CSI Introduces GreenFormat

Alexandria, Va.—The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) unveiled GreenFormat, a web-based database of green product information. GreenFormat is a new CSI format that provides a standardized framework for identifying the sustainable properties of building products.

The requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System are among the standards referenced within GreenFormat’s search to help searchers achieve their green project goals.

To enter products into the database, building product manufacturers complete an online questionnaire that collects sustainable information about their products. Sustainability claims are verified by relating questions to compliance with standards and certifications. Information is then displayed in a standardized manner; product listings are organized by MasterFormat divisions in a spec-friendly layout. The format’s categories focus on topics that are important to design and product selection decisions.

"We developed GreenFormat to address the need for consistently and concisely structured information about product sustainability, to help those searching for the right product," said Roger Grant, CSI director Technical Services and Development. To learn more about GreenFormat, visit www.greenformat.com.