How do products get listed in GreenSpec^®?

GreenSpec editors conduct their own research based on GreenSpec's current topical focus, identify products, and vet them against GreenSpec’s criteria. Attention is given to products of interest to our editors, or products that are submitted through the websites of our collaborators, GreenFormat and ecoScorecard. GreenSpec is not an advertising-based publication and we do not charge for GreenSpec listings. Our editors have sole control of product selection and product descriptions. Our online subscribers and the buyers of our product directories appreciate that independence.

How GreenSpec Selects Products

GreenSpec’s basic criteria for evaluation are described in the Environmental Building News article “Building Materials: What Makes a Product Green?”. Key issues and more specific criteria for each product type are described in the introductions to the CSI MasterFormat divisions and Product Subcategories within the GreenSpec Directory. Keep in mind that there often aren't black-and-white criteria for product inclusion in GreenSpec. Criteria are continually updated to reflect changes in manufacturing processes and available alternatives as well as new information on the life cycle impacts of materials. Each product is evaluated individually for a wide range of environmental qualities—and we strive to include only the best of the best.

How to Get Your Product Considered for GreenSpec

Manufacturers seeking to suggest a product for GreenSpec can provide the information we need to review the product's environmental and performance attributes in several ways:

• Option 1: Provide product information via GreenFormat: GreenSpec will review all product suggestions for which comprehensive information about those products is provided through GreenFormat. Created by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) with support from BuildingGreen and others, GreenFormat allows manufacturers of any building product to accurately report sustainability properties of their products via a standardized searchable online questionnaire. Suggest a product for GreenSpec listing via GreenFormat.


• Option 2: Provide product information via ecoScorecard: GreenSpec will review all suggestions for products that can be evaluated online via ecoScorecard. For select product sectors, ecoScorecard adds functionality to a manufacturers’ web-based catalog that enables the user to search and evaluate a product for its contribution to LEED and other rating systems, automatically generating the relevant documentation. For more information contact ecoScorecard.


• Option 3: Fill out GreenSpec’s online form: Manufacturers may use our online form to suggest products that they believe would be appropriate for GreenSpec. While we appreciate product suggestions, due to the volume of requests, we cannot guarantee that product suggestions using this form will be reviewed. Products submitted through our online form will be considered only as they fit our research priorities and as time and resources allow. In filling out the form, include web links to any supplementary technical and sales literature including MSD sheets, test data on VOC emissions or other environmental attributes, and any relevant certifications (Go to our GreenSpec Product Suggestion Form or see the Product Suggestion Guidelines [pdf download] for more information).
  If a sample would help us understand and evaluate your product, feel free to send one.
  
  Samples may be sent to:
  GreenSpec Suggestions
  BuildingGreen, LLC
  122 Birge Street, Suite 30
  Brattleboro, VT 05301
  
  Please do not call or email to check on the status of your product suggestion.

Remember, BuildingGreen does not charge for listings, nor do we accept advertising. Our editors have sole control of product selection and product descriptions. Our online subscribers and the buyers of our product directories appreciate that independence.