventing the use of primary resources.
Special care must also be taken over electric and electronic equipment (so-called WEEE), such as appliances, which must be disposed of correctly because they might contain substances damaging to the environment.
In all cases, it is always important to be familiar with the specific legislation in your country, and contact the waste disposal and recycling authorities if in doubt.

Environment-friendly habits in the kitchen: water

  • Check that taps are in good condition to prevent water leaks. If you use taps with antisplash nozzles and change the nozzles regularly you will cut consumption considerably.
  • Only use dishwashers and washing-machines with full loads; this will reduce unnecessary water and energy consumption.
  • Never exceed producers’ recommended doses of detergents and use the right type of detergent for the hardness of the water.