Material Collection

Low Embodied Carbon Materials

31% of global carbon emissions come from making things – which means that manufacturing materials and products contribute significantly to the changing climate. Until recently, most attention on carbon emissions within the building industry focused on energy consumption from operating buildings once they are inhabited. But carbon emitted from the production, transportation, installation, maintenance, repair, and disposal of a building product is also significant.

This list considers emissions before a product is transported to the construction site. We look specifically at greenhouse gas emissions from extracting raw materials, transportation to the factory, and manufacturing a product (A1-A3 of a product's lifecycle).

Currently, there is no universal threshold for 'low embodied carbon' in materials. After discussing this research with experts, we set a rigorous standard that can meet 2030 goals. These products, labeled with 'LEC', embody below 5 kgs of CO₂eq per square meter.

*Products in this collection meet criteria for both material health and low embodied carbon.

Below are a few examples of low embodied carbon materials that meet our rigorous evaluation. For further help on your own search, scroll down to "Spec Guidance”.

Low Embodied Carbon Materials

25 products
How to Use This List

About Our Collections

The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.

Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product

Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.

Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library

The Donghia healthier Materials Library library is open to Parsons student and faculty. Learn more about access and opening hours here.

Low Embodied Carbon

“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.

New Product

This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.

Product in Development

Products with this designation identify they are currently scaling or only available in markets outside of the building industry. they could be experimental or in use in capsule collections.

Available in the EU

Products with this designation are currently available only in the European Union and identified as being an exemplary healthy option in the respective product group.

Ingredient Disclosures

There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.

Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)

A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Declare Label

Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.

USDA Certified Biobased Product Label

Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products.

Other
Learn More
Category Sub-category Manufacturer Product Ingredient Disclosures

EcoBatt

Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, Fiberglass
Manufacturer
Knauf Insulation
Product Website

Material composition*

Glass oxide <100%,Syrups, hydrolyzed starch <10%, Ammonium Sulfate 1-5%, Mineral Oil 1-5%, Silane <1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses for wood and metal framing

COLORS

Taupe

Jet Stream Ultra

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, Fiberglass
Manufacturer
Knauf Insulation
Product Website

Material composition*

Post Consumer Cullet 59.3%, Sand 17.3%, Borax 9.2%, Soda Ash 5.1%, Quicklime 3.7%, in-house cullet 2.5%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

32 lb Package

COLORS

White

Safe

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, Mineral Fiber
Manufacturer
Roxul
Product Website

Material composition*

Stone Wool Biosoluble 95-100%, Syrups Hydrolyzed Starch 1-2%, Phenolic Formaldehyde Binder 0-1%, Urea Binder 0-1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses for wood and metal framing

COLORS

Taupe

Wool Batt Insulation

Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, Wool
Manufacturer
Havelock Wool
Product Website

Material composition*

Wool, Boric Acid

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

15.5" wide rolls, available in 2", 3", and 5.5" thicknesses

Thermacork Standard Insulation

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Board Insulation, Cork
Manufacturer
Amorim Isolamentos
Product Website

Material composition*

100% cork (suberin, lignin and cellulose).

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

8"x 39” Panel - Available in a variety of thicknesses

COLORS

Burnt Cork

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
FSC Certification
Last Updated

September 01, 2020

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Comfortboard 80

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.

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

*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.


Category
Insulation / Fibrous, Cellulosic, Granular, Mineral Fiber
Manufacturer
Roxul
Product Website

Material composition*

Stone Wool 95%-100%, Syrups 1-2%, Hydrolyzed Starch 1-2%, Phenol-formaldehyde 0-5%, Urea 0-1%, Undisclosed 0-1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

Graphenstone

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Paint / Mineral, Lime
Manufacturer
Graphenstone
Product Website

Material composition*

Calcium Hydroxide (Lime) 40-70%, Water 10-30%, Calcium Carbonate 5-20%, Additives 1-5%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Available in 1L, 4L, 12.5L, and 15L

COLORS

Available in a wide range of colors. White is the only color with a C2C Gold Certification.

