How Can You Tell if a Product Is Green?

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting materials for a build or remodel project. Unfortunately, there’s not always a clear-cut answer. Here are some questions to keep in mind when you’re looking for the best product for the job:

Is it salvaged or recycled?
Does it conserve natural resources?
Does it reduce environmental impacts during construction, demolition or renovation?
Does it save energy or water?
Does it contribute to a safe, healthy, indoor environment?

The answers, of course, depend on your clients’ priorities.

Here are some resources we recommend to help you make the best decisions for your clients:

Building Green’s 12 Product Rules
This consumer-friendly infographic introduces 12 useful guidelines for selecting green building materials.
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Pharos CompAIR
The CompAIR volatile ingredients calculator helps users identify building products that release less chemicals into the air.
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Athena Institute’s Impact Estimator
The only free software tool designed to evaluate whole buildings and assemblies based on internationally recognized life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.
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BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability)
Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, this software allows users to select cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products.
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GreenPoint Rated Product Directory
Listed products meet GreenPoint Rated criteria for energy efficiency, resource conservation, water conservation, or indoor environmental quality.
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