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AIGA is a professional trade association for design professionals. The AIGA Center for Sustainable Design provides professionals with information and resources on sustainable and ethical design and business practices. Designers can look to the site for ideas, information, education sources, and news and discussion forums.
The alliance addresses issues effecting climate change from government, business, and society. The Alliance for Climate Protection works to teach the importance of the climate crisis and what they can do to help. The Alliance works with other special interest groups to address this issue.
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping architects, engineers and other building professionals measure the environmental impact of existing buildings and building materials. ATHENA offers two software tools to assist building professionals: ATHENA® Impact Estimator for Buildings and the ATHENA® EcoCalculator for Assemblies.
A software tool developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that assists in the selection of sustainable building products. BEES is used by architects, engineers and environmental building consultants to help determine the effect of building products on the environment and human health. It measures the environmental impact by conducting a life-cycle assessment on the product.
An independent company committed to providing building industry professionals with environmental news and resources through print and electronic sources. Their website provides education resources, GreenSpec Directory and guideline specifications, LEED credit information, information about green projects, and more. They maintain the following resources: BuildingGreen Suite, Environmental Building News, and GreenSpec.
Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing carbon offsets to slow global warming and clean the environment at BeGreenNow.
CRRC is an independent organization that rates roofing products for their ability to reflect or emit heat.
DOE promotes America's energy security through reliable, clean, and affordable energy. DOE's website has an expansive offering of free material focused on energy consumption and energy efficiency.
This residential building guideline, orginally focused on homes in the Atlanta region, has served as a national model for wellbuilt green homes.
A comprehensive web site for building professionals including architects, designers, builders, specifiers, and homeowners to research and find environmentally preferable products and materials. EcoSpecifier offers education and training services, newsletters, product directories, manufacturer information, and consulting services.
A collaborative program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that encourages consumers to purchase/utilize energy-efficient products or services. Energy Star has identified hundreds of energy-efficient products in more than 50 categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, etc. The Energy Star label also extends to qualifying new homes, commercial and industrial buildings.
A monthly newsletter that features information about sustainable building—from planning to materials. EBN provides the latest news and information about the impact of buildings and building materials on the environment and what can be done about it.
A catalog source for green building products.
EPA's website provides a wealth of free information, including lists and sources of products that are in compliance with EPA's various programs.
(FSC) is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. FCS sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way.
Awarded to products that have less impact on the environment. Standards are set so that they identify the most environmentally preferable products currently available in each product category.
An on-line directory that provides information on over 2,100 green building products. Manufacturers do not pay to have their products listed on GreenSpec®, products are selected by BuildingGreen editors based on research they have done.
A catalog source for green building products.
The Greenguard Certification Program (run by the Greenguard Environmental Institute) certifies low-emitting products for indoor air quality.
Identifies sustainable green building and development practices. LEED ratings are based on points that can be earned in six categories: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality and innovative credits. LEED standards are universally known and accepted by architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials.
A non-profit trade association that promotes housing and the building industry. The NAHB member base consists mainly of builders and remodelers, plus associate members who work in housing and/or building industry related fields. One of their primary goals is to create and pursue opportunities for safe, affordable housing in America. NAHB hosts the annual International Builders’ Show, which is one of the largest building projects conventions in the nation.
Established to enhance and support the remodeling industry in America. NARI provides homeowners with research and information to make remodeling decisions, including choosing a qualified remodeling contractor. On the remodeling contractor side, they offer a “NARI Certified Professional” certification.
A trade-association dedicated to the Kitchen and Bath design industry. NKBA continually supports and encourages innovative design in the industry. The association offers professional development for design and business skills. They have also developed an NKBA Certification in Kitchen and Bath Design. Earning this certification requires the completion of several written exams, as well as a breadth of industry knowledge and experience. NKBA is the owner of the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference, which is the largest trade show dedicated to that particular industry in the world.
Certifies products for single attribute claims such as material content and indoor air quality, as well as certifying Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP). EPP certification recognizes products that have a lessened impact on the environment.
This site offers authoritative information on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The largest, nationally known, non-profit organization that offers research and support in favor of sustainable building practices. The USGBC has developed and implemented the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System for commercial structures. They are currently working on a pilot program for LEED for residential structures.