Defining 'green' in building materials

What makes a building or remodeling product green?

REGREEN, a collaboration between the American Society of Interior Designers and the U.S. Green Building Council, offers the following checklist and other information at its Web site, www.regreenprogram.org.

Manufacturer's commitment to sustainability: Is there a written, working environmental policy in place? Is it easy to find on the company's Web site or product literature? Does this policy strive to make important improvements in manufacturing, reducing and reusing first, then recycling? Does it comply with the 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? Are coatings or finishes needed to make the product viable; what are they?

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 (volatile organic compounds); 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 reduced lighting energy or an expanded range of thermal comfort conditions? Can the product be maintained in a benign manner and with 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? Can the product be returned to its manufacturer at the end of its useful life?

Cost considerations: What is the price range for the product? Does the manufacturer provide life-cycle cost analysis on this product?