So far this year, there are two “buzz” terms which continue to dominate conversations about green building materials—sustainable product certifications and environmental product declarations (EPDs).

So, what do these terms mean? Typically, mention of a sustainable product certification is in reference to a product which has a Type 1 environmental label, meaning that it has been verified by a 3rd party to meet a multi-attribute sustainability standard. A product with an EPD is one which has a Type 3 label, meaning that its environmental impacts are documented and published in a standardized reporting format. Simply put, Type 1 labeling is based on environmental performance requirements, and Type 3 labeling is based on environmental reporting requirements.

Both Type 1 and Type 3 labels are being referred to on a regular basis as material criteria evolve within green building standards and rating systems. In fact, the latest version of NAHB’s National Green Building Standard (ICC 700-2012), released this past January, awards points for using products with Type 1 labels. It is likely that future versions of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) will award points for the use of products with Type 1 and Type 3 labels. Additionally, initiatives are underway to place more of an emphasis on these types of labels in other major standards and rating systems, including the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings (ASHRAE 189.1), and many others.

What does this mean for tile? Green Squared^®, our industry’s Type 1 labeling program, is in full swing with thousands of certified products already available in the marketplace. Furthermore, efforts are in place to raise awareness and establish options for Type 3 labeling. Much more information on these efforts is available in the latest TCNA Tile Initiative brochure. Additionally, an in-depth standards reference guide, which includes the many ways tile can contribute towards points in green building projects, is included in the latest Tile the Natural Choice brochure. Be on the lookout for both of these publications which are available with the 2013 TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation.