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GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 2211 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.

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The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute

Media Kit

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is third-party organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM, the largest industry-independent certification program for low-emitting products. The program establishes standards for test methods, allowable emissions levels, product sample collection and handling, testing type and frequency and program application processes and acceptance. GEIs mission is to improve human health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air quality. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. GEI was founded by Air Quality Sciences, Inc, (AQS) an expert indoor air quality firm, in June 2001 to establish an independent third-party product certification program based on proven emissions standards and verification processes. The first GREENGUARD Certification was awarded in the fall of 2002. The GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification Program is for lowemitting interior building materials, furnishings and finish systems. The GREENGUARD Certification Program uses performance-based, field-validated standards to define products and materials with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoors. GREENGUARD requires products to be tested on an annual basis for more than 10,000 individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The GREENGUARD Certification mark helps architects, builders, designers and specifiers identify products and materials that undergo rigorous testing and meet stringent standards for chemical emissions. Currently, more than 225 manufacturers voluntarily participate in the program and more than 200,000 products are represented in the GREENGUARD Certification Program and can be found in our free online product guide at www.greenguard.org. In 2005, GEI developed a new standard and product certification for lowemitting building materials, furnishings and finish systems used in daycare, K-12 and healthcare facilities. An extension to the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification Program, the GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification Program was developed by evaluating the chemical sensitivities of children and the unique building characteristics of schools, and presents the most stringent product emissions criteria to date. Products certified under GREENGUARD Children & Schools meet the testing and performance criteria of CA DHS (Section 01350), and are specified in the USGBCs LEED Rating Systems, the CHPS Best Practices Manual and the Green Guide for Healthcare as criteria for low-emitting materials. GREENGUARD Children & Schools follows the State of Californias Department of Health Services Standard Practice (CA Section 01350) for testing chemical emissions from building products used in schools and office buildings. In 2006, GEI introduced GREENGUARD Building ConstructionSM, a mold risk reduction program that for the first time certifies new constructed multi-family and commercial properties that follow best practice guidelines for preventing moisture and mold during the design, construction and ongoing operations of the building. In this program buildings undergo comprehensive evaluations and incorporate a series of steps for preventing moisture and fungal growth. Builders, developers and owners work closely with authorized building consultants to implement these guidelines in order to help inhibit indoor mold growth. The verification protocol that incorporates these principles is ANSI approved.
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

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GREENGUARD Certifications General Overview

How to Keep the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified Mark on Products GREENGUARD Certified products are retested on an annual basis and critical components of the products undergo monitoring tests every quarter. In addition, the manufacturer must notify GEI about changes in suppliers, materials and manufacturing processes. Regular retesting and monitoring is very important, because a products emissions are affected by many factors. Just a small change in raw material or a manufacturing process can turn a formerly low-emitting product into a potential health hazard. Often the manufacturer is not even aware of changes a supplier made. Regular retesting is the only sure way to determine whether or not a product is low emitting. GREENGUARD Certified Products Help Create Good Indoor Air Quality Many factors contribute to indoor air pollution. The major ones are high-emitting materials and products, insufficient ventilation, poor building maintenance and construction processes. Indoor air quality issues caused by faulty building operation or construction processes need to be addressed through education and better building management. One of the most effective ways to battle indoor air pollution is to reduce it at the source. By using low-emitting GREENGUARD Certified products and materials, one can lower the amount of indoor air pollutants to a fraction of the current levels.

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Tips for Improving IAQ

Here are some general tips for improving your homes indoor air quality and reducing your exposure to VOCs.

