OVERVIEW
It’s easy to select a product from a catalog without thinking about where it comes from. But if you care about hidden impacts like embodied carbon, toxic ingredients or byproducts, or social responsibility in the supply chain, a lack of information from manufacturers can hinder your selection process.
We offer tips, insights, and analysis on all these issues and more. We also look at:
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the quality of the information that’s available to you
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why it’s so hard to get
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what makes it important
- and even what to do with the data once you have it
IN-DEPTH
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TSCA Reform: Chemical Regulations, at a Cost
June 23, 2016Primer
In a world where we can’t even ban asbestos, a new law revamps how the federal government regulates chemicals—but some worry it steps on the toes of progressive states.
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Chemical Risk Assessments Come to LEED v4
July 5, 2016News Analysis
A controversial pilot credit developed with the American Chemistry Council looks into toxic exposure risk from building materials for installers and occupants.
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“Product Lens” Focuses on Whether Chemicals Can Harm Us
August 4, 2016News Analysis
UL’s new take on ingredient transparency uses the Cradle to Cradle screening method while adding notes on exposure risks.
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GreenScreen Launches Certification for Textile Chemicals
May 31, 2017News Brief
The hazard assessment program jumps into the certification business to promote textile chemicals with reduced health hazards.
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Mineral Wool Batts Now Formaldehyde-Free
May 26, 2017Product Review
Thermafiber and Roxul have introduced the first formaldehyde-free mineral wool batt insulations, following the example set by the fiberglass insulation industry.
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A New Halogen-Free Polyiso Insulation from GAF
August 2, 2017Product Review
GAF now offers a full line of polyisocyanurate foam insulation that is free of toxic halogenated flame retardants.
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California Law Uses Environmental Product Declarations to Drive Low-Carbon Procurement
October 17, 2017News Analysis
Buy Clean California is the first law in the nation to address embodied carbon in construction materials.
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An Embarrassment of Riches: Products and Materials at Greenbuild 2017
November 2, 2017Blog Post
A new focus on embodied carbon and LEED v4 are driving designers to dive deep into what we choose for our buildings
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USGBC, Chemical Industry Reach Historic Compromise on Product Optimization
November 13, 2015News Analysis
Option 3 of the LEED v4 Material Ingredients credit rewards manufacturers for chemical management up the supply chain.
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The 8 Shades of Greenwash: How Many Do You Recognize?
November 25, 2014Infographic
Most building products these days have an environmental angle to their sales pitches. Many are legit, but as ever, you still have to watch for the telltale signs of greenwash—the practice of inventing or exaggerating the environmental benefits of a product.