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Last Updated

September 06, 2019

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Clay Plasters

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Plaster, Lime
Manufacturer
Clayworks
Product Website

Material composition*

Blended Sands, Kaolin, Other Proprietary Ingredients

*as reported by the manufacturer

ProMar© 200 Zero VOC

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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


Category
Paint / Synthetic, Acrylic Latex
Manufacturer
Sherwin Williams
Product Website

Material composition*

Water 35-65%, Primary Resin 10-20%, Titanium Dioxide 0-20%, Calcium Carbonate 0-25%, Other Resins 0-10%, Extender Pigments 0-5%, Coalescent 0-2%, Other Additives 0-5%, Thickener 0-1%, pH Modifier 0-1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Pint, quart or gallon

COLORS

Available in a variety of colors

Durabella Terrazzo

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Biobased
Manufacturer
Duracryl International
Product Website

Material composition*

Binder 50-80% with HDI Activator (2-Oxepanone, Polymer with 2-ETHYL-2-(HydroxyMethyl)-1,3-Propanediol 50%; Vegetable Oil 50%); Calcium Carbonate Filler 2.5-11.7%; Pigment 0.4-0.8% (C.I. Yellow 42 25%; Diiron Trioxide 25%; Iron Oxide 25%; Titanium Oxide 25%); Polyurethane 0.3%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

custom poured

Forbo MCT

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Forbo Flooring Systems
Product Website

Material composition*

Limestone 24.78 - 25.78%, Wood Flour 24.28 - 25.28%, Linseed Oil 23.1 - 24.1%, Tall Oil 7.76 - 8.76%, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 7-8%, Gum Rosin 4.04%, Various Pigments 1%


*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

13.11 in x 13.11 in x 0.08 in

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last Updated

July 31, 2022

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Marmoleum Modular

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Forbo Flooring Systems
Product Website

Material composition*

Linseed Oil 20%, Gum Rosin 2%, Tall Oil 6%, Wood Flour 31%, Calcium Carbonate 8%, Reused Marmoleum 23 %, Titanium Dioxide 3%, Various other pigments 1%, Polyester 5%, Lacquer 1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

9.8”x 9.8”, 9.8”x 19.69” and 19.69”x 19.69” Tiles

COLORS

Available in a variety of colors

Marmoleum Imagine

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Forbo Flooring Systems
Product Website

Material composition*

Linseed Oil 19%, Gum Rosin 2%, Tall Oil 9%, Wood Flour 24%, Calcium Carbonate 23%, Reused Marmoleum 11%, Jute 8%, Titanium Dioxide 2%, Various other pigments 1%, Lacquer 1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

2.5mm x 32m rolls, 2mm x 32m rolls

COLORS

Available in a variety of colors and designs

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Declare Label icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
Contributes to LEED credits
Last Updated

January 13, 2022

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Impressa

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Forbo Flooring Systems
Product Website

Material composition*

Linseed Oil 18%, Gum Rosin 2%, Tall Oil 9%, Aluminum Trihydrate 21.5%, Wood Flour 18%, Reused Marmoleum 16%, Calcium Carbonate 6%, Lacquer/Sealer 4.45%, Polyester 3.8%, Print Ink 0.95%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

39.4 in x 9.8 in x 0.1 in panels

COLORS

Available in a variety of colors and designs

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Declare Label icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
Contributes to LEED credits
Last Updated

January 13, 2022

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Marmoleum Signature

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Forbo Flooring Systems
Product Website

Material composition*

Linseed Oil 20%, Gum Rosin 2%, Tall Oil 6%, Wood Flour 31%, Calcium Carbonate 8%, Reused Marmoleum 23 %, Titanium Dioxide 3%, Various other pigments 1%, Polyester 5%, Lacquer 1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

9.8”x 19.69” and 19.69”x 19.69” Tiles

COLORS

Available in a variety of colors and designs

Multi Layer Flooring

Used in Healthier Affordable Housing
Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Wood Flooring, Engineered Wood
Manufacturer
Kährs
Product Website