The best way to reduce your exposure to VOCs is by reducing products in your home and workplace that contain VOCs. Try to find safer substitutes. When buying paints and stains, look for labels that describe a "low-emitting formula". It is important to note that many products are labeled for VOC content (e.g. "Formaldehyde-Free" or "Low-VOC"). Content is not an appropriate indicator of what emits off of the product. Be sure to always have adequate ventilation. Purchase and use building materials and furnishings, including furniture, that have been certified by a reputable third-party, independent source to emit low levels of VOCs. Testing should indicate that products meet acceptable indoor air quality standards. Use water-based cleaners that are biodegradable; avoid ones that say "danger," "caution" or "flammable." Use non-fragranced cleaners or polishes you rub on rather than spray. Often cloths damped with water work well to control dust. Dispose of partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely. Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. Products containing VOCs should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a secure and well-ventilated area. Never store opened pesticide, paint or other chemicals in containers indoors or in air handling rooms of commercial buildings. Air out newly manufactured homes and buildings or newly renovated or furnished areas with fresh, clean outdoor air for a minimum of one week or until the new odors dissipate. Avoid products with long-lasting odors. Place photocopy machines, printers and photographic development in rooms with special ventilation systems so that chemicals that may be release will be exhausted out of the building and not recalculated. Use high efficiency (HEPA) vacuum cleaners only. Fix all water leaks immediately and keep indoor humidity at 60% relative humidity or less. Use dehumidifiers if necessary.

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc.

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Tips for Improving IAQ

Remove all mold contaminated porous materials such as wallboard, insulation or ceiling tile. Do not attempt to clean or decontaminate. Avoid the use of pesticides or fungicides. Consider removing your shoes when entering the home from the outside.

Good indoor air quality is important in creating and maintaining a healthy home. For more information on indoor air quality visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) or American Lung Association websites.

2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc.

Basic Facts about Indoor Air Quality


General IAQ Workers in developed countries spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor air is typically 2-5 times more polluted, and can be as much as 100 times more, than outside air. According to The World Health Report 2002 indoor air pollution is responsible for 2.7% of the global burden of disease. Health risks associated with poor indoor air quality include asthma, cancer, reproductive and developmental problems. U.S. companies could increase worker productivity by close to $200 billion annually by creating offices with better indoor air. The average household of four adds between 3 and 6 gallons of water to the indoor air in a day. One of every 15 homes in the U.S. has radon levels above the US Environmental Protection Agencys (USEPA) recommended action level. Sick Building Syndrome An USEPA report found that illness and lost productivity due to indoor air pollution, commonly called "sick building syndrome" (SBS), costs businesses $60 billion annually. Occupants suffering from SBS complain of eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue and sensitivity to odors. Ventilation systems are a primary cause of the majority of SBS problems. Health Effects Associated With IAQ Allergies, which affect about 20% of the population, affect approximately 40 million Americans. Asthma, a debilitating condition, is worsened by indoor air pollution. Asthma has increased 160% in the past 15 years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 300 million people suffer from asthma and 255,000 people died from asthma in 2005. WHO estimates that asthma is the most common chronic disease among children asthma deaths will increase by almost 20% in the next 10 years. Building Related Illnesses (BRI) include sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, humidifier fever, dermatitis, Legionnaires' disease, and Pontiac Fever. An estimated 1,500 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Legionnaires' disease affects 10,000 to 15,000 people each year. ETS (second-hand smoke) causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking Americans each year. Toxins from indoor mold and bacteria can result in effects ranging from short-term irritation to immunosuppression to cancer. Smoking is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States today. Numerous indoor contaminants are carcinogens (i.e. benzene, radon, certain pesticides, chlorinated solvents, and aldehydes).

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org
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The GREENGUARD ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM


The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has developed educational courses to raise awareness among design/specifying professionals about indoor air quality and to build value for the GREENGUARD mark. GEI offers five, one-hour Continuing Education Units (CEU) that manufacturers of GREENGUARD Certified products have the opportunity to bring to their customers/clients. It is an excellent vehicle to gain and maintain a presence with key product specifiers and buying influencers. All courses are Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) and Sustainable Design (SD) accredited. Healthy Indoor Air by Design Health, Safety & Welfare Credits: AIA (1LU), IDCEC (0.1 CEU), CSI (1-ECH), USGBC This basic level course is designed to communicate the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and empower architects, designers and specifiers to employ strategies to improve the IAQ in the spaces they are creating. The course includes background on the impact of indoor air pollution on human health and economics. Participants will learn to identify sources of indoor air pollutants, illustrated by several case studies that highlight the effects of controlling, versus not controlling, IAQ at the design phase of building construction. Emphasis also will be placed on how participants can incorporate good IAQ principles into sustainable building projects. Making the Grade: Healthy Schools Nurturing Healthy Kids Health, Safety & Welfare Credits: AIA (1LU), IDCEC (0.1 CEU), USGBC This intermediate level educational program will help designers and building maintenance teams create and maintain K-12 schools that strive for an enhanced indoor environmental quality, as it is fundamental to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of children, faculty and staff. At the end of this one-hour program, participants will understand the health risks and sources of indoor air pollution in K-12 facilities. They will discover strategies for creating healthy educational environments, as well as explore the cost and financial benefits associated with enhanced indoor air quality. This course will also identify helpful resources that aid in the design and maintenance of an educational space seeking a positive indoor environment. Clearing the Air on Sustainability: Why Good Indoor Air Quality Matters Health, Safety & Welfare Credits: AIA (1LU), IDCEC (0.1 CEU), USGBC This course identifies overarching aspects of Sustainability and how sustainable design works to integrate societal, economic and environmental goals for the benefit of all. Discussion of how synergies can be created by implementation of these elements resulting in improved health, lower energy consumption, productivity increases, and decreased building maintenance costs is covered, with special emphasis on good indoor air quality (IAQ) and improved health, as this is one aspect of sustainable design that has the biggest impact on user comfort and the financial success and life expectancy of the built environment. First, second and third-party certifications are discussed, specifically the resources they provide to design and construction professionals as contrasted with greenwashing tactics. Cost analysis studies are also provided to identify average green building premiums and long-term cost benefits. Course conclusion highlights the overall progress of sustainable design. Design to Prevent the Damaging Effects of Mold Health Safety & Welfare Credits: AIA (1LU), CSI (1-ECH) This basic level course outlines the role of the architect in preventing mold in their projects. The participants will gain understanding of the impact mold has on building integrity and materials; quantify the financial impact of mold; and discuss its effects on human health. The course will explore the sources of moisture intrusion, and will detail preventive strategies to minimize moisture intrusion throughout the design, construction and operations and maintenance of a building.

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc.

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Indoor Air Quality and Healing Environments Health, Safety & Welfare Credits: AIA (1LU), IDCEC (0.1 CEU), USGBC This program covers issues affecting the future of healthcare as well as current issues such as chemical and biological hazards, special ventilation requirements, and indoor air quality (IAQ). Further the impact of these factors on sustainable building practices of healthcare and healing environments is discussed. This course explores the impact of IAQ by focusing on effective design strategies from project concept through construction including operations and maintenance. This program also identifies building construction resources for creating high performance healthcare buildings of various types. Case studies are included for greater understanding.

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM Face-to-Face CEU Courses Delivered by GEI Staff - Members of the manufacturers sales team can utilize this key resource as they call on architects, designers and other buying influencers. Courses Face-to-Face* Healthy Indoor Air Quality By Design, Clearing the Air on Sustainability, Why Good IAQ Matters, Making the Grade: Healthy Schools Nurturing Healthy Kids, Designing to Prevent the Damaging Effects of Mold, Indoor Air Quality and Healing Environments Format In-Person CEU Presentation to specifiers/firm/organization by GEI Staff Presenter and or sponsored by a GREENGUARD Participating Manufacturer Cost Travel: Hotel and Airfare Includes: Electronic delivery of Certificate of completion for each attendee *

* The certificates are important for state credit reporting and organizational auditing.

TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM The Train-the-Trainer Program is a one-day intensive session that will produce educators qualified to present the GREENGUARD IAQ Continuing Education Program, Healthy Indoor Air Quality By Design or Making the Grade: Healthy Schools Nurturing Healthy Kids to product buying influencers throughout the country. Each participant to the Train the Trainer Program receives a comprehensive training manual, hands on learning, and all of the support tools necessary to effectively educate the marketplace. GEI will continue to manage the administrative tasks such as reporting credits, producing certificates and keeping the program active/approved by the various trade organizations such as AIA, CSI, ASID, IIDA, and USGBC etc. Open Train the Trainer sessions are held in Atlanta. Manufacturers may also request an On-site program. All Atlanta Sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include a tour of the test laboratories at Air Quality Sciences. There is also a networking dinner offered on the night before each training session. Dates for 2010 are:

March 18, May 20, July 22 and Oct 21.


