GFF has developed the Black and Gold List, a proprietary sustainability material rating system, to support a healthier planet and people through thoughtful material selection. This initiative aims to source exterior and interior materials that promote environmental and human health throughout a project’s lifecycle, from initial manufacturing to end-of-life.
The Black and Gold List categorizes materials into three groups:
- Black List: Materials with negative effects on people and the planet, to be avoided when possible due to the availability of proven alternatives.
- & List: Materials under observation by the Sustainability Committee, which have potential environmental or human health impacts and require further research before being categorized as Black or Gold.
- Gold List: Materials that promote sustainable and healthy buildings, recommended for use in projects.
Gold List Criteria:
Healthy Planet:
- Material Transparency: 50% of building envelope materials should have third-party assessments like Declare Label, EPD, or LCA.
- Responsibly Sourced Materials: All wood interior finish products should be FSC Certified, with a recommendation for all wood building products to be FSC Certified.
- Circular Economy: Emphasize renewable materials, reduce waste, prioritize local materials, and support manufacturers with recycling programs.
Healthy People:
- Material Transparency: 50% of interior finish materials should have third-party assessments like Declare Label, HPD, or Cradle to Cradle Certification.
- Reduced Chemical Content: Ensure paints, coatings, ceiling panels, flooring, adhesives, and architectural woodwork meet specific standards for being VOC-free and free of Red List chemicals.
& List Criteria:
- Healthy Planet: Explore methods for reducing embodied carbon in materials like steel, concrete, insulation, glass, and masonry.
- Healthy People: Seek ways to reduce chemical content in various products, including countertops, doors, fabrics, and wallcoverings.
Black List Criteria:
- Healthy People: Avoid products with substances non-compliant with the 2021 International Living Future Institute Red List, which includes harmful chemicals like BPA, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
The Black and Gold List reflects GFF’s commitment to sustainability and health by encouraging the use of materials that are responsibly sourced, low in chemical content, and contribute to reduced carbon emissions.