Knoll Environmental Timeline

Our mission is to manufacture affordable, welldesigned office furnishings in the most

environmentally responsible way.

1978 Knoll hires fulltime environmental engineer and redesigns waste water treatment plant at East
Greenville facility, reducing harmful effluents.

Introduces powder coating technology with no heavy metal pigments on Bertoia Chair and
other seating.

1979  Initiates Clean Technology approach. Partners with vendors to eliminate contaminants at
the source.

1982 Introduces watersaving counterfloat system for power washes.

1984 Sets goal to eliminate VOCs from all manufacturing operations.

1985 Initiates use of waterbased glues to replace VOCemitting solventbased glues in systems
production.

1986 Develops resins and processes for converting solventbased paint spraying to powder
coating for all metal products. Reduces material waste by up to 80% and eliminates 99%
of metalcoating VOCs

1987 Replaces emissionproducing adhesives with nonpolluting hot melt glues in seating
manufacturing.

1988 Becomes first OEM in Pennsylvania to adopt HVLP (high volume/low pressure) equipment for
spraying waterbased paints, which is now an industry and EPA standard.
Hires consulting firm to begin testing office furniture emissions.

1990 Submits major products for voluntary emissions testing by Air Quality Science.

1992 Eliminates use of ODMs (ozone depleting materials) from all manufacturing processes
worldwide.

1993 Joins Green Lights initiative, replaces large portion of existing lighting in facilities with
energyefficient solutions.
Bulldog chair developed and manufactured for clean technology from start to finish, including
returnable and reusable packaging.

1994 Invests $3.5 million in UVcured curing systems used in Toronto and East Greenville facilities
for clearcoating veneer panels.
Awarded Pennsylvania Governors Waste Minimization Award.

December 2009
Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 1 of 4
 1995 East Greenville facility 65.5% below Pennsylvania state standards for VOC emissions. Grand
Rapids facility so far below EPA standards it doesnt have to report.
Gehry Seating introduced: product offered with an option of maple grown by the Menominee
Tribal Enterprise, a sustained yield wood source.
Reclaimed red birch obtained from logs sunk in 19th century Midwest logging operations added
to wood veneer options, as available.

1996 Virtually all scrap metals, cardboard and paper in all manufacturing facilities recycled.
Sponsors art contests in Pennsylvania and Michigan to raise environmental awareness among
grade school children.
First major OEM to make panel fabrics from 100% producercolored polyester fibers (completely
recyclable, benign pigments, no effluents).

1997 Adds Terratex fabrics to textile line, made of 100% recycled PEP from soda bottles.
Knoll featured in study and report on American Green Companies published by the Swedish
Office of Science and Technology.
KnollStudio offers sustainable wood and veneers as option on selected products.
Use of returnable packaging expanded to all United States manufacturing facilities.

1998 Knoll the first U.S. OEM to receive ISO14000 Standard for Environmental Management Systems
certification.
Knoll the seventh company in the state and first major OEM to win designation as a Michigan
Clean Corporate Citizen.
All hardwoods used in Knoll products harvested from North American managed forests.
Established minimums for recycled content in manufacture. Steel: weighted average 25%;
Particleboard: 30% (averages 50% today, 100% in Reff, Equity and Dividends).

1999 After four years of development and an investment of $2 million, Knoll introduces powderon
wood finishing technology, reducing material waste and further reducing VOC emissions.
EPA publishes case study on Knoll environmental initiatives.

2001 Receives Environmental Excellence Award from North York Chamber of Commerce, Toronto,
Canada.

December 2009
Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 2 of 4
 2002 Knoll becomes a founding sponsor of Green Design Education Initiative. GDEI provides
information and education on green/sustainable design to the profession.
Receives IIDEX/Neocon Canada Sustainable Design Gold Award for Life chair.
Knoll REFF included in Hewlett Foundation project-only the fifth in the nation to receive a
USGBC Gold level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Enviornmental Design) 2.0 certification.
ISO 14001 certification awarded for all Knoll manufacturing facilities worldwide.
LEED Gold certification in Existing Building Pilot Program awarded to Knoll Lubin
manufacturing facility in East Greenville, PA.
GREENGUARD certification achieved for all Knoll North America systems, seating, KnollStudio
seating and KnollTextiles.
Knoll Environment launched as link on the website for info on Knoll environmental action.
Knoll U.S. manufacturing facilities more than 90% HAP and VOC free.
Knoll FSC-certified Reff furniture chosen by NRDC for its LEED Platinum Santa Monica
Regional Office.

