BuildingGreen does not charge for listings or for the review process, nor do we accept advertising. We conduct our own research based on current editorial priorities and, while we appreciate product suggestions, we cannot guarantee that suggested products will be reviewed. You will receive an email confirming your suggestion has been received. Please do not call or email to check on the status of your product suggestion. Because our resources are subscription-supported, we have total editorial independence and integrity–providing information you can trust.

Some Background

Every product is unique. Changes in manufacturing processes happen on an ongoing basis. New information comes to light that is synthesized into deeper understandings of cause-and-effect in our built environment. Consequently, there often aren’t specific, black-and-white criteria for product inclusion in GreenSpec. Each product is evaluated individually for a wide range of environmental qualities–and we strive to include only the best of the best. The basic criteria are described in the Environmental Building News article Building Materials: What Makes a Product Green? Some of the key issues for each type of product are described in the introductions to the CSI section and Homebuilder subcategories within the GreenSpec Directory. We are also working with other groups, including the California Division of the State Architect, on developing comprehensive Environmentally Preferable Product specifications. Once those specifications are adopted, we will be referencing them when that is feasible.

How do we find out about the products? We often learn about products in the course of researching articles for our monthly newsletter, Environmental Building News. We also find products at trade shows. We read trade literature–dozens of magazines each month. We sort through press releases and newsletters. We participate in email discussion groups and user forums. Sometimes architects and builders recommend products they’ve come across. Manufacturers use our online form to suggest products they hope to see included in GreenSpec.

How to Get Your Product Considered for GreenSpec

We recommend the following procedures for manufacturers interested in suggesting a product for evaluation:

• Read the article Building Materials: What Makes a Product Green? and its sidebars, and
• Familiarize yourself with GreenSpec by looking at listings for similar products and reading appropriate section introductions. (If you are not already a BuildingGreen Suite subscriber, you will need to subscribe to view the full contents. One-week subscriptions are available via the online store for only $12.95.)
• If you have a product that seems appropriate for inclusion, we will need to review the product’s environmental and performance attributes. Please complete the product suggestion form which will allow you to include web links to any supplementary technical and sales literature including MSD sheets, test data on VOC emissions or other environmental attributes, and any relevant certifications (see product suggestion guidelines). Be succinct in your explanation of the product, but thorough with your documentation of any environmental claims. If a sample would help us understand and evaluate your product, feel free to send one.

We are favorably impressed when honest self-evaluations of drawbacks, limitations, and areas for potential improvement are included. Samples may be sent to:

GreenSpec Suggestions

BuildingGreen, LLC

122 Birge Street, Suite 30

Brattleboro, VT 05301

Please be aware that GreenSpec editors are constantly researching product areas and reviewing standards for inclusion. Depending on our current research priorities, we cannot guarantee your product will be reviewed. Editorial attention is given to products that are in an area undergoing research or that strike editors as exceptional. Please do not call or email us regarding your product suggestion. If we need more information about your product, we will contact you.

GreenSpec’s objective is to list only the top 5-10% of environmentally preferable products, thus there will be green products that we do not list.

Remember, GreenSpec is not an advertising-based publication. Our editors maintain full control of product selection and product descriptions. Our online subscribers and the buyers of our product directories appreciate that independence.