Low Embodied Carbon Materials

EcoBatt Insulation is free of formaldehyde, acrylics, and artificial colors. This insulation combines post-consumer recycled bottle glass and Knauf’s ECOSE Technology. It can be used for walls, ceilings, sound control, floors, attics, and mid-floor applications. This product is Declare Red List Free. It has also achieved a Greenguard Gold Certification, which ensures that it meets strict standards for VOC emissions.

Per EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon - thanks in large part to its use of recycled materials. Knauf currently has 27 productions across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. When specifying this product be sure to consider the distance it will travel to your site.

Ecobatt's R-value range is declared between 8-49 per inch.

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 per inch.

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.

Sheep's wool provides a healthy and comfortable choice for insulation. Wool is naturally flame resistant. Additionally, wool's unique structure (a hydrophobic exterior and hydrophilic interior) allows it to absorb up to 35% of its weight in moisture from a room. When used as insulation, this gives wool the unique capacity to manage both humidity and temperature. Batt insulation requires the material to hold its shape. Traditional batts are held together with chemical additives. Havelock Wool's uses needle punching to hold their product together, avoiding toxic chemicals.

Per Havelock's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Havelock's wool insulation are produced in Reno, NV, making its application most impactful on projects in western United States.

*Note: Havelock's Loose Fill Insulation has R values of 4.3 and also meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Thermacork is a 100% natural, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable rigid-insulation material produced from natural cork. Under the effect of pressure and superheated steam, cork granules expand and are agglomerated, originating blocks, avoiding any type of added adhesives. Cork forests benefit the environment, acting as habitats for a diverse range of species and providing a carbon sink that captures CO2 and greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

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

Like most cork producers, Amorim Isolamentos, S.A. is based in Portugal. Thermacork's R-value is declared at 4/inch.

Comfortboard 80 is a mineral wool insulation for below grade applications. 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. Amongst all it's facilities, Rockwool's Ontario location uses the highest amount of recycled material. Comfortboard 80 R value is declared as up to R21.

*NOTE: This product contains a higher percentage of 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.

Graphenstone has updated traditional lime paint formulas with their product by adding graphene, a material made from carbon. Graphene lends the paint extreme strength, durability, and washability. Additionally, the use of lime creates a paint that is not only free of harmful substances, but one that also actively improves indoor air quality by absorbing toxics and CO2. The white interior and exterior paint have a Cradle to Cradle Gold certification.

This product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon in part because of its use of renewable energy and CO₂ absorbing ingredients. As the product is produced in Spain, shipping can negate it's low emission score.

*NOTE: Recently, researchers have raised health concerns about graphene. According to the manufacturer, Graphenstone uses Nano Fibers of Graphene (NFG), which has a larger structure that is not harmful to human health.

Clayworks clay plasters are blends of unfired clays mixed with natural minerals and pigments. They provide a 100% natural alternative for gypsum plaster and paint wall finishing. Clayworks clay plasters are non-toxic, avoid synthetic additives and emit zero VOCs or formaldehyde. They are free of heavy metals and can be composted.

The clay plasters help regulate indoor relative humidity and temperature, absorb toxics and odors, and are easily repaired. They are made in the UK and supplied in a dried form, ready to mix with water and apply with conventional plastering tools and skills. The BM-1 hazard on the HPD relates to respiratory protection. The clay plasters also contribute to WELL and LEED certifications.

Per Claywork's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Durabella Terrazzo flooring is composed of marble aggregates and/or natural stones with a vegetable oil-based binder. This healthier alternative to epoxy flooring is Red List Free and passes VOC emissions standards for the level of Indoor Air Comfort. While the production of this product currently requires the use of isocyanates, the manufacturer avoids the more harmful toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Proper protection during installation is advisable at all times. Durabella is customizable and can be applied to interior and exterior surfaces.

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

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.

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 and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program.

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.

Impressa has a natural base made from renewable raw materials very similar to linoleum. A state-of-the-art printing technique allows prints directly on the substrate for a range of authentic wood looks. The product composition is free from PVC, phthalates and styrene. Note: Aluminum Trihydrate is used as a fire retardant to exceed flame spread and smoke development for all international fire testing standards.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, this flooring system 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.

Kährs's 3-layer engineered hardwood flooring is made up of a surface layer, a core layer, and a backing. Surface treatments are free from solvents, formaldehyde and isocyanate. Engineered hardwood allows a floating installation on a level surface. This allows you to avoid potentially harmful adhesives and enables future disassembly and reuse.

The AWARE collection is bio-based, PVC-free, and can be sanded/refinished to allow for a longer lifespan.

*NOTE: This product is ULEF as opposed to NAF, meaning it contains ultra-low emitting formaldehyde. The products carry FloorScore emissions certification.

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

mafi is an Austrian company that specializes in the production of three-layer wooden planks that can be used as flooring, walls, or ceilings. mafi floors are finished using natural oils. Instead of creating a seal-like more typical lacquers, the oil soaks into the wood and protects it from the inside out. Because it does not create a barrier, the oil finish on mafi’s wood floors allows the material to breathe and to help regulate the interior climate and improve indoor air quality. The natural oil finish is also free of toxic solvents. All of the wood used in mafi's flooring is grown in Austria, within 12km ( 8 miles ) of the factory.

Per Mafi's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Shaw’s Patcraft’s Ecosystem are biobased flooring products composed of up to 50% vegetable oils. These include canola, rapeseed and castor oils. The floor compositions avoid orthophthalates, chlorine and solvents, and are FloorScore certified for low VOC. They are Cradle to Cradle certified SILVER and are Greenhealth Approved from Healthcare without Harm. Shaw’s biobased products are healthier alternatives for LVT, however, isocyanates still occur within the polyurethane processing method.

