Low Embodied Carbon Materials

EcoBatt Insulation is free of formaldehyde, acrylics, and artificial colors. This insulation combines sand, 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 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.

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.

Safe is a 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 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.

*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."

Gutex Thermofibre is a blow in insulation made of two components only: regionally sourced pinewood fiber and ammonium salts which act as a flame retardant. As a result, the product Thermofibre is made from natural, biodegradable materials. It is suitable for stud, rafter and ceiling insulation. It holds a European Natureplus certification that sets strict standards for material health and complies with REACH standards.

According to Gutex's EPD which covers their wood fibre insulation, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Gutex is based in Germany making this a better option for projects based in central Europe.

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 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.

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 according to Bioprefered.gov.

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.

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.

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.

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 which contains 74% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov. Other carpet tiles in the collection use the CQuest Bio backing system which is now a standard option on all Interface carpet tiles. It contains 47% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov and is GreenHealth Approved from HealthCare without Harm. Interface has been GreenCircle Certified for their ReEntry Take Back Recycling program, with their carpets being 65-75% recyclable. Per Interface’s EPD, this carpet collection and backing systems meet HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

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.

These rubber flooring tiles are made by pressing rubber under high pressure. This process creates a very dense, sealed surface which is resistant to wear and supports fast and easy cleaning.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Kvadrat's "Clouds" is a wall tile system made from wool. Special rubber bands provide a mechanical fastener system to connect the tile to be installed to a wall or hung from a ceiling. The product is Greenguard Gold certified for low emission, it complies with REACH requirements for its dyes and any residuals or impurities. Wool is naturally flame retardant, it absorbs and gives off humidity.

Designed by Georgina Wright, Tonica 2 is a woolen upholstery textile. This product is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions, has both Health and Environmental Product Disclosures, and holds an EU Ecolabel. Tonica 2 is composed of 100% wool which can be biodegradable and because wool retains moisture in its fibers, it resists flame without chemical treatment.

A short-pile velour, Harald 3 is a cotton textile with a velvety optic. This product is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions, and thankfully there is transparency with this product given by its Health and Environmental Product Disclosures (HPD and EPD). This textile is suitable for upholstery and curtains.

This upholstery fabric's special features are an interweaving of two contrastingly colored yarns. This product is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions and provides ingredient transparency via its Health and Environmental Product Disclosures (HPD, EPD); it is composed of all-natural fibers.

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.

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

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.