• MISSION: TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT REDUCE CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AND IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

  • About GEI

  • The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, not-for-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification programs. As an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable product standards for building materials, interior furnishings, cleaners, electronics and children’s products.  The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute also establishes building standards designed to protect the health of occupants through the control of mold, moisture and indoor pollutants. An advisory board comprised 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.

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    Health As A Critical Component of Sustainability

    Dr. Marilyn Black, Founder
    Marilyn S. Black, PhD and LEED AP is a leading expert in indoor air quality with extensive experience in characterizing indoor air pollutants and their sources. She has directed numerous research studies of indoor air pollution and the effect on human health, mold growth in buildings and the impact of indoor furnishings on indoor pollutant levels. Dr. Black wrote the state of Washington indoor air quality standards for new construction, established the emissions test protocols for carpet and flooring products and established the GREENGUARD Certification Program for the selection of environmentally preferred, low-emitting products. Dr. Black holds PhD, MS and BS degrees in chemistry and environmental health.

    The GREENGUARD Certification Program

    GEI offers three product certification programs and one building certification program:

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    • History of GEI

      June 2001: GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) founded by Dr. Marilyn Black

      Sept. 2002: Formation of Independent Advisory Board

      Oct. 2002: First certified product (Insulation)

      Jun. 2003: First certified office furniture

      Aug. 2004: Microbial Resistance Standard developed

      Nov. 2004: ANSI Accredited Standards Developer

      Dec. 2004: Publicly available Test Methods

      Jan. 2005: Publicly available Laboratory Qualification Guidelines

      Sept. 2005: GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification Program launched

      Feb. 2006: GREENGUARD Building ConstructionSM Program launched

      July 2007: 100th manufacturer to certify products with GEI

      Nov. 2008: Subsidiary in Beijing, China opened

      Aug. 2007: First GREENGUARD Certified Building

      Mar. 2009: 200th manufacturer to certify products with the GEI

      April 2009: First ANSI standard published: ANSI/GEI MMS 1001

      Sept. 2009: GREENGUARD PremierSM Certification Program announced

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