2003 Receives Chain of Custody certification for FSCcertified wood products.

All KnollTextiles GREENGUARD certified.
All Knoll systems, office seating and Knoll Studio seating GREENGUARD certified.
Knolls San Francisco showroom currently under renovation as pilot project for LEED
Commercial Interiors certification.
Knoll Lubin facility in East Greenville accepted into pilot program for LEED Existing Building
certification.

2005 ISO 14001 audit approval for all Knoll manufacturing facilities worldwide under revised 2004
standard.
LEED Slver certification awarded to the Knoll San Francisco showroom in the Commercial Inte-
riors Pilot Program.

Core office in LEED Gold Lubin manufacturing facility upgraded, following LEED criteria for
Commercial Interiors.
Knoll East Greenville facility designated an OSHA VPP Star site in recognition of exceptional
health and safety programs for employees.
Knoll participates in development of the MTS Sustainable Textile Standard, which sets the
nternational benchmark for sustainable textiles.
More than 90% of wood used to make composite board products contained an average of 93%
post-industrial material.

December 2009
Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 3 of 4
 2006 Environmental data bases for Knoll systems and seating completed; help clients plan sustainable
projects and achieve LEED credits.
Knoll participates in Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, joins Chicago Climate Exchange
(CCX) and successfully meets Phase I (2003-2006) requirements.
Knoll establishes an Energy Management Program.
Knoll partners with non-profit International Design Center for the Environment (IDCE) to begin
development of an affordable, universal computer-based Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) tool to
support sustainability in product design and manufacture.
Knoll partners with Market Transformation to Sustainability (MTS) and BIFMA to establish
sustainability standards for the Contract Furniture Industry.

2007 In its commitment to the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), Knoll exceeds required reductions in
CO2 emissions.
Knoll initiates projects designed to achieve energy efficiencies in lighting, power wash processes
and HVAC in all facilities, projecting CO2 reductions of 500-600 tons by the end of the year.
Knoll converts 45% of lighting in its manufacturing space to high efficiency fluorescent lighting.
Knoll achieves GREENGUARD indoor air quality certification for KnollStudio Conference Tables.
All KnollStudio products are now GREENGUARD-certified.
Knoll creates a new Energy Manager position to develop a systematic plan for implemening
ongoing energy reductions throughout all company facilities and operations.

2008 In its commitment to the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), Knoll exceeds required reductions in
CO2 emissions.
Life and Chadwick chairs receive SMaRT Gold Certification.
Knoll partners with The Rainforest Alliance to audit and administer its FSC chain-of-custody
certifications and leverage the Companys power with suppliers to increase the long-term supply
of FSC-certified wood.

2009 Generation by Knoll introduced: a lightweight, high-performance chair that is the first in the
industry to be rated SMaRT Sustainable Platinum.
Clinton Global Initiative Commitment continues with capital investments of more than
$2,000,000, increasing CO2 reductions beyond the 10% goal to 10.41% over the baseline.
Knoll East Greenville facility a beta testing site for the Intu! Wireless Control System, a technol-
ogy innovation that utilizes lighting fixtures as a vector for energy saving command and control.
Leadership in Clean Technology advanced with Plaforization, an innovative process for the pre-
treatment of metal parts that utilizes a non-VOC, non-evaporating liquid polymer, eliminating
toxic sludge and saving one million gallons of water per year.
15th anniversary of The Knoll 8: the principles at the heart of the Environmental Management
Program that continues to move the Company toward a sustainable future.
Knoll establishes FSC certified wood as the standard for general office open plan systems,
casegoods and tables.

