What is the SCS Green Building Products Database? Is it a reliable source of information?
Scientific Certification Systems has been certifying green building products since 1990, and here are the things you need to know about them.
Penny Bonda -- Interior Design, 2/4/2008 12:00:00 AM
You bet it is! Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) is a third-party certifier, which as you (should) know, is the only reliable resource for verifying the accuracy of environmental claims. It's been certifying green building products since 1990 and last fall introduced the SCS Certified Products Database. The database allows users to search for certified products in a number of ways: by manufacturer, product category, product type, brand name, or by the relevant SCS certification program or standard such as CHPS and LEED.
Hundreds of companies have put their products through the SCS process to be certified either for a single attribute, such as emissions, biodegradability and recycled content or as a more comprehensive certification program like EPP, FloorScore and Sustainable Choice. However, the database is a work in progress and anticipates adding many more products as well as images and direct links to manufacturer's websites. For now its usefulness is strongest in the areas where SCS has been the most active. The list of products with recycled content, for example, is extensive because that has long been a focus of its certification program.
The database features easy-to-use pull-down menus and key word searches. The format simplifies the specification of products with specific attributes, such as particleboard without any added urea formaldehyde, which is a big help to those trying to achieve certain environmental goals. I urge manufacturers to opt in and certify their products. Technically valid, verifiable and truly independent performance measurement systems are what the industry is clamoring for and SCS delivers.
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