|
Our own education began in 1994, when Designtex embarked on the development of Climatex Lifecycle, the first biological nutrient textile, with McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry and Swiss textile mill, Rohner. That introduction to the interdisciplinary approach of “design chemistry” was as much a lesson in humility as it was a revelation in product development. Today MBDC’s protocol is manifested in a certification called Cradle to Cradle (C2C). Designtex is proud to offer every textile construction that has received C2C Certification in its line. For a summary of C2C criteria: http://www.mbdc.com/docs/V2_criteria_matrix.pdf Designtex is also well-versed in a variety of certifications that show a product’s environment claims have been verified by a third party. These certifications range from single attribute to multiple attribute in scope. For instance, SCS Indoor Advantage Gold uses environmental chamber testing to demonstrate that a single attribute, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, are below established levels for products like Crypton Green. The EU Flower uses life cycle assessment (LCA) data to evaluate a broad spectrum of human and environmental health attributes in our Colorbox wools. Designtex has also been an active member in the development of a standard for sustainable textiles, currently in draft form with NSF International, an ANSI certified standards writing organization. For additional information about the status of the standard or to review the draft, go to the NSF Online Workspace (scroll down to Joint Committee on Sustainable Textiles). CEUs Our CEUs, Green Textiles (course #4668 / SC202) and Materials Chemistry (course #5010 / SC106) are both approved for 0.1 IIDA credits and 1.0 AIA credits. Contact your local Designtex representative to inquire about CEU delivery. In addition, we offer a self study guide for those wishing to learn more about these subjects. Please see the PDF link at the left for "Textiles for Green Interiors". Green Textiles:This CEU looks at fabrics for commercial interiors through several different lenses. One approach is to look at textile products using the Environmental Design lifecycle approach. Secondly, a number of national and international green product certifications and standards are discussed as another approach for evaluating sustainable products. Finally, the comprehensive rating system of LEED for Commercial Interiors is described and relevant LEED credits for textiles are explained. Materials Chemistry: Understanding the deep chemistry of the products we use each day is critical to evaluate the impact a product may have on human health and the environment in which we live. Join us for a course that looks at how you, as a specifier of interior products, can make a positive difference on the environment by the choices you make each day. This course details how materials-from the selection process through manufacturing-can be a strategic factor in product design and development. It also demonstrates how the chemistry of materials can impact the lifecycle assessment of a product. Resources we recommend To learn about standards and certifications: Cradle to Cradle EU Eco Label Flower Global Organic Textile Standard Greenguard Green Guide for Health Care Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Scientific Certification Systems U.S. Green Building Council-LEED For materials research Biomimicry Institute Environmental Working Group GreenBlue Green Chemistry Institute Healthy Building Network Pharos Project For market-specific research Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability Healthcare Without Harm U.S. Green Building Council Glossaries American Chemistry Council – Plastics Glossary Association for Contract Textiles – Green Glossary McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry – Glossary of Key Concepts For further reading: Sustainable Healthcare Architecture - Robin Guenther and Gail Vittori. C. 2007 Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century. - Alex Steffen, Al Gore, and Bruce Sterling. c. 2006. Okala: Learning Ecological Design. - Philip White, Steve Belletrie and Louise St. Pierre. c. 2004 Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. - William McDonough and Michael Braungart. c. 2002 Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. - Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins. c. 2000 Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. - Janine M. Benyus. c. 1997
|