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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Resource Directory
We're breaking down dense data and research into quick, informative reads - ready to apply to your next project!
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.
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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.
Specs
Windows
DID YOU KNOW: Choosing the most appropriate window for its purpose and location involves understanding each of its components.
Specs
What’s wrong with LVT?
DID YOU KNOW: There are 14 billion pounds of vinyl flooring manufactured in the United States each year…
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HBN HomeFree Product Guides
WHAT IT IS: HBN’s building product guidance uses a red-to-green ranking system to compare material types.
Specs
Laminates
DID YOU KNOW: Plastic Laminate (known as P-Lam) is a common countertop and cabinet material.
Specs
Artificial Turf
DID YOU KNOW: Artificial turf is a ground surface made to function like and appear like grass. Although originally used for athletic fields, turf expanded its market to residential and commercial properties…
Specs
Vapor Barriers
DID YOU KNOW: Improper installation resulting in mold is the leading source of health concerns when it comes to vapor barriers.
Featured Tool
Declare Product Database
WHAT IT IS: Declare is a transparency platform to disclose and discover healthy building products.
Specs
Tile Countertops
DID YOU KNOW: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are relatively low-impact and a stain/burn resistant material for a countertop installation.
Specs
Fiber Cement Cladding
DID YOU KNOW: Fiber cement is a widely used exterior cladding due to its durability, stability, flame resistance, economics, and easy maintenance.
Featured Products
Patina by American Fiber Cement Corporation
DID YOU KNOW: American Fiber Cement Corporation manufacturers fiber cement cladding products that are red-list free.
Featured Tool
Materials Pledge Starter Guide
WHAT IT IS: Strategies to carry out the commitments of the AIA Materials Pledge.
Featured Products
USG Ecosmart Type X Panels
DID YOU KNOW: Standard gypsum wallboard’s carbon footprint is magnified by the sheer number of panels sold.
Specs
Gypsum Board
DID YOU KNOW: Drywall manufacturing plants in the USA released over 3 tons of mercury into the air between 2009 and 2018.
Featured Tool
AIA Healthier Materials Protocol
WHAT IT IS: A stepwise method for setting healthier materials goals no matter the size and scope of the project.
Featured Tool
Parson’s Healthy Materials Lab Collections
WHAT IT IS: It is a directory of material categories that are healthier alternatives to typical building products.
Featured Products
Sustain Portfolio by Armstrong
DID YOU KNOW: SUSTAIN™ Portfolio, launched in 2017 by Armstrong, amasses a line of clean and simple high performing ceiling systems.
Specs
Acoustic Ceiling Tile
DID YOU KNOW: Often found in commercial spaces, acoustic ceiling tiles (ACT) are used to soften, block, and diffuse sound.
Featured Products
Versa EVO
DID YOU KNOW: The evo® PVC-free product line is constructed from an olefin composite and contains 20% recycled content.
Specs
Wallcoverings
DID YOU KNOW: Even though they are widely used, wallcoverings contain a variety of factors that pose serious health hazards.
Featured Tool
Federal Green Construction Guide For Specifiers
WHAT IT IS: A comprehensive spec guide, organized according to CSI MasterFormat™.
Specs
Carpet Tile
DID YOU KNOW: Carpet tile has increased in popularity due to its versatility and design flexibility. The tiles also allow for easy replacement as repairs can be made by section instead of the entire floor.
Featured Products
Prosoco LS Concrete Densifier
DID YOU KNOW: LS is a premium concrete flooring sealer, hardener and densifier. The increased surface hardness simplifies maintenance, producing a cleaner, healthier environment.
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