The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Certifications
What sustainability certifications mean, and why they’re important.
What are Third-Party Sustainability Certifications?
Third-party certification is a voluntary label given to products by manufacturers that signifies that the product meets certain environmental standards. Unfortunately, these third-party certifications can be developed by anyone—including stakeholders in the company manufacturing the products. That’s why it’s so important to look for well-respected and recognized third-party certifications whose standards have been created by an environmental authority.
What Certifications Exist?
Some of the best-known third-party certifications include:
LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
Living Building Challenge (LBC)
The Living Building Challenge is an international sustainable building certification program created in 2006 by the non-profit International Living Future Institute. It aims to be the most stringent green building certification standard, pushing for regenerative design practices.
FSC Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
GREENGUARD
The GREENGUARD Certification helps manufacturers create—and helps buyers identify—interior products and materials that have low chemical emissions, improving the quality of the air in which the products are used.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
The Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard guides designers and manufacturers through a continual improvement process that looks at a product through five quality categories—material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.
What Do Certifications Mean for Sustainability?
Since there is no set definition of “sustainability,” greenwashing has become an extremely prevalent practice in the building industry. Third-party certifications from credible organizations reduce confusion by acting as a trusted source to back up claims of “eco-friendliness” and “sustainability” (link to our blog on greenwashing).
The Importance of Third-Party Certifications
Third-party certifications play a crucial role in ensuring that products and practices genuinely contribute to sustainability. They help consumers and businesses make informed decisions, avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing.
Ecological Footprint
Reducing our ecological footprint is essential for creating a sustainable future. Certifications help identify products and practices that minimize environmental impact.
Sustainability in Business
Sustainability for businesses means adopting practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Certifications provide a pathway for businesses to implement and demonstrate sustainable practices.
Take-Aways
- Third-Party Certifications: From well-known and well-respected organizations, third-party certifications are a way to avoid greenwashing.
- Credible Organizations: By using third-party certifications from trusted sources committed to sustainability, consumers and businesses can ensure their choices are genuinely eco-friendly.
Useful Links
For more information on third-party certifications, visit these resources:
- Seek Third-Party Green Product Certification
- FSC
- Cradle to Cradle Certification
- UL GREENGUARD Certification Program
- Living Building Challenge
- LEED
Related Blog Posts
LIM Living’s Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing
At LIM Living, we are committed to minimizing the use of non-sustainable materials such as foam and plastic. When sourcing materials, we conduct a thorough evaluation of product sustainability, sourcing sustainability, and internal procedures. We collaborate closely with sustainability experts who provide a detailed breakdown and stamp of approval for our materials, ensuring we uphold the highest sustainability standards.
We diligently source from companies that prioritize and implement sustainable practices and principles. Our products feature window frames made from recycled wood and plastic (PVC) combined with recycled glass, bamboo panels, wood siding and panels, and natural insulation. These materials are not only sustainable but also contribute to our LEED certification, as recognized by the US Green Building Council.
Three key elements that make our product sustainable include:
- Insulation: Using natural, sustainable insulation options.
- Wood: Incorporating recycled and responsibly sourced wood.
- Bamboo: Utilizing bamboo panels known for their rapid renewability and minimal environmental impact.
By integrating these materials and practices, we ensure our products are environmentally friendly and align with our sustainability goals.