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Combining artistry with technology to craft architectural woodwork

MRW awarded the prestigious EPA Merit Award

Posted on September 13th, 2018

Mark Richey Woodworking recognized with 2018 EPA Merit Award

Mark Richey Woodworking was recognized with a 2018 Environmental Merit Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s New England regional office on Sept. 12, 2018, at Faneuil Hall in Boston.

The annual award given across New England since 1970 recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals’ work to protect or improve the environment through efforts demonstrating ingenuity and commitment.

Mark Richey Woodworking, a Newburyport, Mass.,-based architectural millwork company with an office in Vermont, WallGoldfinger Furniture, was recognized for the Masschausetts factory’s outstanding sustainable efforts.

“This award recognizes the efforts of Mark Richey Woodworking to reduce toxic waste and save energy,” the EPA wrote in a press release.

“This company, which makes architectural millwork products, also is known for its energy efficient manufacturing and other innovative energy initiatives, like the rooftop solar array and biomass boiler,” the release continued. “The company has extensive experience on LEED-certified projects and helps clients navigate green building requirements. It has worked to reduce its own use of toxic chemicals and waste, and to improve worker safety. The company bought a solvent recycling unit, an ultrasonic spray gun cleaner, and a robotic spray line … .

“The company saw a 73 percent reduction in waste generation despite significant growth in manufacturing space, hiring and production. As a result of its efforts, the company has cut in half its purchases of denatured alcohol to about 1,200 gallons per year. In the past, solvent was shipped as hazardous waste, but the company installed an enclosed robotic spray line that sprays a consistent coat and can be programmed to spray only the area required.

“Increased efficiency means the $1.2 million (investment into sustainable practices) will be paid back within five years,” the release noted.

The company also has a wind turbine on site.

Mark Richey Woodworking did not apply for the award. The recognition, spear-headed by the New England office of the EPA, came as a surprise to the company that has long been known for putting the environment at the forefront of its focus and long-term investment efforts.

“At Mark Richey Woodworking, being a good steward of the environment and a leader in the use of renewable energy is a vital component of our mission to produce the finest architectural woodworking in the country,” said Mark Richey, company president and founder, of the award.

“New England is rich with individuals, businesses, and organizations that exhibit their strong commitment to local communities and to a clean and healthful environment. EPA is very proud to recognize these meaningful accomplishments,” noted EPA New England Regional Administrator Alexandra Dunn. Learn more about Mark Richey Woodworking’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact online at www.markrichey.com/sustainability.