Material Transparency
Material transparency allows building professionals to research hidden product impacts like embodied carbon, toxic ingredients or byproducts, and social responsibility in the supply chain.
Manufacturers may release many types of documents in order to facilitate transparency. These include:
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Environmental product declarations (EPDs), which show the environmental impacts of producing and disposing of a product
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Health product declarations (HPDs), which disclose ingredients and their toxicity profiles
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Corporate sustainability reports, which look at the overall environmental impacts of a whole company
Material Transparency
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Architects Push for Clearer EPDs with 2030 Challenge
News Analysis
Input from practitioners is needed, says Architecture 2030, to develop a more readable format for life-cycle data and environmental product declarations.
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Product Watchdogs Pledge Standardized Ingredient Reporting Platform
News Brief
A promised database funded by Google.org and USGBC aims to end marketplace confusion and lower the cost of ingredient disclosure.
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Environmental Data for Window Glass Coming
News Brief
A product category rule for flat glass used in glazing will standardize life-cycle assessments for the industry and lead to EPDs.
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New EHS Transparency Tool Based on Cradle to Cradle Program
News Analysis
A new way to report product ingredients, the Environmental and Health Statement, puts yet another spin on transparency.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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