With everyone jumping on the “green” bandwagon lately, it’s hard to tell which products are truly safe for the environment and which ones are labeled that way as a marketing gimmick. For companies who feel it’s important to create a working environment that aligns with this principle, it can be very frustrating to sort through. Fortunately, there is an easy way to know whether the products you are choosing for work space are the real deal. Check to see if the products you choose help to qualify you for USGBC LEED certification.

The USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) is a large group made up of various member organizations whose diversity includes builders, environmentalists, corporations, non-profits, teachers, students, lawmakers and citizens. The members of this council all share the same vision of creating sustainable building environments that complement their surroundings and give people better, healthier places to work and live. The USGBC is working towards moving the building industry in a direction that will help sustain it for future generations.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program is the most widely used green building system across the globe. The program is made up of different rating system groups depending on the project type along with a set of prerequisites that must be met that move the project towards LEED certification. Based on satisfying these prerequisites the project earns points that determine its level of LEED certification. Platinum is the highest achievable level.

One easy way to get closer to earning that LEED certification is by using Vitrulan glass deco fabrics. Our wall coverings are not only beautiful and very durable; they can actually help qualify for LEED points. Depending on the product you can earn points in different areas like Building Reuse, Low Emitting Materials, Innovation in Design and several more.

If being “green” is a key philosophy for you or your clients, it’s important to make sure the products you are using are made with this certification in mind. Create the best work space for employees and for the environment.

For more information on USGBC and the LEED certification program go to http://www.usgbc.org/