EXPANDED TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM: GEI offers expanded training on any of our other CEU courses via webinar format for manufacturers representatives who have been trained on either Healthy Indoor Air Quality by Design or Making the Grade: Healthy Schools Nurturing Healthy Kids. These training sessions are offered on an as needed basis or by request for groups. Courses included in this group emphasize IAQ issues in areas such as Healthcare, Residential and Building Construction market segments. GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org
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TRAIN THE TRAINER COST STRUCTURE: The following chart provides a basic outline of the GREENGUARD IAQ Continuing Education Program offering and cost structure. Courses Format Cost Train-the-Trainer Atlanta Healthy Indoor Air Quality By Design or Making the Grade: Healthy Schools Nurturing Healthy Kids Train-the-Trainer On-Site Healthy Indoor Air Quality By Design or Making the Grade: Healthy Schools Nurturing Healthy Kids Expanded Trainer Courses Other courses not referenced above listed on pages 1 and 2 of this form In-Person training for GREENGUARD Participating Manufacturers staff/sales team by GEI Staff Trainer in Atlanta Participant: $250 Includes: Training manual, networking dinner, training day lunch, and laboratory tour

In-Person training for GREENGUARD Participating Manufacturers staff/sales team by GEI Staff Trainer at customer site or a dedicated session in Atlanta

GEI Staff Trainer: $1,300 flat rate + airfare and hotel Training Manual: included

Webinar Format; PC required Offered only to existing trainers

$25 per participant

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc.

2008.11.001

Achieving LEED 2009 Points


With GREENGUARD Certified Products

GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified products are recognized as criteria for several different TM points in the USGBCs LEED 2009 Green Building Rating System . Low-emitting products that qualify SM for GREENGUARD Certification or GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification can be used in a number of ways to qualify for LEED points. These products are listed in the GREENGUARD Product SM Guide at www.greenguard.org. The following indicates how GREENGUARD Certified products can be used to achieve LEED 2009 points.

LEED for Commercial Interiors


EQ Credit 4.1 - Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives and Sealants (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.3 - Low-Emitting Materials: Flooring Systems (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.5 - Low-Emitting Materials: Systems Furniture and Seating SS Credit 1: Option L - Other Quantifiable Environmental Performance - LowEmitting Materials, Insulation (Children & Schools) or Innovation in Design Credit - Low-Emitting Materials, Insulation (Children & Schools) Innovation in Design Credit - Low-Emitting Materials, Paints and Coatings (Children & Schools)

LEED for New Construction/Core & Shell


EQ Credit 4.1 - Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives and Sealants (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.3 - Low-Emitting Materials: Flooring Systems (Children & Schools) Innovation in Design Credit - Low-emitting furniture can be applied toward an innovations credit following the criteria for LEED-CI EQ Credit 4.5 (administrative credit ruling AD00, date 1/23/03). Innovation in Design Credit - Low-Emitting Materials, Paints and Coatings (Children & Schools) Innovation in Design Credit - Low-Emitting Materials, Insulation (Children & Schools)

LEED for Existing Building


EQ Credit 3.3: Green Cleaning: Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products & Materials (Children & Schools) Innovation in Design Credit - Low-emitting furniture can be applied toward an innovations credit following the criteria for LEED-CI EQ Credit 4.5 (administrative credit ruling AD00, date 1/23/03). Innovation in Design Credit - Low-Emitting Materials, Insulation (Children & Schools)

LEED for Schools


GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

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Achieving LEED 2009 Points with GREENGUARD Certified Products

EQ Credit 4 - Low-Emitting Materials (Children & Schools)


Option 1 - Adhesives & Sealants Option 2 - Paints & Coatings Option 3 - Flooring Systems Option 4 - Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products Option 5 - Furniture & Furnishings Option 6 - Ceiling and Wall Systems

EQ Credit 10 - Mold Prevention (GREENGUARD for Building Construction) Innovation in Design Credit - Low-Emitting Materials, Insulation (Children & Schools)

LEED Canada for Commercial Interiors


EQ Credit 4.5 - Low-Emitting Materials: System Furniture & Seating

LEED for Homes


MR Credit 2.2 - Environmentally Preferable Products (Children & Schools) Insulation MR Credit 2.2 - Environmentally Preferable Products (Children & Schools) Floors

LEED Retail for Commercial Interiors/New Construction


EQ Credit 4 - Low-Emitting Materials (Children & Schools)

Option A - Adhesives & Sealants Option B - Paints & Coatings Option C - Flooring Systems Option D - Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products Option E - Furniture & Furnishings Option F - Ceiling and Wall Systems

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org 2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc. 2008.11.006

Beyond LEED: Green Building Credits, Reference Standards & Specifications


GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified products are recognized as criteria for several different green building programs. Low-emitting products that qualify for GREENGUARD Certification or GREENGUARD Children & Schoolssm Certification can be used in a number of ways to qualify for points, and are listed in the GREENGUARD Product GuideSM at www.greenguard.org. The following programs are highlighted to demonstrate some of the ways that GREENGUARD Certified products can be used to achieve points. CHPS Best Practices Manual Volume III The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) is recognized as a pioneer in developing sustainable guidelines and a building rating program for schools. Variations of the CHPS program is used in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington. Building products and materials certified under GREENGUARD Children & Schools contribute credits toward earning CHPS recognition. EQ Credit 2.2 Low-Emitting Materials (Children & Schools)

Green Globes Large developers and property management companies throughout Canada and the United States utilize Green Globes assessment and rating systems. 12.2.1 Source Control of Indoor Pollutants Volatile Organic Compounds (Children & Schools)

12.2.1 A Adhesives: Architectural, Substrates, Specialty, Sealants 12.2.1 B Paints: Latex Flat, Latex Non-flat, Floor Coverings, Insulations, Laminates, Hard Surfaces, Wallcoverings 12.2.1 C Floors and Interior Fit-Outs

NAHB National Green Building Standard (ICC 700-2008) An ANSI Standard that is utilized as a residential building code for sustainable building: 901.6 Hard Surface Flooring (Children & Schools) 901.7 Wall Coverings (Children & Schools) 901.8.2 Architectural Coatings (Children & Schools) 901.9 Adhesives and Sealants (Children & Schools) 901.11 Insulation (Children & Schools)

Green Guide for Health Care 2.2 An industry-recognized rating system that is being used as a foundational document for developing LEED-NC for Healthcare. EP Credit 3.1-3.5 Ceiling Tiles (Children & Schools) EP Credit 3.1-3.5 Wall Coverings (Children & Schools) EP Credit 3.1-3.5 Flooring Systems (Children & Schools)
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc.

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Beyond LEED: Green Building Credits, Reference Standards & Specifications


EP Credit 3.6 Furniture & Medical Furnishings (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.1 Interior Adhesives & Sealants (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.2 Wall & Ceiling Finishes (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.3 Flooring Systems (Children & Schools) EQ Credit 4.5 Furniture & Medical Furnishings (Children & Schools)

Green Seal Environmental Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37) Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization that develops criteria for different industries to help promote the manufacture, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services. Product-Specific Health and Environmental Requirements 4.10.2 Chamber Testing (Children & Schools)

GREENGUARD Certification is referenced in: American Lung Association Health House Builder Guidelines Association for Retail Environments Green Purchasing California Council for Interior Design Certification Canada Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System City of Aspen and Pitkin County City of Austin City of Boston Environment Department Guidelines for High Performance Buildings and Sustainable Development City of Portland's G/Rated Tenant Improvement Guide City of Santa Monica Green Building Materials Selection and Specification Guide Green LA Coalition Environmentally Preferable Purchasing National Association of Counties Procurement Policies National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Model Green Home Building Guidelines New York City Department of Design and Construction Office of Sustainable Design Specifications San Francisco Practical Tools for Green Building Design & Analysis (Seattle) King County Online Resources for Built Green Projects U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System United States Federal Facilities Environmental Stewardship & Compliance Assistance Center United States General Services Administration Building Specifications

2009-2011 GG Publications, Inc.

GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified Products

People expect good indoor air qualitysustainability requires itand GREENGUARD Certification assures it.

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Our Commitment to Clean Air.


The GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified mark assures you that products used to construct, furnish, decorate and maintain your buildings meet some of the most stringent and proven public health standards in the world. The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), a highly respected resource on indoor air quality, established the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM in 2001. As an industry-independent, non-profit organization, GEI develops rigorous, consensus-based standards for indoor air quality (IAQ) following globally recognized scientific methods. Decades of experience led to establishing the GREENGUARD product certification programs. These programs apply strict chemical emissions standards to ensure the acceptability of products for use indoors. Only products achieving these high standards are approved to bear the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified mark. Our commitment to improve public health by improving indoor air quality is further enhanced through periodic testing of the certified products to verify their continuing acceptable performance. Architects, builders and interior designers agree that products carrying the GREENGUARD Certification mark help achieve clean air in our schools, homes, offices, hospitals, libraries, sports arenas and other public facilities. Not only does clean indoor air improve occupant health and productivity in these buildings, but GREENGUARD Certified products also enhance the buildings value and long-term performance.

AHHH, THE GREAT INDOORS

SM

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Products That Keep Pollutants Out.


The chemicals causing indoor air pollution are far too many to list here. The GREENGUARD Certification programs test for more than 2,000 individual chemicals that can cause headaches and dizziness, trigger asthma and allergies and, over the long term, may cause reproductive and developmental problems, neurological disorders, heart disease and cancer. Manufacturers who are concerned about sustainabilityand the requirements of todays energy-efficient buildingsturn to GREENGUARD Certification for independent verification to ensure their products meet the highest standards. In fact, the GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification Program takes into account the added sensitivity of children and adults with special needs.This standard requires that products meet even more strict emissions limits of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, phthalates and fine respirable particles. When products or materials do not meet GREENGUARD Certification standards, the Institutes experts provide practical recommendations for alternative non-toxic materials and production process improvements to reduce product emissions. Corporate commitment leads to a transformation of the product to earn the GREENGUARD Certification.

GREENGUARD: A Leader in Sustainable Living.


Each day more people worldwide embrace sustainable living principles, including improved indoor air quality. The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute led this initiative and has earned recognition by the nations top sustainability organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Major media sources like The Wall Street Journal and NBCs Today Show frequently feature GREENGUARD Certification programs as do many other trade and consumer publications. (Some of these organizations and media outlets are listed on the back cover.)

Indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.


In addition, numerous global, federal, state and local authorities recognize the value and specify GREENGUARD Certified products in their green building codes and purchase specifications. It is easy to find the certified products. They are available in retail stores, catalogs and commercial distribution channels. For the most comprehensive list of low-emitting products and materials, see the GREENGUARD Product GuideSM online at www.greenguard.org. Access to the Guide is available at no charge.

People in developed countries spend up to 90% of their time indoors.

Indoor air quality is one of the major issues facing the sustainability community, and GREENGUARD is at the forefront of protecting indoor environments.
S. Richard Fedrizzi CEO & Founding Chairman U.S. Green Building Council
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GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified products are recognized and specified by the nations leading environmental organizations, including:
U.S. Green Building Councils (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System Green Guide for Health Care Californias Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Model Green Home Building Guidelines Green Globes REGREEN Green Seal

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute has been featured in reporting by major media sources and green publications, including:
The Wall Street Journal Chicago Tribune The Miami Herald The Washington Post Newsweek NBCs Today Show Interiors & Sources Environmental Design + Construction Maintenance Solutions School Planning & Management Architectural Record Contract Magazine Todays Facility Manager San Francisco Chronicle eco-structure FloorBiz Green Daily GreenGreenerGreenest The Green IT Review The Green Parent Green Technology World Design Quarterly Green Living Ideas Insulation Outlook The Lazy Environmentalist Sundance Channel Better Homes and Gardens

2211 Newmarket Pkwy, Ste 110 Marietta, GA 30067 Main 800.427.9681 Fax 770.980.0072 www.greenguard.org

2008 GG Publications, Inc.

Printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper.

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GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 2211 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org

For more information please contact


Henning Bloech Executive Director hbloech@greenguard.org 678.444.4040

Susan Heil Director of Marketing sheil@greenguard.org 678.444.4065

www.greenguard.org

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