Healthier Affordable Building Products

Kährs's 3-layer flooring product is made up of a surface layer, a core layer, and a backing. All of their surface treatments are naturally free from solvents, formaldehyde and isocyanate, and the floors carry a FloorScore emissions certification. The Multi Layer Flooring can be installed floating on a level surface as opposed to being glued down. This allows you to avoid potentially unhealthy adhesives in addition to allowing for future disassembly and reuse.

*NOTE: This product is ULEF as opposed to NAF, meaning it contains ultra-low emitting formaldehyde.

Per Kahrs's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Columbia Forest Product's PureBond hardwood plywood is formaldehyde-free, and is instead made with a soy-based binder. This North American-made product is also cost-competitive with standard plywood products, making it a fantastic healthier alternative. It contains 95% Biobased content according to Bioprefered.gov.

Classic Core® is a combination core panel construction where cross bands of thin MDF are utilized in place of veneer cross bands.

Classic Core® can be manufactured with bonded crossbands which do not contain added formaldehyde. PureBond Classic Core® may contribute to LEED® 2009 credit IEQ 4.4 and conforms to CARB II exempt emission requirements called for in LEED V4. It contains 95% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov.

Haley Brother's hollow core doors are NAUF, meaning they are made with no added urea formaldehyde. The doors are made from a honeycomb paper core and finished with a hardwood veneer, and are recommended for interior use.

The Cendura Standard Wood Veneer Door was previously sold under the brand name Mohawk. Their doors meet CARB Phase 2 standards for formaldehyde emissions. ULEF and FSC doors are available upon request.

*NOTE: This product is available in ULEF as opposed to NAF, meaning it contains low-emitting formaldehyde.

Caesarstone's premium quartz can be used in both commercial and residential projects. Quartz provides a durable, low-maintenance surface for kitchens and bathrooms. This product also is Greenguard Gold Certified.

Lapitec is an alternative to marble made from natural minerals using vacuum vibro-compression, drying, and sintering (joining the mineral grains together through heat and pressure only). Despite smaller amounts of initially hazardous materials (see HPD for further information), the process of sintering effects a physical change in the material that renders these ingredients benign and inert. Lapitec's product life cycle is reversible meaning it could be converted back into raw minerals and reused; production is fueled by mostly renewable energy. It is available in the form of slabs, tiles, and any other cut-to-size product and is suitable for interior or exterior cladding, paving, flooring, curtain walling, and ventilated facades.

According to Lapitec's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Coldspring Granite Countertops are made from 100% natural granite. Stone is one of the most durable materials that you can use for any application - when specified and detailed correctly, these countertops can last for hundreds of years. Their long life results in granite countertops’ very low embodied energy levels. Coldspring is also committed to sustainable manufacturing practices that maximize the utilization of resources while minimizing energy use.

Knauf Insulation Jet Stream ULTRA is an unbonded, fibrous glass blowing insulation that is designed to be used in attics or with the BIBS system (Blown-in-Blanket System). This product is Declare Red List Free, and meets the strict VOC emission standards for the Greenguard Gold Certification. Additionally, it is made with over 60% post-consumer recycled glass (cullet) content.

Per Knauf's product-specific EPD, Jet Stream Ultra meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Knauf currently has 27 production across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. When specifying this product be sure to consider the distance it will travel to your site.

Jet Stream's R-value range is declared between 11-60.

Safe is batt insulation made from mineral wool that provides acoustic dampening and is non-combustible. Safe N Sound is similar to Rockwool's Safe product but is primarily for interior applications. It is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it meets strict requirements for VOC and formaldehyde emissions.

This product meets HML's low embodied carbon standards per Rockwool's EPD for its stone wool insulation. Production facilities are located in the US and Canada. For shorter transportation, the North American Market is therefore preferable. Rockwool's Ontario location uses a substantial amount of recycled material.

*NOTE: This product contains phenol-formaldehyde. According to the manufacturer: "Phenol formaldehyde is allowed in rigid mineral wool insulation for exterior applications (such as rain screen assemblies or foundation insulation). While rigid mineral wool insulation does contain some formaldehyde, most of the formaldehyde is eliminated in the production process through a chemical reaction and high heat. Rigid mineral wool insulation installed on the exterior of the building possess less risk to humans and ecosystem than rigid foam insulation products, which almost always contain HFRs and use blowing agents with high global warming potential."

Roxul's R-value range is declared at 4.2/inch.

Safe N Sound is batt insulation made from mineral wool that provides acoustic dampening and is non-combustible. Safe is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it meets strict requirements for VOC and formaldehyde emissions.
This product meets HML's low embodied carbon standards per Rockwool's EPD for its stone wool insulation. Production facilities are located in the US and Canada. For shorter transportation, the North American Market is therefore preferable. Rockwool's Ontario location uses the highest amount of recycled material of any of its facilities.
This product contains 25% biobased content according to Bioprefered.gov.
*NOTE: This product contains phenol-formaldehyde. According to the manufacturer: "Phenol formaldehyde is allowed in rigid mineral wool insulation for exterior applications (such as rain screen assemblies or foundation insulation). While rigid mineral wool insulation does contain some formaldehyde, most of the formaldehyde is eliminated in the production process through a chemical reaction and high heat. Rigid mineral wool insulation installed on the exterior of the building possess less risk to humans and ecosystem than rigid foam insulation products, which almost always contain HFRs and use blowing agents with high global warming potential."
Roxul's R-value range is declared at 4.2/inch.

Gold Bond’s Gypsum Board panels are a lightweight and cost-effective wall material. Their gypsum core (which is naturally fire resistant) is encased in 100% recycled paper on the face and back sides. This product is also Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it meets strict standards for VOC and Formaldehyde emissions.

