LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.

The LEED® green building certification program is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for buildings designed, constructed and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

LEED Professional Credentials (LEED AP and Green Associate) recognize professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED green building rating systems, and the certification process. The LEED Professional Credentials program is administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which was established with the support of USGBC to allow for objective, balanced management of the credential program.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) label is a sign you are buying wood and paper products from a responsible source, backed by a rigorous, third-party certification audit. SFI promotes the improvement of sustainable forest management in North America and supports responsible fiber sourcing globally.

Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)

FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.

FSC provides internationally recognized standard-setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations, and communities interested in responsible forestry.

The FSC label provides a credible link between responsible production and consumption of forest products, enabling consumers and businesses to make purchasing decisions that benefit people and the environment as well as providing ongoing business value.

FSC is nationally represented in more than 50 countries around the world.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards.

The ISO 14000 family addresses various aspects of environmental management and confirms its global relevance for organizations wishing to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner. Standards and guidelines in the family includes specific environmental aspects, such as labeling, performance evaluation, life cycle analysis, communication and auditing.

Oeko-Tex Standard - Textile Certification

Developed in 1992, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Öko-Tex Standard 100 is an international testing and certification system for textiles that looks for harmful substances prohibited or regulated by law and chemicals known to be detrimental to health. Fabrics are placed into one of four categories, based on its usage - baby, direct contact with skin, no direct contact to skin, and decoration material. The level of hazardous substances determines whether it is approved for a specific category.