What Constitutes a Green Building Product?

Green building is the talk of the town, especially this town (Portland, Oregon).  But what makes a given product “green”? Below is an outline of what we think you should consider when deciding if a product is green.  There are many different definitions that could be used and in addition, we believe that how the green product company conducts itself should be considered when it comes to buying these products as well.  And whenever possible, buy local.

It is virtually impossible to build a home that has zero environmental impact and in some cases there are non-green products that when used in a house can lessen environmental impacts such as conventional replacement windows that block the summer sun thus cutting down the need to use energy to cool the house. When building or remodeling a house, you must do your research and be ready to compromise in some areas in order to spend your dollars in a way that minimizes the overall impact of the house.  And not just for you but for future owners as well.  So don’t get bogged down with too many philosophical discussions, rather enjoy the process and try to learn something you can pass on to the next person who wants a healthier home environment.

Water or energy saving products

Products that reduce heating and cooling — Included are insulated concrete forms, structural insulated panels, and high-performance windows and glazing.

Equipment that conserves energy and manages loads — Appliances and lighting that reduces energy usage. 

Renewable energy and fuel cell products — Products that enable us to use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels and conventional electricity. Examples include solar water heaters, photovoltaic systems, and wind turbines.

Products that conserve water — Products such as toilets and showerheads that  meet the federal water efficiency standards.

Recycled, salvaged or waste content products

Products with post-consumer recycled content: Products made from post-consumer recycled materials thus diverting it from landfills for better waste management.

Products with pre-consumer recycled content: Pre-consumer recycling products use industrial by-products instead of material that has been in consumer use. 

Salvaged products: Products recovered from other building products and reused.

Products made from agricultural by-products: Products made from straw or other agricultural waste.

Products that conserve natural resources

Products that reduce material use: Products with resource efficiency benefits that they make possible.

Products with exceptional durability or low maintenance requirements: Products that are environmentally friendly because they need to be replaced less frequently, or their maintenance has very little impact. 

Certified wood products: Certification, based on standards developed by the Forest Stewardship Council ensuring that wood products come from well-managed forests.  

Rapidly renewable products: Rapidly renewable materials have shorter harvest rotation than typical wood. They are biodegradable, often low in VOC emissions, and generally produced from agricultural crops.

Products that make healthy environments

Products that don’t release significant pollutants: Products such as zero or low VOC paints, adhesives, as well as non-formaldehyde manufactured wood products.

Products that remove indoor pollutants: Filters, ventilation products, and other equipment and devices that help to remove pollutants or introduce fresh air.  

Products that limit indoor contaminants: Products that prevent the generation or introduction of pollutants such as mold.  

Natural or minimally processed products: These can include wood products, agricultural plant products, and mineral products such as natural stone and slate shingles.

Products that reduce or eliminate pesticide treatments: Products such as physical termite barriers or borate-treated building products that eliminate the need for broad-based pesticide application.  

Products that reduce storm water pollution: Porous paving products and green roofs result in less storm water runoff and thereby reduce surface water pollution.

Warning devices for health hazards: Products such as carbon monoxide detectors and lead paint test kits fall in this category.

Products that increase natural light: Products that bring natural daylight into a building, including tubular skylights are said to improve health.

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