Gold Bond XP Gypsum Board is the National Gypsum Company’s moisture and mold resistant product. Sporgard™ is added to the gypsum core, which is encased in 100% recycled, mold and mildew resistant paper on either side. This product is also Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it meets strict standards for VOC and formaldehyde emissions.

Gold Bond® BRAND Fire-Shield® Gypsum Board panels consist of a fire-resistant gypsum core encased in 100% recycled paper. The gypsum core acts as a natural "sprinkler system". The material contains about 21 percent water, which is converted to steam under high heats. This loss of water tends to lead to shrinkage, which can cause cracks that let heat and fire through. Gold Bond's Fire-Shield drywall uses non-combustable fibers to help the boards retain their shape.

Tretford's ECO carpet tile is made from Cashmere goat hair fibers and a phthalate-free, 100% post-consumer recycled PET backing. The Cashmere fibers naturally filter dust and allergens from the air and are incredibly durable. The tile's unique construction also allows the carpet to be cut in any direction, including circles, without fraying or damage, enabling limitless design opportunities.

The raw brick that makes up Fireclay's Glazed Thin Brick is sourced through a supplier who has been in business for over 100 years and continues to source and manufacture all brick in California, within 150 miles from the Fireclay Tile factory. The brick qualifies for LEED points and is glazed by hand on-site at the Fireclay Tile factory in Aromas, CA. The bricks provide a durable, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean surface suitable for a range of projects.
*Note that the EPD listed is for the glazing portion of the tile and not the brick itself.

bioMASON grows tiles using technology similar to hydroponics - units mixed with microorganism are fed an aqueous solution to harden the tiles to specification. bioMASON’s process eliminates the need for firing by replacing the curing/hardening process with biologically controlled structural cement.

Articulo is a line of porcelain tiles that are designed to look like vein-cut travertine. This product is made in the U.S. and contains both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled material. It is comprised of just 6 materials that are converted into benign, fully vitrified porcelain during the firing process.

Per DalTile's factory EPD, the Articulo line meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. The majority of these tiles are produced in Muskogee, OK making this best suited for projects in the southeastern United States.

Daltile’s Keystones Collection is a colorbody porcelain mosaic line, suitable for indoor and outdoor use on floors, walls, as well countertops. A multitude of patterns allow for many expressive, aesthetic choices.

Per DalTile's factory EPD, the Keystones Mosaic line meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. The majority of these tiles are produced in Gettysburg, PA making this best suited for projects in the Northeastern United States.

Esta Villa is a line of porcelain tiles that are designed to look like Rapolano Italian stone. The tiles come in three natural stone color options, all of which have wide graphic variations for a realistic look. This product is made in the U.S. and contains both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled material.

Per Daltile's production line-specific EPDs, this tile product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Marmoleum Signature tiles are made from natural materials. The product has a low carbon footprint, and is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The modular tiles allow you to mix and match patterns to design a unique floor surface. They can also be custom designed as long as they fit in one of the modular tile sizes.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, these Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Marmoleum Imagine is made from natural materials and uses an Aquajet cutting technique to create the unique designs. The product has a low carbon footprint, and is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The designs can be customized on request which allows for endless design possibilities.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, these Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Marmoleum Modular tiles are made from natural materials. The product has a low carbon footprint, and is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The modular tiles allow you to mix and match to design a unique floor surface.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, these Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. It contains 100% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov.

Marmoleum MCT tiles are made from natural materials such as linseed oil and rosin. The product is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The modular tiles allow you to mix and match to design a unique floor surface. This product has a slightly thinner gauge at 2.0mm. Marmoleum MCT is 100% biobased according to Biopreferred.gov.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, this Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Kaswell laminates wood flooring in a linear fashion in order to make their Micro Edge Grain floor. This product is durable and long lasting, and is free of VOCs and formaldehyde.

Mineral paints provide a healthier alternative to acrylic paints and primers as it is made from Potassium Silicate. They avoid asthmagens, are odorless, and are naturally mold-resistant. Keim Mineral Silica Paint has low to no VOCs. It is made from natural ingredients. This product is NaturePlus certified and has Cradle2Cradle Material Health Gold certification. The Innostar Line is a matte, scrub-rate class A finish with a coverage efficiency that allows for one primer & one paint coat only. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Mineral paints, like Romabio's EcoDomus, provide a great alternative to acrylic paints. They are toxin-free, odorless, asthma-free, and naturally mold-resistant. EcoDomus is available in Matte, Eggshell, and Satin finishes. EcoDomus is an extremely durable, high-performing, mineral paint. The matte paint is designed for interior use, and the eggshell and satin can be used both for interior and exterior wall and trim finishes. This product is also backed by a 20-year warranty against chipping, peeling, and flaking. Thirteen of Romabio's paints, including this one, are Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Note: We will update the HPD once we received the renewed one. Manufacturer foresees early 2023 for renewal.

Sherwin William's ProMar© 200 line of interior latex paint is free of VOCs. This product has a GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low chemical emissions. It contains 33% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov. Per Sherwin William's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

**Note: Product contains antimicrobial chemicals which are are associated with developmental, hormonal, and reproductive problems*.
*sixclasses.org/videos/antimicrobials

Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500 interior paint is water-based, Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified, and contains zero VOCs. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Ecologic™ Waterglass by Limeworks is a paint primer and masonry consolidant. Potassium silicate is used as a binder which can fortify concrete, cement, brick, stucco, rock, and lime plaster. It is vapor permeable, and can be used as a thinner for silicate dispersion paints. Note: Methyl Methacrylate is used at up to 10%. Current research is not conclusive. HML is continuing to watch this component.