There are numerous third-party green and eco certifications and "stamps of approval" in the marketplace. We have chosen a few widely known and respected organizations with specific criteria for certification approval. We encourage you to check out their web resources for additional information. We will continue to add their logo to relevant product and service companies as we add them to the database. Just another way to measure credibility of the products you purchase and the services you use.
ENERGY STAR®ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars -- all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills. Products/homes/buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR® are designed to protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
The U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC is composed of more than 15,000 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Members include building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits.
USGBC's Mission
To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Developed by USGBC, LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. LEED is a practical rating tool for green building design and construction that provides immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.
FSC(Forest Stewardship Council)
FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. Look for their logo on any furniture or wood products.
GREEN SEAL works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to "green" the production and purchasing chain. We utilize a life-cycle approach, which means we evaluate a product or service beginning with material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling and disposal. Products only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing and evaluation, including on-site plant visits.
GREENGUARD
GreenGuard certifies consumer products, building materials and construction design with low chemical and particle emissions to ensure healthier air quality.
GREEN AMERICA
Green America is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982. (We went by the name "Co-op America" until January 1, 2009.)
Our Mission is to harness economic power - the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.