• MISSION: TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE BY ENHANCING INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND REDUCING PEOPLE'S EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS AND OTHER POLLUTANTS.

  • About GEI

  • The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute aims to protect human health and improve quality of life by enhancing indoor air quality and reducing people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants.  As an ISO-IEC Guide 65:1996 accredited, third-party organization, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) certifies products and materials for low chemical emissions and provides a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environments.  All certified products must meet stringent chemical emissions standards based on established criteria from key public health agencies. GREENGUARD Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs and building codes worldwide. 

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    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 two types of product certifications:


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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: GEI became ANSI Accredited Standards Developer

      • Dec. 2004: GREENGUARD test methods became publicly available

      • Jan. 2005:  Laboratory Qualification Guidelines became publicly available

      • Sept. 2005: GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification ProgramSM launched

      • July 2007: 100th manufacturer certified products

      • Nov. 2008: GEI opened subsidiary in Beijing, China

      • Mar. 2009: 200th manufacturer certified products

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

      • May 2010: GREENGUARD Certification Program Achieves ISO Guide 65 Accreditation

      • June 2010: 300th manufacturer certified products  

      • Sept. 2010: GEI opened European office in Cologne, Germany 
         
      • Feb 2011: GEI acquired by UL Environment

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