In a previous article, we exposed how some companies use false certifications to promote products as sustainable. The reason that companies jump on the certification bandwagon is to take advantage of the many verified certifications that products carry in today's marketplace. In this article we'll arm you with a quality starter list. This list should not be considered all inclusive so we'll also provide some strategies for sniffing out the "Real McCoys" among all those green certification labels.
EcoLogoCM is the oldest and most well known environmental standard in North America. A product bearing this label has been found to meet the highest of environmental leadership
standards. EcoLogoCM certified products range from building materials and household cleaners to office equipment and hotels. This certification body has developed several standards to cover different product types. EcoLogoCM is a very transparent organization, making all of its standards and certified products available for viewing on their website (http://www.ecologo.org/en/). From consumers to companies looking to buy green, you can't go wrong to start with products carrying the EcoLogoCM logo.
Green Seal®, like EcoLogoCM, is a multi-standard certification body that serves a range of product types encompassing anything from coffee filters to architectural doors and windows. Like EcoLogoCM, Green Seal uses a scientific method to evaluate and analyze products and services to determine their environmental impacts. Green Seal® is a transparent organization that openly shares their standards, their clients and the products that they have certified. This is another good place to start if you are looking to buy green for your home, your family or your company.
Energy Star is a certification program created by the US Department of Energy (USDOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Energy Star program focuses on energy efficiency and certifies a variety of products ranging from small electronics to large appliances. The Energy Star logo is awarded to products that achieve equal or higher performance levels than other products in the same category while using less energy. While there is only one level of certification for Energy Star, you can research the certified products through the website (http://www.energystar.gov) to find those products which perform the best in each category.
The following certification standards that deal with more narrowly defined product categories.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has created the most reputable and sought after forest management certification in the world. Through independent, accredited bodies, the FSC offers three levels of certification. These certifications start with ensuring that forest products are harvested in sustainable ways. Beyond harvesting, further certifications deal with how these forest products are manufactured and brought to the consumer. FSC certified products range from dimensional lumber to furniture and office paper.
Green-e certifies renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation programs across the country. Formed in only 2007, Green-e is the leader in certification and verification of such programs. For a company to gain Green-e certification, they must be able to verify that they produce a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable resources. Green-e's website provides a searchable database of all the companies that have attained Green-e certification. Check it out to see if there is a certified provider in your area.
Greenguard® is a certification program focusing on indoor air quality. Products including finishes, building materials, electronics, cleaning supplies and furnishings are included in the standard. Greenguard® certification is awarded to products that achieve low levels of chemical and particle emissions as defined by each standard. As with most green certifications, the standards that make up Greenguard® are transparent and can be found, along with a searchable database, on the organizations website (http://www.greenguard.org)
EPEAT® is a certification program focusing on electronics, specifically computers. At the present time EPEAT® certifies laptops, desktops, workstations and computer monitors. The certification is two tiered, with requirements for certification and optional criteria for bronze, silver and gold certifications. Criteria range from energy efficiencies and longevity to reduction of hazardous materials and end of life management. All the criteria are published and constantly reevaluated. A list of products that are currently EPEAT® certified can be found at their website (http://www.epeat.net/default.aspx).
Green Label Plus® is the newest iteration of The Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) testing program to certify carpets, cushions and adhesives with the lowest emissions. Green Label Plus® is the top tier of certification handed out by CRI with Green Label® being the standard environmental certification. Carpets, cushions and adhesives are independently tested for emissions of at least 13 different compounds which include several VOCs. Green Label Plus® has become the standard for most projects seeking green certification when carpeting is needed. More information about the standard is available on their website (http://www.carpet-rug.org/index.cfm).
There are many more verifiable certifications so there may well be on e that applies to whatever project you are working on. If you have concerns about the labels and certifications you see, take a look at some websites that list certifications and labels to help you decipher what the certification is. One example we like is EcoLabelling.org (http://ecolabelling.org) as it lists the bad ones along with thegood. If you want to learn more about green products, green certifications and how to create a green home, please join our community at Green3dHome.com.