Material composition*

Wood/Wood Fiber 93-94% [Amino Based Glue 2.6-3%, Carbamide Adhesive 1.0-2%, Lacquer Sherwin-Williams 0.8-1%, Filler 0.1%, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) 0.08-0.1%], Polyolefin Foam Plastic 0.4-0.5%, Polyester Foam - Bottom 0.5-0.5%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

72’’x 6 1/4” Plank; 3/8", 5/8", or 3/4" Thickness

COLORS

Available in a variety of wood species

Natural Wooden Flooring

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Wood Flooring, Engineered Wood
Manufacturer
mafi
Product Website

Material composition*

Wood 99.9%, Polyvinyl Acetate Adhesive 0.05%, Natural Oils 0.05%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Available in a range of plank sizes

COLORS

Oak, beech, ash, maple, walnut, acacia, spruce, larch, swiss stone pine, douglas fir, fir

Ecosystem

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Biobased
Manufacturer
Patcraft
Product Website

Material composition*

Calcium Carbonate 40-59%, Biobased Polyurethane 30-50%, Aluminum Trihydrate 1-5%, Zeolite 1-5%, Undisclosed 0.5-1%, White Mineral Oil 0.2-0.5%, Fiberglass 0-3%, PET 0-3%, Polypropylene 0-3%, Cellulose 0-2%, Clay 0-2%, Titanium Dioxide 0-0.1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

13 in x 26 in

Innate + In Tandem

Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Biobased
Manufacturer
Shaw Contract
Product Website

Material composition*

Calcium Carbonate 40-59%, Biobased Polyurethane 30-50%, Aluminum Trihydrate 1-5%, Zeolite 1-5%, Undisclosed 0.5-1%, White Mineral Oil 0.2-0.5%, Fiberglass 0-3%, PET 0-3%, Polypropylene 0-3%, Cellulose 0-2%, Clay 0-2%, Titanium Dioxide 0-0.1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

13 in x 26 in

Corques Liquid Lino

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.

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


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Duracryl International
Product Website

Material composition*

Binder with MDI Activator: Castor Oil, Linseed Oil; Filler: Calcium Carbonate, Quercus Suber Bark; Pigment: C.I. Pigment Yellow 42, Dilron Trioxide, Iron Oxide (Fe304), Titanium Dioxide; Finish: Polyurethane

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

N/A (Poured Material)

COLORS

Available in 54 Colors

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
Last Updated

June 04, 2019

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Linofloor xf²

Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Resilient, Linoleum
Manufacturer
Tarkett
Product Website

Material composition*

calcium carbonate 21.591-24.274%, cellulose 5-24.8%, cork flour 5-24%, lignin 5-24.8%, linseed oil 1.671-2.802%, cork flour 0.641-1.657%, wood flour 0.642-1.657%, wood flour 0.642-1.657%, jute 0.518-0.869%, titanium dioxide 0.299-0.419%, polyurethane acrylic copolymer <0.666%, colophony 0.262-0.44%, carbon black <0.133%, iron oxide <0.133%, pigment red 101 <0.133%, pigment yellow 42 <0.133%, linseed oil 27.4%, rosin 4.3%, juts 8.5%, titanium dioxide 4.1%, C.I. pigment yellow 42 <0.2%, carbon black <0.2%, iron oxide <0.2%, iron oxide (Fe304) <0.2%, polyurethane acrylic copolymer <1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Roll 6.5' x ≤ 100', 2.5mm thick

COLORS

66

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Last Updated

June 25, 2021

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

EcoWorx Carpet Tile

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Tufted Carpet Tile, Synthetic
Manufacturer
Patcraft
Product Website

