Other Ratings & Standards

Photo: Elekhh. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Standards and rating systems have been at the heart of the green building movement at least since U.S. energy standards for buildings (like ASHRAE 90.1) started ratcheting up following the 1970s energy crisis.

If you care about health and sustainability, you can now rely on dozens of ratings and standards for buildings as well as things in and around them, including:

  • Lab protocols for chemical emissions from finishes and furniture

  • Testing methods for durability of paints, textiles, and many other products

  • Standards for energy use, ventilation, thermal comfort, and more

  • Rating systems for schools, healthcare facilities, parking garages, landscapes, and healthy spaces

Other Ratings & Standards

Deep Dives

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Quick Takes

Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.


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  • VOC Testing: What It Can and Can’t Tell You

    Primer

    “Section 01350” has come a long way since it acquired its curious nickname. Here’s what it can tell you about indoor air quality—and what it can’t.

  • Imperfect Consensus in Green Building Standards

    Primer

    Business rivals find common ground through ANSI, ISO, and other frameworks-but the process isn't perfect.

  • Standards for Standards: ISO and ANSI

    Primer

    ISO is an international standard-setting body that offers accreditation to certifying organizations and approves standards that meet certain criteria.

  • Adaptive Thermal Comfort

    Primer

    Adaptive thermal comfort broadens our understanding of the comfort zone by accounting for human behavior and perception, and factors like amount of clothing and air movement.

Product Guidance

Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.


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In The News

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Perspective

Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.


Learning Resources

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Just For Fun

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  • Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
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