By The Materially Better Team
Composite Woods
Specify No Added Formaldehyde (NAF), which is more stringent than No Added Urea Formaldehyde(NAUF).
Resilient Flooring
Consider bio-based products such as linoleum or rubber. Alternatively, use polished concrete with a carefully selected finish. Newer bio-based polyurethane resilient flooring has certainly hit Declare—check it out!
Carpet
Nearly 60 Declare labeled carpets and pads are available from a half dozen different manufacturers. Avoid recycled carpet pads (FR) and PVC backing.
Furniture and Fabrics
Avoid topically-applied stain treatments, water repellents and flame retardants. Wool, polyester and fiberglass are inherently flame resistant while wood and nylon are naturally stain resistant and water repellant.
Paints
Select zero or low VOC paint and coatings that have been tested to conform with CA Department of Public Health (CDPH) 01350 standard.
Solid Surfaces
Avoid laminated solid surfaces because of formaldehyde, and binding adhesives. Avoid epoxy surfaces unless they can prove that they don’t have BPA that can be absorbed via the skin.
Wall Board
More than a dozen Declare products are available, from three manufacturers.
Ceiling Tiles
Over 30 Declare labeled acoustic and non-acoustic products from 8 manufacturers.
Small Electrical Components
Specify RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) or post-2014 CE marking certification.
Mechanical Fasteners
Avoid chemical adhesion where possible.
Insulation
Some types are straightforward (fiberglass). Foam continues to be a challenge because of the blowing agents and the flame retardants. Better options will come, but for now, where possible reduce/eliminate the need for foam and where required, choose a product that is transparent and trying to improve the chemistry.
Fiberglass
For all types (batt, duct, pipe), choose a no formaldehyde option. If money is tight, concentrate on pipe insulation first as this insulation type contains the most formaldehyde.
Mineral wool
Choose a formaldehyde free option – Owens Corning’s Thermafiber FF or Roxul AFB EVO for low density applications (2.8 PCF).
Polyisocyanurate
There are two Declare labeled board foams – GAF’s EnergyGuard NH and Carlisle’s SecurShield NH.
XPS insulation
Owens Corning’s Foamular XPS has a Health Product Declaration (HPD).
Flexible tubes, sheets, and rolls
(refrigerant lines)
NH Armaflex by Armacell uses a non-halogenated flame retardant.
Materially Better provides client-focused, high-value green building consulting and services, including sustainable and regenerative building design, renovation and construction.
