December 29, 2006—Underscoring its commitment to rigorous, independent review of building products, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has announced support of the efforts and mission of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN).
GEN is a non-profit association of environmental organizations focused on helping existing ecolabelling programs become more effective, as well as providing guidance and support in the design, development and implementation of new programs around the world. “Ecolabelling” is a voluntary method for identifying overall environmental preference of products and services based upon life-cycle considerations. An ecolabel is awarded by an impartial third-party to products or services that are independently determined to meet environmental leadership criteria.
The increasing demand by consumers for environmental products and services in the marketplace helps illustrate the success of third-party certification programs. According to GEN, there are approximately 35 ecolabelling programs in operation around the world, with perhaps another five under development.
GEN’s list of member organizations includes groups, such as the European Commission, Green Seal, Japan Environment Association and TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, from 27 different regions across the globe, including Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program for low-emitting products. For more information, see the Web site.
Founded in 1994, the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) is a non-profit association of third-party, environmental performance labeling organizations focused on improving, promoting and developing the ecolabelling of products and services worldwide. For more information, see the Web site.
