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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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Resource Directory
We're breaking down dense data and research into quick, informative reads - ready to apply to your next project!
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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
Sealants
DID YOU KNOW: 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.
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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.
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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.
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Patina by American Fiber Cement Corporation
DID YOU KNOW: American Fiber Cement Corporation manufacturers fiber cement cladding products that are red-list free.
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Materials Pledge Starter Guide
WHAT IT IS: Strategies to carry out the commitments of the AIA Materials Pledge.
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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.
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AIA Healthier Materials Protocol
WHAT IT IS: A stepwise method for setting healthier materials goals no matter the size and scope of the project.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Specs
Epoxy alternatives
DID YOU KNOW: Epoxy is too often spec’d as a catch-all coating despite the availability of less toxic and more cost effective solutions.
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Ecomedes
WHAT IT IS: Ecomedes streamlines the processes of collection, maintenance, comparison, and performance analysis for building products.
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Forbo Marmoleum
DID YOU KNOW: Marmoleum Modular tiles are made from natural raw materials harvested from annual crops…
Specs
LVT alternative – Linoleum
DID YOU KNOW: LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile is one of the most popular yet toxic flooring choices in our market. It impacts our health both during production and long-term…
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Benjamin Moore Eco Spec
DID YOU KNOW: Green Seal Certification first set standards for paints and coatings in1993 and was the first to set limits on VOCs…
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Pharos
WHAT IT IS: Pharos provides hazard, use, and exposure information on 138,018 chemicals and 180 different kinds of building products…
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Corian
DID YOU KNOW: Corian is an acrylic solid surface material whose pigments are free of heavy metals, toxic chemicals and carcinogenic ingredients…
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