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

Shaw’s Innate + In Tandem are biobased flooring products composed of up to 50% vegetable oils. These include canola, rapeseed and castor oils. The floor compositions avoid orthophthalates, chlorine and solvents, and are FloorScore certified for low VOC. They are Cradle to Cradle certified SILVER and are Greenhealth Approved from Healthcare without Harm. Shaw’s biobased products are healthier alternatives for LVT, however, isocyanates still occur within the polyurethane processing method.

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

Corques Liquid Lino offers a revolutionary way to use linoleum. An alternative to traditional rolls and tiles, this product from Duracryl International is sold as a liquid and poured onto a subfloor onsite. It sets overnight at ambient temperatures to create a seamless durable and natural looking resilient floor. Corques Liquid Lino is made from vegetable oil, cork, wood-flour, limestone, and natural color pigments. It is free of VOCs, PVC, plasticizers, formaldehyde, chlorine, and heavy metals. While the production of this product currently requires the use of isocyanates, the manufacturer avoids the more harmful toluene diisocyanate (TDI)

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

The newly released Tarkett Linofloor xf² flooring (specifically "Veneto") replaces the Harmonium line, previously listed by HML. This linoleum product avoids toxic heavy metals, PVC, PFAS, urea-formaldehyde, phthalates, and halogenated flame retardants. Some pigments used hopefully can be replaced with healthier alternatives soon. Tarkett offers a take-back program for their products and offcuts are 100% recyclable. Lino xf² is a glue-down linoleum - be sure to select a healthier adhesive option when installing this product.

Per Tarkett's product-specific EPDs, it's Linofloor xf₂ lines meet HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Some thicknesses come with a polyurethane backing, it's best to avoid these as that increases its carbon impact. It contains 100% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program.

Patcraft's EcoWorx carpet tile is a non-PVC backed carpet tile. Per manufacturer, all EcoWorx carpet tile with nylon are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. Reverse is an exception, as the manufacturer set out to obtain a Gold level certification. Using a carefully curated selection of yarn colors for the collection, the styles of Reverse were able to pass the Cradle to Cradle Product Standard's Restricted Substance List (RSL) to achieve Gold in the Material Health pillar. This HPD relates to several EcoWorx collections, including Reverse and Artefact. All pigments fall below the 1000 ppm reporting threshold for the HPD and most pigments fall below the 100 ppm threshold for Declare, hence no need for separate (HPD/Declare) certifications for the C2C Gold collection. Shaw guarantees free reclamation and recycling at the end of use.

Per Patcraft's product-specific EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

The Embodied Beauty carpet collection by Interface takes strides towards healthier carpets through recycled Nylon yarns and its two biobased backing systems. The collection is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and Red List Free. The Shishu Stitch, Tokyo Texture and Zen Stitch carpets use the CQuest BioX Backing System. This backing contains 74% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. The BioX backings include carbon sequesting biochar as a filler. Interface has been GreenCircle Certified for their ReEntry Take Back Recycling program, with their carpets being 65-75% recyclable.

The CQuest Bio backing system is a standard option on all Interface carpet tiles. This backing contains 47% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. It is GreenHealth Approved from HealthCare without Harm.

Per Interface’s EPD, this carpet collection and backing system meet HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Lunawood Thermowood avoids chemicals in its manufacturing processes, relying solely on a treatment with high heat and steam that enhances the wood's durability. This allows for an extended lifetime and a surface that requires no finishing and less routine maintenance, regardless of climate. However, applying paints, oils, and other finishes is possible (please see HML's list of healthier finishes for recommendations). Since the processing eliminates natural resins, no resin will secrete through any applied finish or paint.

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

The Naturglue Premium is an adhesive mortar with high calcium carbonate content, lime and graphene technology. It is a bi-component mortar, the MortarBase Premium + Kalgraphin Premium are mixed on site. It can be used for ceramic, tiles and insulation boards. It is VOC free and CradletoCradle GOLD (overall rating) certified.

According to Graphenstone's EPD which covers their premium mortars, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

*NOTE: Recently, researchers have raised health concerns about graphene. According to the manufacturer, Graphenstone uses Nano Fibers of Graphene (NFG), which has a larger structure that is not harmful to human health.

Søuld creates eelgrass acoustic boards for ceilings and walls which achieves C2C Gold and Material Health Platinum certification. Eelgrass is a renewable marine plant and local in Denmark, traditionally used over decades for roof thatching.
Søuld has a take-back program to recycle panels and offcuts. They are available in three thicknesses 18mm, 35 mm, and 40mm options. Select FR-free if possible.

Note: A synthetic binder is used. Panels are to be 100% recyclable.

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

OurCarbon is a colorant and material additive from biochar to replace fossil-derived carbon black. Made through a process of converting municipal waste solids, the biochar is currently in use within Solid Carbon, Model No, and Rethink Black.  It is approved for use in food packaging in the EU. Located in California, OurCarbon is a material under the company Bioforcetech. OurCarbon fixes carbon content in a stable form and the proprietary process has been proven to remove PFAS from biosolids, a municipal waste stream. It meets International Biochar Initiative biochar standards. OurCarbon has an LCA per EPD. It has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. 

"Biosolids, for example, is a municipal waste stream produced every day around the world at wastewater treatment plants at the scale of 350,000 tons a day."

Gutex Thermoflex is a wood fiber board insulation that makes use of the wood inherent lignin as binder and therefor avoids polyurethane. It can be used between studs, in post and beam interior and exterior wall structures, as between-rafter insulation and in ceilings. Thermoflex's Nominal thermal conductivity λD is 0.036 Per Gutex's product-specific EPD, Thermoflex meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.