It is encouraging that almost every week you hear about another flooring product that is Greenguard certified. Today, Shaw Industries announced that all of  their laminate flooring products are now Greenguard Children & Schools SM Certified.

You may be thinking – Who is Greenguard? Who contributes to the GEI? What does that mean? What kinds of products would I be interested in? Are big name manufacturers included?

Here are the answers to some of your questions.

Who is Greenguard?

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program^SM. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air.

Who contributes to the GEI?

A GEI Advisory Board consisting of independent volunteers, who are renowned experts in the areas of indoor air quality, public and environmental health, building design and construction, and public policy, provides guidance and leadership to GEI.

What does that mean?

GEI currently has three third-party certification programs to provide products that improve public health and quality of life. Those programs are: Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified, Greenguard Children and Schools and Greenguard Building Construction.

What kind of products would you be interested in?

Over 450 flooring products including hardwood, laminate, tile stone, resilient products, Terazzo and underlayment.

Are big name manufacturers included?

Yes! 22 flooring companies including products from Anderson Hardwood, Healthier Choice, Wicanders Cork Oak Flooring and Wilsonart.

For more information, learn more on the  Greenguard.org  website.