December 2009
Knoll Environmental Timeline Page 4 of 4
 Frequently Asked Questions
LEED
Q1: How do buildings impact the environment?
A1: Buildings have a profound impact on our natural
environment, economy, health and productivity. In the
United States, buildings account for:
+ 36% of total energy use
+ 65% of electricity consumption
+ 30% of greenhouse gas emissions
+ 30% of raw materials use
+ 30% of waste output/136 million tons annually
+ 12% of potable water consumption
Q2: What are the advantages of green buildings?
A2: As compared to conventional buildings, green
buildings use 20-50% less energy and reduce carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 40%. In addition, they
improve the health of their employees, cost less to
maintain, enhance building and organizational marketability,
potentially increase occupant productivity and contribute
to a sustainable community.
Q3: What is the business case for high-performance
green buildings?
A3: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) states:
+ Companies can recover higher initial costs, if any
exist, through life-cycle efficiencies, energy and water
reduction, and other savings.
+ Green buildings can be designed so as to maximize their
cost-effectiveness.
+ Green technologies boost employee productivity.
+ They also enhance health, comfort and well-being within
the workplace, which may result in lower absenteeism
and health-care costs.
+ Clean and healthy buildings may reduce legal claims and
liabilities for building owners and operators.
+ High-performance green features translate into high
value for a buildings tenants.
+ Similarly, they increase property values, thanks to easier
maintenance, higher occupancy rates, and greater
market value.
+ Going green may allow companies to take advantage
of various state and local incentive programs.
+ Communities value companies that follow
environmentally friendly practices.
+ Thanks to life-cycle efficiencies and other benefits,
going green can help companies achieve more
predictable results.
Q4: How does LEED fit into this market?
A4: LEED provides rating systems that are voluntary,
consensus-based, market-driven and based on accepted
energy and environmental principles. They strike a balance
between established practices and emerging concepts.
Q5: What does LEED stand for?
A5: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Q6: What is LEED?
A6: Developed and administered by the USGBC, LEED is
the accepted benchmark in North America for the design,
construction and operation of high performance green
buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the
tools they need to have an immediate and measurable
impact on their buildings performance. LEED promotes
a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing
performance in five key areas of human and environmental
health:
+ Sustainable site development
+ Water savings
+ Energy efficiency
+ Materials selection
+ Indoor environmental quality
April 2008
Q9: Why Certify?
A9: Benefits include:
+ Recognition for your commitment to environmental
issues in your community, organization (including
stockholders) and/or industry.
+ Third-party validation of environmental sustainability.
+ Qualification for a growing number of state and local
government initiatives.
+ Marketing exposure through the USGBC website,
Greenbuild conference, case studies and media
announcements.
Q10: What LEED Programs are available?
A10: The LEED rating system offers a roadmap for every
building type. The following rating systems are in place or
currently in pilot program.
+ LEED-NCv2.2 for New Construction
+ LEED-EBv2.0 for Existing Buildings
+ LEED-CIv2.0 for Commercial Interiors
+ LEED-CSv2.0 for Core and Shell
+ LEED for Homes
+ LEED for Schools
+ LEED for Neighborhood Development (Pilot)
+ LEED for Retail (Pilot)
+ LEED for Healthcare (Pilot)
Q11: What are the four levels of LEED certification?
A11: LEED is a performance-oriented system where
credits are earned for satisfying each criterion. Different
levels of green building are awarded based on the total
credits earned. The progressive levels are:
+ Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Q12: What are the LEED Environmental Categories?
A12: Design and construction practices are broken down
into five environmental categories and one innovation and
design process:
+ Sustainable Sites
+ Water Efficiency
+ Energy & Efficiency
+ Materials & Resources
+ Indoor Environmental Air Quality
+ Innovation & Design
Q13: Is Knoll aligned with USGBC?
A13: Yes, Knoll is a member of the USGBC and can help
companies, healthcare organizations, government agencies
and educational institutions achieve LEED certification.
Knoll actively promotes third-party certification because
it provides the most impartial and trustworthy foundation
for industry-wide environmental compliance. Knoll has
experience working on numerous LEED projects across
the country, including some of our own facilities.
Q14: Can Knoll furniture contribute to LEED
Credits?
A14: Yes, there are numerous credits to which furniture
can contribute. On most credits, furniture contributes
to overall building materials or the LEED strategy. It is
important that
Knoll representatives are a part of the LEED team early
on in the process. Knoll understands the various LEED
programs and submits the required documentation to
obtain credits:
+ Knoll supports environmental initiatives on a local level
with a LEED AP.
+ We will work with the LEED team to provide necessary
certificates, calculations and supporting materials.
Q15: Can SMaRT products contribute to LEED
credits?
A15: Yes, SMaRT products can contribute to an Innovation
and Design credit for various programs.
Q16: Where can I find a list of Knoll customers who
have achieved LEED certification or are registered
for LEED certification?
A16: You will find a list on Knoll Exchange, on the A&D
Manager page.
Q17: Where can I find more information on LEED?
A17: Visit www.USGBC.org for a wealth of information.
You can also search for companies who have achieved
LEED certification or who are registered for LEED
certification. Search by state for your particular area.
April 2008
 Knoll and Environmental Sustainability
Knoll and the FSC Certified Wood Standard
Effective December 1, 2009, Knoll established FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood as
the standard for general office open plan office systems, casegoods and tables. Once again, Knoll
is advancing industry-leading standards for environmental sustainability with an initiative that makes
it easier for the design community and Knoll customers to blend environmental responsibility with
workplace planning.

