A new chemical disclosure tool is aimed at meeting demands for product transparency by putting chemical hazards into better context.
Product Lens, a report by UL, was designed specifically for LEED v4 and targets the Material Ingredient credit in the Building Product Design and Optimization category. Its chemical assessment is based on the Materials Health Assessment Methodology used by the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products program.
“The Product Lens report is unique compared to other reports on the market because it adds context and greater transparency about where the hazards exist within the value chain,” says Albert Uggetti, Vice President and General Manager of UL Environment. “This prevents people from focusing on just the risk associated with chemicals and drawing potentially inaccurate conclusions that a product is harmful.”
Arauco North America and Sherwin-Williams have already completed Product Lens assessments for some products, with eight more companies (including Allegion, Belden, Mannington and Milliken) currently navigating the assessment process. Product Lens was created by UL Environment, MBDC and the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
“After thoroughly reviewing various options, we decided to partner with UL Environment to participate in the pilot launch of the Product Lens program,” explains Alice Albrinck, Senior Product Materials Engineer for Belden, which produces connectivity and networking products. “The highly visual format of the report allows for quick interpretation and understanding of potential risks while also protecting proprietary information."
The reports are available in UL’s Sustainable Product Guide at productguide.ulenvironment.com.
