Specs
Composite Wood
DID YOU KNOW: Wood is generally viewed as “green,” however, composite wood often contains formaldehyde when bonded together with glue or adhesive.
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Standards
Green Seal 11
DID YOU KNOW: Green Seal 11 is a leading standard certifying that a paint, coating, stain, or sealer is a safe option for human health and the environment.
Specs
Sealants
DID YOU KNOW: Sealants are commonly used to protect porous surfaces like wood or natural stone from damage caused by liquid and stains. However, some sealants contain harmful chemicals that can have negative health effects and harm the environment.
Specs
Carpeting
DID YOU KNOW: Carpet is a common flooring material, but a recent study ranked carpet as the most negatively impactful flooring type because of its short service life compared to other flooring.1 When looking at materials, it is important to consider the full life cycle of a product.
Specs
Water proofing + Damp proofing
DID YOU KNOW: Bentonite sheet membranes can be healthier alternatives for waterproofing strategies.
Standards
South Coast Air Quality Management District
DID YOU KNOW:
There are certain standards we can utilize in specs to ensure healthier environments. While the state of California has a leader in enforcing and creating standards, we can all reference and include their regulations as a baseline for healthier projects.
Standards
ILFI Red List
DID YOU KNOW: As concern for material safety rises, many organizations have created materials lists, databases, and resources to equip the industry to make better, more informed choices.
Specs
Resilient Flooring
DID YOU KNOW: Resilient flooring can be a bit of a misnomer because some products within this category have a low service life and present material health hazards.
Featured Tool
Materials Action Packet
WHAT IT IS: This packet documents tools and thought processes that can help inform better material design choices.
Standards
Green Squared
DID YOU KNOW: In 2021, 3.11 billion square feet of ceramic tile was installed in the United States.
Specs
PVC Pipes
DID YOU KNOW: Plastic pipe is a key component of residential plumbing systems. Up to 70% of homes in the US contain plastic pipe.
Specs
Joint Sealants
DID YOU KNOW: Joint sealants are popular building products that play an important role in a building’s weather-resistance and energy efficiency.
Featured Products
Interface – Embodied Beauty
DID YOU KNOW: The Embodied Beauty carpet collection by Interface is CRI Green Label Plus certified and uses recycled, nylon yarns.
Standards
CRI Green Label Plus
DID YOU KNOW: CRI Green Label Plus is a voluntary industry program for carpets, adhesives, and cushions with the mission to lower VOC emissions.
Standards
CAL Green Code
DID YOU KNOW: CALGreen is the first mandatory green building code in the nation.
Featured Products
Cascadia Universal Series™ Windows
DID YOU KNOW: Universal Series™ windows feature up to 250% improved thermal performance compared to traditional aluminum windows.
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