Product and Professional Service Certification Programs
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council has two types of certification, Forest Management and Chain of Custody. These certifications are issued by FSC Accredited Certification Bodies.
- Forest Management Certification – Ensures that forest products come from a managed forest.
- Chain of Custody Certification – Ensures the final product is truly made from Forest Management certified materials.
www.fscus.org
EnergyStar/EnergyStar Partner
Energy Star is a federally supported program that rates products in more than 50 categories, including HVAC systems, lighting fixtures, roofing products, windows, doors and skylights. EnergyStar relies on manufacturer-supplied data to evaluate a product's efficiency and ratings are based on energy consumption. This system does not take life cycle analysis, recycled content, or environmental impact of the manufacturing process into account. While it’s primarily focused on the residential market, EnergyStar roofing products can earn credit toward LEED certification.
www.energystar.gov
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)
An independent, third-party provider of certification, auditing and testing services, and standards. Three certifications are available.
- Environmental Single-Attribute Evaluation and Certification - Independently verifying the accuracy of environmental claims on products with regard to biodegradability, indoor air quality performance and material content.
- Environmentally Preferable Products and Services (EPP) - Considers most factors of green design, including life cycle impact, pollutant emissions and environmental impact of the manufacturing process, recycled content, cost, and energy efficiency.
- Sustainable Choice - Determines the sustainability of carpet products against six categories of criteria: Safety for Public Health and Environment, Renewable Energy and Efficiency, Material, Biobased or Recycled content, Facility or Company Based Social Responsibility, Reclamation, Sustainable Reuse and End Life Management and Innovation in Environmental Improvements.
www.scscertified.com
Carpet and Rug Institute/CRI Green Label Plus
Unique testing programs that identifies adhesives and carpets with very low VOC and toxic emissions. CRI requires that representative product samples meet scientifically established standards. All tests are performed using and independent nonprofit laboratory. The test is modeled after the California Department of Health's Section 01350 guidelines but measures 5 additional chemicals for a total of 15 chemicals of concern.
www.carpet-rug.org
Green Seal Certification
Analyzes the full environmental impact at each life cycle stage including, resource extraction, production, distribution, use, disposal or recycling. Product evaluations are performed by in-house staff following ISO 14024 standards. Focused more on a product’s impact on the outdoor environment. Evaluates energy and resource use and emissions to air, water and land. Used for evaluation of a variety of products, including paint, adhesives, compact fluorescent lamps, chillers, photovoltaic modules, windows, and window films.
www.greenseal.org
GreenGuard Environmental Institute/GreenGuard Certification
Strictly geared toward improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). GreenGuard uses an independent scientific board that establishes and maintains testing standards. Tests products for pollutant emissions ONLY (emission of VOCs, formaldehyde and other pollutants for interior products and building materials) and does not take life cycle analysis, recycled content, or the environmental impact of the manufacturing process into account. Certifies over 10,000 products, including flooring, ceiling systems, paints, coatings, adhesives, wall coverings, insulation, and office furniture. Certified products may earn credit toward LEED-Commercial Interiors rating.
www.greenguard.org
LEED Accredited Professional (AP)
Through successful completion of an exam, this program distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the sustainable integrated design and LEED certification process. There are three certifications.
- LEED for New Construction - Provides a standard for professionals participating in the design and construction of new commercial buildings.
- LEED for Commercial Interiors - Provides a standard for professionals participating in the design and construction of high performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements.
- LEED for Existing Buildings - Provides a standard for professionals participating in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings.
www.usgbc.org
Green Shield Certified
Currently the only environmenally friendly pest control certification recognized by Good To Be Green, Green Shield Certified is an independent, non-profit certification program based on integrated pest management that promotes practitioners of effective, prevention-based pest control while minimizing the use of pesticides.
- This pest prevention approach is proven to be effective while reducing pesticide use.
- Certification is available for qualified pest control companies and for buildings and other facilities where Green Shield Certified standards are met.
- Green Shield Certified gives you the confidence of third-party verification while making it convenient to provide or receive a certified pest control service.
www.greenshieldcertified.org
NAHB Certified Green Professional
This program was launched in February of 2008 by the National Association of Home Builders. the Certified Green Professional designation is another way building professionals can become educated in, and involved with green building. The designation requires 24 hours of NAHB-approved training, and additional continuing education every two years. Subjects covered in training discuss how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value, and will include strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction. The designation curriculum is based on the highly-successful Green Building for Building Professionals two-day course, and other requirements.
http://www.nahb.org/category.aspx?sectionID=1174