Green Label Evaluation: Green Seal
Sponsoring Organization: Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organized in 1989. Green Seal's primary research partner is the Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, although they partner with specific organizations to evaluate particular commodities.
Focus: Use of life cycle approach to independent product evaluation and certification.
Commodities Covered: Cleaning and cleaning services, fleet maintenance, packaging, paints, electric chillers, paper and newsprint, doors, and windows.
Standards: Green Seal develops design, production, and product standards for a specific commodity using scientific processes. Once standards are developed manufacturers can submit their products for certification. Each set of standards are available on their website.
Reporting of Standards: Certified products can post the Green Seal on their products and advertising. The Green Seal website lists some, but appears not all, of the products that have received a Green Seal certification.
Use of Standards: A local government can use the standards as a part of their bid standards, can require Green Seal certification, or can use the certification as an evaluation criterion.