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Screening for hazardous chemical content in certified buildings: a comparison of Nordic certification systems

Construction products contributing to the chemical pollution can be problematic in all life-cycle phases of a product, prompting the question: are building certification systems supporting the reduction of substances of very high concern? This paper looks at major certification systems in use in Nordic countries: LEED, BREEAM-UK, -SE, -NO, and DGNB and their scope of chemical screening of building products, to assess whether the EU’s Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are effectively screened in sustainable building projects. Of EU’s SVHCs documented in building materials, as evidenced by usage data in the Nordic Substance database, what percentage are effectively curtailed or prohibited in certified building projects? There are great variations in how a building certification system addresses the use of hazardous chemicals in building products. Chemical screening in certification systems is not comprehensive and existing screening in many cases is not aimed at the hazardous chemicals, which are actually in use in the European building industry. To address the burgeoning chemical pollution, the industry requires transformation to focus on elimination of hazardous chemicals in building products. Certification systems need to support this with screening that is more relevant, in short a screening that targets the most pernicious, as well as the most prevalent SVHCs found in the building industry in an approach that entails is a realistic work process for building industry consultants. Building products must have content declarations to provide the transparency necessary for this evaluation, allowing consultants as well as manufacturers to increase awareness of problematic substances and focus on healthier alternatives.