DI Library: Products, Materials and Certifications: Evaluating Products & Materials

Evaluating Products

There are many factors to consider when evaluating products. The following resources will help guide you through the process and avoid greenwashing. Another smart strategy is to choose materials and products that have been independently verified to meet certain sustainability requirements.

What Makes a Product Green? | BuildingGreen
This in-depth article from BuildingGreen provides an excellent summary of the factors to consider when evaluating products.
Material Transparency | BuildingGreen
Information about materials and resources for researching hidden product impacts like embodied carbon, toxic ingredients or byproducts, and social responsibility in the supply chain.

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Ebooks - login required

Interior Design Materials and Specifications, 4th edition (ebook) by Lisa Godsey
Examines the use of textiles and other materials in interior design. Available through Fairchild Books ID Library (login required).
Sustainable Design for Interior Environments, 2nd Edition (ebook) by Susan M. Winchip
Covers all aspects of sustainable design for commercial and residential interiors, including building materials, finishes and furnishings. Available through Fairchild Books ID Library (login required).
Sustainable Residential Interiors, 2nd edition (ebook) by Debbie Hindman; Annette Stelmack; Associates III; Kari Foster
Covers materials, building systems, finishes, and furnishings. Available through ProQuest Ebook Central (login required).

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Evaluating and Selecting Green Products | Whole Building Design Guide
Material Transparency | BuildingGreen
Information about materials and resources for researching hidden product impacts like embodied carbon, toxic ingredients or byproducts, and social responsibility in the supply chain.
Product and Building Materials Red List | Green Building Alliance
The 8 Shades of Greenwash | BuildingGreen
Environmental Product Declarations | International EPD System

Books in the DI Library

Green Building Materials by Ross Spiegel; Dru Meadows
Call Number: TH 455 .S65 2012
Covers labels, standards, certifications, selection and specification of materials
Materials and Components of Interior Architecture by J. Rosemary Riggs
Call Number: TA 403 .R525 2013
Examines the products and materials used for walls, floors, ceilings, and cabinets, with special attention to environmental concerns, kitchens and bathrooms
Sustainable Commercial Interiors by Penny Bonda; Katie Sosnowchik; Summer Minchew
Call Number: TH 880 .B66 2014
Considers all areas of sustainable design for commercial interiors, including water, energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, ratings and certifications, and making the business case for going green
Sustainable Materials, Processes and Production by Rob Thompson (Photographer); Martin Thompson; Rob Thompson
Call Number: NA 2542.36 .T49 2013
Explains the environmental impact of a variety of materials, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycles, and provides guidance on how to select products and materials for sustainable projects
Why Materials Matter: Responsible Design for a Better World by Seetal Solanki; Liz Corbin (Foreword by)
Call Number: TA 403.6 .S615 2018

Products, Materials and Certifications

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Evaluating Products

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