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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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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.
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
2008.11.009
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.
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org
2009-011 GG Publications, Inc.
2008.11.023
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org
2008.11.001
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:
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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
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 1122 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, Georgia 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org
2008.11.001
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.
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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)
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
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
2008.11.016
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
People expect good indoor air qualitysustainability requires itand GREENGUARD Certification assures it.
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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
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GREENGUARD Environmental Institute 2211 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30067 800.427.9681 www.greenguard.org
www.greenguard.org