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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The 12 Product Rules
Infographic
These 12 product rules provide a simple approach to selecting better, healthier, and more environmentally responsible building products and materials.
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The Big Materials Dream Needs to Include Climate Change and More
Op-Ed
We’re finally getting vital toxicity information about building products. But let’s remember that sustainability is about more than avoiding health hazards.
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Polyiso Impacts Are High, but Performance May Make Up for Them
News Analysis
An EPD for polyisocyanurate insulation shows large embodied impacts while suggesting R-value cancels some of them out.
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Can Products Do More Good Than Harm? The Living Product Challenge
News Analysis
ILFI is challenging companies to make a product with a positive “handprint” rather than a “footprint.” And it has to be affordable.
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Plum Creek SFI Certification, Audit Process Challenged in Oregon
News Analysis
An Oregon nonprofit is seeking to suspend Plum Creek’s SFI certificate in Oregon due to legal violations. The company says it has already addressed the issues.
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Spray Foam with Minimal Global Warming Impact Now Available
News Analysis
U.S. production of next-generation HFO blowing agents signals a positive shift in the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) market.
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Material Health Tools Harmonize
News Analysis
Manufacturers should get more consistent signals as Cradle to Cradle, GreenScreen, Pharos, and other tools align, while staking out niches.
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Waiting for Take-Back Programs for Building Materials
News Analysis
LEED now gives credit for products with extended producer responsibility, or EPR programs, but so far these rarely extend beyond batteries and carpet.
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Is That Drywall "Just"? New Label Aims for Social Equity
News Analysis
Building product manufacturers and other organizations can now declare their performance on metrics like worker safety, diversity, and happiness.
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Passivhaus Windows, Made in the U.S.A.
News Analysis
