OVERVIEW
Materials really do matter to the health of occupants and the environment, but finding out what is in a product—and why—is not easy.
Products also have to perform as intended, so there are often tradeoffs between performance and the most sustainable materials.
Here you will find articles on:
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the least hazardous, most environmentally sustainable materials used in products
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environmental product declarations that can reveal the life-cycle impacts of materials
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standards and third-party certifications that provide important VOC criteria and other health and performance metrics
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chemicals of concern in building materials
You’ll also learn how what makes a product green can differ from product category to product category, and why multi-attribute vetting is critical no matter what product or material you’re selecting or specifying.
IN-DEPTH
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AIA Adopts Materials Pledge: Spec, and You Shall Receive
News Analysis
The AIA Materials Pledge, inspired by the 2030 commitment, looks at issues from carbon to social justice.
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Spec This, Not That: Avoiding Toxic Chemicals in Commercial Building Projects
PDF Report
Spec This, Not That details approaches used by architects, designers, contractors, and building owners to reduce chemical hazards in their building projects. It also includes at-your-fingertips insights for designers and spec writers on which hazards to watch out for in the major building product and material categories.
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Wood: What's Good?
Spotlight Report
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What Makes a Product Green Today?
Spotlight Report
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Finding Products for LEED v4 and v4.1
Spotlight Report
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Transportation a Key Factor in CLT Sustainability
News Brief
A life-cycle assessment of Katerra cross-laminated timber reveals opportunities for lower carbon impact. -
A More Sustainable Fluorinated PVDF Metal Coating
Product Review
With the PVDF coating Fluropon Pure, “fluorinated” does not necessarily mean persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
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A New Initiative for “Climate-Smart” Wood
News Brief
Environmental groups including the Forest Stewardship Council have gotten together to support better forestry practices.
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A New Foam-Free Sub-Slab Insulation
Product Review
Foam glass aggregate made from post-consumer recycled glass bottles can replace both foam insulation and aggregate below grade
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Stemming Illegal Logging with a New LEED Credit
News Brief
Timber Traceability is one group’s answer to the controversial Legal Wood pilot path.
