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Recommendation GB 7 — Encourage innovative product design.

With the existing manufacturing infrastructure in Washington, we have the capacity to become a leader in green product design and production. Green building standards offer credits for products containing recycled, low-toxic, and regionally produced materials. There is currently tremendous confusion in the marketplace as to what exactly is a green product. In order to ensure quality and eliminate green-washing, third-party verification systems that address key environmental factors in the manufacture, sale and end-of-life management of products are essential.

• Work with Washington manufacturers to encourage green product design. This work should emphasize manufacturer commitment to innovative product design and life-cycle management.
• Support efforts to develop product third-party certification programs for green building products.
• Support product stewardship programs for building products, such as carpet, paint, and those containing mercury or other toxins.

Milestone GB A: Washington continues to be a leader in green building.

Milestone GB D: Ten percent of all certified green building projects achieve credits for using existing building stock, or salvaged materials, and/or at least 75 percent waste diversion during construction.

Milestone GB G: At least five buildings are built to the Living Building standard in Washington.

Milestone GB I: A third-party certification system for green building materials effectively provides verification that products are manufactured in compliance with product stewardship and sustainability principles.

Links and Resources

• Product Certification Programs
• Green Jobs
• Green Building Case Studies
• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Standards and Certification
• EPA Product Stewardship (Exit Ecology)

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