As a leading advocate for independent third-party certification, which provides the most impartial
and trustworthy foundation of industry compliance, Knoll is working with FSC and the Rainforest
Alliance to assure that FSC certified wood will be provided without asking, at no surcharge, and at
standard lead times on wood open plan office systems, casegoods and tables with the exception of
KnollStudio products.

The FSC Certified Wood Standard applies to the following open plan office systemsAntenna
Workspaces, AutoStrada, Currents, Dividends Horizon, Equity, Morrison, Reff Profiles, Templateas
well as the Graham Collection, Interaction Tables, Magnusson Desks and Upstart Tables.

The Big Picture: Why Bother?

In 2006, as scientific evidence and public concern mounted on the devastating impacts of global warming,
Knoll began to implement a Sustainable Wood Policy targeted to protect endangered forests and promote
sustainable harvesting of wood resources. The purpose of the Policy is to ensure that wood and wood fiber
used in the manufacture of Knoll products is obtained from environmentally responsible sources. This is a matter
of critical importance because forests are vital components of our ecosystem, providing timber and wood pulp,
food and medicines, wildlife habitat, and livelihoods and cultural identity for those who dwell in them.

Forests also contribute to air and water quality and play a key role in the global carbon cycle. Worldwide,
unmanaged and illegal wood harvesting are associated with rapidly disappearing forest resources, diminishing
bio-diversity, destruction of local cultures and economies.

Knoll and FSC: A Legacy of Working Together Toward Shared Goals

Knoll began working with exemplary forest resources in 1993 when we introduced Frank Gehrys bentwood
seating collection with an option of sustained-yield maple grown by the Menominee Tribal Enterprise. We initially
began collaborating with FSC in 1995 and subsequently with the Rainforest Alliance to develop the North
American supply chain for FSC wood. This successful effort at greening the supply chain, which linked our
suppliers with Rainforest Alliance experts who helped them improve their processes to meet certified forest
standards, has helped make FSC-certified wood more widely available to all manufacturers in the industry.
Knoll continues to leverage its power in the marketplace with suppliers to increase the long-term supply of FSC
certified wood through partnership with the Rainforest Alliances SmartSource service.

Page 1
2009 Knoll, Inc. December 2009
Recent milestones include:

Year Milestone

2003 Chain of Custody Knoll receives FSC certification authorizing it to provide customers with
Certification Chain of Custody certification for Knoll wood products meeting stringent
FSC standards.

2006 Knoll Wood Policy Knoll introduces a wood policy, including a controlled wood clause based
on the FSC model, responding to evidence that over one half of the worlds
original forest cover has disappeared, much of that over the last 50 years,
with alarming implications for climate change, species extinction, and the
economic and cultural survival of people living in rainforest regions.

2009 FSC Certified Wood Knoll establishes FSC certified wood as the standard for the vast majority of
Standard Knoll open plan office systems and tables.

These efforts are part of a continuous improvement process that recognizes that sustainable wood harvesting
practices can contribute to stopping and eventually reverse devastating environmental and social trendsand
that Knoll can be part of the solution.

Furnishing the Workplace with the Environment in Mind

As the largest contract supplier of FSC certified furniture in North America, the December 2009 Knoll FSC
Standard raises the sustainability bar by bringing virtually all of the Knoll core systems business under the FSC
umbrella, affirming that, at Knoll, sustainability is business as usual.

