An important part of the green remodeling process is the careful selection of healthy, environmentally responsible materials and products. This checklist can help guide your shopping decisions:
MANUFACTURER COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
- Is there a written, working environmental policy in place?
- Is it easy to find on their Web site or product literature?
- Does this policy strive to make important improvements in manufacturing, reducing and reusing first, then recycling?
- Do they comply with their industry’s voluntary testing programs?
EXAMINE THE PRODUCT’S COMPOSITION
- What are the raw materials used to create the product?
- And where do they come from?
- Did the materials come from renewable resources?
- Is the manufacturing process energy efficient?
- Does the manufacturing process release harmful substances?
- Are adhesives needed to make the product viable?
- What are they using?
- Are coatings or finishes needed to make the product
- viable?
- What are they using?
EXAMINE OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PRODUCT
- Does the product nurture the health and well-being of its occupants?
- Does the product do the job well?
- How much energy does it use?
- Does the product release VOCs? At what rate?
- How is the product packaged and transported?
- How is the product installed and maintained?
- Does it have a color or texture that can lead to reducedvlighting energy or an expanded range of thermal comfort conditions?
- Can the product be maintained in a benign manner?
- Using safe cleaning products?
EXAMINE STRATEGIES FOR DISPOSAL
- Is the product durable? Biodegradable? Recyclable?
- Can the parts be separated for recycling?
- Can it be made into something else?
COST CONSIDERATIONS
- What is the price range for the product?
- Does the manufacturer provide life cycle cost analysis on this product?
(Information from www.greenhomeguide.org)
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