Third-party certifiers cut through the greenwash and empower professionals and consumers alike to confidently choose products that have been made in the most planet-friendly way possible.
As a buyer, how can you be certain that the product in your hand impacts positively on the issues you care about? As a specifier or designer, how can you get trustworthy information on green products fast and efficiently? Third-party certification takes the doubt out of the selection process.
For over a decade, our Living On program has helped us see what ‘carbon footprint’ truly means. And, perhaps more significantly, it’s helped us see a future full of optimism, respect and true harmony with our environment.
Through a sequence of both reduction and offsetting schemes, rigorous due-diligence in partnering with the most sustainable brand partners and bringing into consideration the sustainability factors of whole-of-life; LivingOn has given us the chance to achieve huge gains in environmental stewardship.
As a result, 100% of our products are LivingOn Products. Just as the name suggests, they are designed to be re- and up-cycled through and beyond life. Design eternal.
“One of the first conversations we have with our suppliers prior to the release of new product ranges is the importance of 3rd party certification and the benefits it brings to our business and customers. Products 3rd party certified by a recognised eco-label allow us to meet the requirements of industry certification programs such as Green Star and WELL, as well as the criteria of a Living On product. Knowing these products have been verified for their low emittance of VOC’s, and contain no toxic materials or finishes gives us confidence that we’re helping to create healthier office spaces or home environments which is especially important in the current climate.” Mary Holmes, LivingOn Manager
Third party certifiers cut through the greenwash and empowers professionals and consumers alike to confidently choose products that have been made in the most planet-friendly way possible. While there are numerous reputable third-party certifications in the industry, three main certifications we consider include: GreenTag, AFRDI GreenTick and GECA certifications.
Green Tag™ is a third-party, green building product rating and certification system, underpinned by rigorous scientific and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) processes. Its advanced, robust LCA certification methodology developed exclusively by Eco-specifier, is a world first. The Green Tag™ eco-label rating positions a product within the top end of the green product market enabling manufacturers to be able for the first time to fully communicate the work they have undertaken to improve the ecological and health benefits of their products.
The Australasian Furnishing Research & Development Institute (AFRDI) is an international, not-for-profit, membership-based organisation with a mission to promote the production and purchase of sustainable freestanding furniture products. AFRDI Green Tick certification is assessed against requirements of the AFRDI 150 Sustainability Standard which focuses on chain-of-custody procedures for raw materials, corporate social responsibility and resource assessments.
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organisation with a mission to promote environmentally preferable products and services. When you purchase products and services with the GECA Environmental Choice Australia Eco-label, your purchase is supporting environmentally preferable production and consumption. Under GECA certification, products and services are certified against minimum environmental performance criteria across its life cycle to ensure that certified products deliver better environmental outcomes.
As mentioned, products third-party certified by a recognised eco-label allow us to meet the requirements of industry certification programs such as Green Star and WELL. Through our efforts collaborating with Multiplex for Woodside’s Western Australia Headquarters, the project was one of the first projects in WA to achieve a 6-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
Based on full disclosure and thorough examination, Eco-specifiers look in detail at not only health and ecotoxicity but every impact of a product and its factors at every life stage. From raw material extraction, processing and transport to product manufacture, packaging, in use cleaning and maintenance, replacements and end of life disposal and recycling. This allows you to trust your choice is leaving the world a better place.
