Qualifications for Listing Your Products and Services on Good To Be Green
Good To Be Green is committed to offering customers the most comprehensive directory of true green building products and sustainable design services. To safeguard our solid commitment to maintaining the integrity of the green building market, we require that all listings in our products and services directories adhere to specific green building standards.
Product Requirements
Below is a general list of the green criteria for consideration for your listing on Good To Be Green. This is a general list and is to be used as a preliminary qualifier for final consideration. In some cases, further information is necessary to determine if a product qualifies.
Rapidly Renewable Products
Typically, rapidly renewable products can be harvested within 10 years or less. They are biodegradable and often (but not always) low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Sustainably Harvested Materials
Using resources or producing materials in a way and at a rate that does not result in the long-term decline of biological diversity, loss of habitat, water pollution or displacement of indigenous peoples. Preferably materials should receive certification from an independent third party.
Resource Efficient Manufacturing Process
Green products should be manufactured through processes that minimize energy consumption, produce minimal waste and reduce greenhouse gases.
Products made with Salvaged, Recycled or Agricultural Waste Content
Reusing or salvaging products instead of producing them from raw materials saves resources and energy.
Recycled products reduce waste. Of the two forms of recycled products—post-consumer and post-industrial—post consumer is preferable because it is more likely to reduce landfill waste.
Agricultural waste material is diverted from the waste stream and is usually made of leftover stems (straw) after harvesting cereal grains.
Products that Avoid Toxic Emissions
Conventional products often emit harsh chemicals such as pesticides, formaldehyde, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—an ozone-depleting chemical compound commonly used in commercial refrigeration units, air-conditioners and cleaning products—and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a plastic that creates dioxin (the most potent known carcinogen), ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride—all of which can cause severe health problems.
Using materials that emit few or no carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, irritants or VOCs is best for the health of building occupants and the environment in general.
Products that Reduce Pollution or Waste from Operations
Examples would include wastewater disposal systems, masonry fireplaces recycling bins. Alternative wastewater disposal systems reduce groundwater pollution by decomposing organic wastes or removing nutrients more effectively. Masonry fireplaces burn fuel-wood more completely with fewer emissions than conventional fireplaces and wood stoves. Recycling bins and compost systems enable occupants to reduce their solid waste generation.
Products that Reduce Stormwater pollution
Porous paving products and green (vegetated) roofing systems result in less stormwater runoff and thereby reduce water pollution. In addition, stormwater treatment systems can reduce pollutant levels in water that is released.
Fixtures & Equipment that Conserve Water
At least 20% water savings can be found by using low-flush toilets, waterless urinals and low flow showerheads.
Products that Reduce Heating and Cooling Loads
Examples include structural insulated panels (SIPs), insulated concrete forms (ICFs), autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, and high-performance operable windows and glazings.
Equipment that Conserves Energy
Energy saving products are readily available and are often certified by organizations like Energy Star®. Energy efficient products include compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), efficient appliances and heaters but they also include task lighting, occupancy sensors and products that improve daylighting.
Renewable Energy Equipment & Technology
Equipment and products such as solar water heaters, photovoltaic systems, and wind turbines enable us to use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels and conventional electricity.
Products that Block the Introduction, Development or Spread of Contaminants
Certain materials and products prevent the generation or introduction of pollutants—especially biological contaminants—into occupied spaces. Duct mastic, for example, can block the entry of mold-laden air or insulation fibers into a duct system. “Track-off” systems for entryways help to remove pollutants from the shoes of people entering. Coated ductboard—compared with standard rigid fiberglass ductboard—prevents fiber shedding and helps control mold growth.
Products that Remove Indoor Air Pollutants
Certain ventilation products, filters, radon mitigation equipment, and other devices help to remove pollutants or introduce fresh air. Because ventilation equipment is now fairly standard, only products that are particularly efficient or quiet, or that have other environmental benefits are considered green.
Products that Warn Occupants of Health Hazards in the Building
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, lead paint test kits, and other Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test kits that warn occupants of health hazards.
Certification
Products that have been certified by qualified product certification systems like Green Seal, EnergyStar or GreenGuard automatically qualify to list with Good To Be Green after verification of current certification status.
Other Requirements
The following criteria are essential components of green building products but alone are not enough to qualify a product to list in the directory.
Durability & Low Maintenance Requirements
Durable products need to be replaced less frequently. Although this factor is not enough to designate a product as being green it is a desirable feature of all green products.
Locally Available Products
Using local (within 500 miles) building materials, components, and systems reduces the negative environmental impacts of transportation.
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Service Professional Requirements
Good To Be Green is committed to offering customers the most comprehensive directory of qualified service professionals. We are the only directory to insist on qualifications for all of the companies listed in our directory. We do this because we feel that when one is searching for a "pro" they should be able to know that that "pro" actually has the experience necessary to provide the most environmentally friendly solution possible.
A company can qualify based on project experience OR based on total staff expertise.
Project Experience
The applying company must have completed two (2) nationally or locally certified green building projects. These projects will need to be presented with documentation from the USGBC, NAHB, Energy Star or your local green building program and must have been completed in the last 24 months.
Some professional service industries, such as Site Salvage/Deconstruction and a few others, are by their nature environmentally friendly. Therefore, the only requirement is that they have been in business for at least one (1) year.
Staff Experience
The applying company's staff is at least 5% LEED AP (Accredited Professional) or NAHB CBP (Certified Green Building Professional) certified.
In rare cases, individuals and sole proprietorships may qualify without a documented certification, but rather, based on one's overall experience. This is on a case-by-case basis and typically requires 10 years or more in the green building industry with several documented cases where you have been sited as an expert in your field by various leading organizations.
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