We are able to carry out this ambitious program because we have spent more than a decade:

+ Developing the supply chain for sustainable wood

+ Creating the infrastructure in our business and manufacturing processes for sourcing, tracking and
incorporating FSC wood into our products, and

+ Building FSC certification into our ISO 14001 process.

FSC and LEED. We selected FSC as our third party certifier because it sets the most stringent standards,
including baseline prerequisites that must be met to earn certification. It is a benchmark standard and the only
wood certification standard recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED). Importantly, unlike some other certifiers, FSC addresses all three measures
of sustainability: environmental, economic and social equity. Knoll partners with Rainforest Alliance, the largest
FSC certifying body, to audit and administer our FSC chain of custody certifications.

The new Knoll FSC standard also provides some immediate measurable benefits. It can help:

+ Knoll customers achieve LEED credits.

+ Secure the FSC certification that is a prerequisite for SMaRT (Sustainable Materials Rating Technology)
from MTS (Market Transformation to Sustainability), a comprehensive consensus sustainability standard
that addresses 80% of the worlds products and has been adopted by more entities than any other
product certification.

Page 2
December 2009 2009 Knoll, Inc.
Without Special Request, Without Additional Charge, Without Extended Lead Times
Knoll brings its FSC standard to our customers without special request, without additional charge and without
extended lead times.

+ The Knoll FSC Standard encompasses 95% of the wood in systems and tables manufactured at Knoll facilities.

+ The Standard applies to all Knoll products with laminate and North American natural veneer surfaces, specifically
V2 Cherry, Maple, Oak and Walnut.

These four substrates encompass the following finishes:


V2
V312 Bronze Cherry
V316 Maple
V411 Light Walnut
V415 Peacock Green Walnut
V417 Old English Walnut
V418 Smoked Walnut
V421 Chalk Oak
V423 Light Oak
V425 Amber Oak
V427 Brown Oak
V433 Light Fawn Cherry
V436 Medium Brown Cherry
V3
V513 Graphite Oak

+ Five non-domestic veneers (Anigre, Beech, Makore, Sapele and Sycamore) and Techwood veneers are not
included at this time. However, Knoll is currently working to obtain these species through FSC sources.

With the institution of this new standard, FSC Chain of Custody certification will be included on all invoices for
Knoll office systems and tables as specified above.

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2011 Knoll, Inc. December 2009
 Knoll and Environmental Sustainability
Knoll and the level Certification Program

What is level ? ! - Human and Ecosystem Health

level is the certification program for the Business and ! - Social Responsibility
Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association's
!!In order to achieve a level certification, a
(BIFMA) furniture sustainability standard. manufacturer must partner with a recognized,
BIFMA has established level as a common framework independent third-party certification body.
against which to evaluate the environmental and social Knoll partners with Scientific Certification Systems
!!
responsibility of a variety of products. level is part of (SCS), the first to certify products to the level
BIFMA's ongoing development of voluntary product program; SCS is known for its integrity and scientific
and industry standards that support safe, healthy and rigor.
sustainable workplaces. To achieve level certification, level is Definitive
Knoll partners with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS),
level has three conformance thresholds: level 1, level
!!
known for its integrity and scientific rigor.
2 or level 3 certification.
level 3 is the highest award a product can achieve.
!!
In the BIFMA level certification process, a product,
the organization and facilities that produced it are Knoll level Certified Products
scored according to sustainability criteria in four
Knoll has achieved level 3 certification for the
areas: Materials; Energy and Atmosphere; Human and following products:
Ecosystem Health; and Social Responsibility.
Antenna Workspaces

level is Understandable AutoStrada
!!The level standard is applicable to all business and Calibre
institutional furniture. Dividends Horizon

level is modeled after the U.S. Green Building
!! Generation by Knoll
Councils LEED Rating System. MultiGeneration by Knoll

level provides a single, transparent way of
!! Reff Profiles
understanding and communicating what sustainable Series 2
furniture product is.

level is Comprehensive
!!In the BIFMA level certification process, a product,
the organization and facilities that produced it are
scored according to sustainability criteria in four areas:
! - Materials
! - Energy and Atmosphere

2011 Knoll, Inc. April 2011