Declare Certification: Ensuring Sustainable and Safe Building Products
Certifications play a crucial role in the architecture, construction, and design industries, but not all certifications are equal. One highly esteemed certification that reflects a company’s commitment to sustainability is Declare.
Declare is a renowned program that evaluates and discloses product ingredients, specifically focusing on Red List chemicals – substances known to pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. These Red List chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, lead, and phthalates, are compiled within the Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List. To achieve the Declare certification, manufacturers must provide transparent and verified information about their products, clearly stating whether they contain any Red List chemicals.
The certification process involves three key questions that must be answered comprehensively: Where does the product originate? What is it made of? And where does it go at the end of its life? Manufacturers have to identify every chemical ingredient in the final product that is present at or above 0.01% by weight. These ingredients are then assessed against the Red List chemicals using the Toxnot verification platform. If any Red List chemicals are found, the manufacturer collaborates with suppliers to eliminate them or seeks alternative suppliers to ensure the product is free from harmful substances.
The compliance level with the Red List is indicated on the product’s Declaration status, displayed on the Declare label. There are three levels: Declared, Red List Approved, and Red List Free. The highest level, Red List Free, is attained by products that disclose 100% of their ingredients present at or above 100 ppm (0.01%) in the final product and do not contain any Red List chemicals.
GH Commercial, as a floor covering manufacturer, has achieved the prestigious Red List Free accreditation. They proudly hold more Declare labels than any other Australian manufacturer, with 27 Declare Red List Free labels covering over 70 standard products and an extensive range of custom products.
With increasing demand for transparency and specifier interest in product composition, certifications like Declare are vital in driving positive change up the supply chain. Jamuna, the Environment & Sustainability Manager at GH Commercial, recognizes the importance of this certification, as it ensures the delivery of high-quality and safe products for use in built environments, thereby contributing to the health and well-being of individuals.
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