Material composition*

Calcium Carbonate 22-58%, Ethene-1-Octene Copolymer 5-15%, Aluminum Trihydrate (ATH) 3-8%, Hydrocarbons C6-20 2-5%, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 2-5%, Vinyl Acetate/Ethylene Copolymer 2-5%, Fiberglass 1-3%, Quartz 0.5-5%, Ethylene/Hexane-1Copolymer .1-2%, Nylon 6 Polymer 0-51%, Nylon 6.6 0-50%, Modified Acrylic Binder 0-1%, Polyvinyl Alcohol 0-1%, Resin Acids/Rosin Acids, Esters with Triethylene Glycol 0-1%, Tridecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate 0-1%, Undisclosed 0-1%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

Tile sizes are dependent on collection, ranging from 12"x48" x 24"x24"

COLORS

Available in a range of colorways

Interface Carpet Tile

Available At the Donghia Materials Library
Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Tufted Carpet Tile, Synthetic
Manufacturer
Interface
Product Website

Material composition*

Carpet Tile with CQUEST BIOX:

Bio-Based Filler 28%, Bioester 16%, Nylon 13%, EVA 11%, Post-Consumer Recycled Nylon 7%, Pre-Consumer Recycled Limestone 7%, Vinyl Acetate Emulsion 5%, Pre/Post Consumer Recycled Polyester 3%, Alumina Trihydrate 3%, Biobased Oil 2%, Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon 2%, Fiberglass Mat 1%, Antioxidant 1%, Polypropylene 1%, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer 0.2-0.3%, Starch Soluble 0.2-0.3%, Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester, Polymer with Ethenol 0.10%, Alcohols c12-14-Secondary Beta (2-Hydroxyethoxy-ethoxylsted E0 10 Moles) 0.10%, White Mineral Oil 0.10%, Titanium Dioxide 0.10%, Carbon Black 0.10%

Carpet Tile with CQUEST BIO:

Pre-consumer Recycled Limestone 43%, Post-Consumer Recycled Nylon 12%, Bioester 8%, EVA 7%, Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon 6%, Vinyl Acetate Emulsion 5%, Bio-Based Filler 4%, Nylon 3%, Pre/Post Consumer Recycled Polyester 3%, Alumina Trihydrate 3%, Bio-based oil 2%, Polypropylene 1%, Fiberglass Mat 1%, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer 0.2-0.3%, Starch Soluble 0.2-0.3%, Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester, Polymer with Ethenol 0.10%, Alcohols, c12-14-Secondary, Beta (2-Hydroxyethoxy-ethoxylsted E0 10 Moles) 0.10%, White Mineral Oil 0.10%, Titanium Dioxide 0.10%, Carbon Black 0.10%

*as reported by the manufacturer

AVAILABLE SIZING

25cm x 1m

Thermowood

Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Dimensional Surface, Solid Wood
Manufacturer
Lunawood
Product Website

Material composition*

Solid Wood 100%

*as reported by the manufacturer

CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Nordic Swan Ecolabel icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
PEFC icon-pdf Created with Sketch.
Last Updated

September 13, 2023

Download data sheet icon-pdf Created with Sketch.

Naturglue Premium

Low-Embodied Carbon Material

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.


Category
Mortar, Lime
Manufacturer
Graphenstone
Product Website

Material composition*

Calcium carbonate 60-80%, Aerial lime 20-40%, Graphene 0.1%,

*as reported by the manufacturer

Spec Guidance

Prefer carbon sequestering materials whenever possible. Examples include timber, hempcrete, plant fibers, wool, clay, and lime.

Prefer locally produced products. Carbon emissions from transporting products increase the overall footprint and may lead to a product becoming a large source of carbon emissions.

Consider reuse and retrofit rather than new construction whenever possible.

Reconsider structure and foundation. Steel and concrete are currently the largest sources of CO₂eq in the built environment. Timber structures sequester rather than emit carbon.

Consider installation details that do not require adhesives (which have high embodied carbon).

Encourage manufacturers to analyze the environmental impact of their products and provide EPDs.

Look for products with EPDs that indicate *low or no Global Warming Potential (GWP) per functional unit.

Consider conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of your project before beginning.

Consider the ratio of renewable to nonrenewable energy being used in the manufacturing of a product.

Updated January 28, 2022

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