Understanding Sustainability and Green References In Our Products

🌱 Do You Know Your EMICODE® From Your LEED?

Understanding the sustainability impact of using our products shouldn’t be complicated. Our guide breaks down the four key green building references you’ll see in SIBLAND technical data sheets and marketing materials:

– EMICODE® – Independent emission testing
– LEED – Green building certification credits
– EPD – Environmental lifecycle data
– BREEAM – European assessment standard

All SIBLAND flooring products carry EC1plus EMICODE® certification – the premium standard for ultra-low emissions.

Why it matters for your projects:
✓ Healthier indoor environments
✓ Green building certification support
✓ Verified environmental credentials
✓ Client confidence in sustainable choices

Read on to understand what each certification means and how SIBLAND products contribute toward your sustainability goals.

EMICODE®️

What it is: Independent German emission testing standard for construction products. Measures VOC emissions over 28 days.

Credibility:

• Established 1997 – over 15,000 products certified worldwide
• Tested at independent, renowned institutes
• Trademark-protected quality benchmark

Classifications:

• EC1plus – Very low emissions (≤60 μg/m³)
• EC1 – Low emissions (acceptable level)
• EC2 – Higher emissions

YOUR NEED TO KNOW

• All SIBLAND flooring products carry EC1plus classification – the premium standard.
• Why it matters: Provides scientific proof of ultra-low emissions, ensuring healthier indoor air quality and maximum safety from indoor air pollution.
• Relevance: EC1plus certification provides the technical foundation for LEED Low-emitting Materials credits.

LEED

What it is:Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – most widely recognised green building rating system in the world.

Credibility:

• Globally recognised symbol of sustainability leadership
• Framework for healthy, efficient, cost-effective green buildings
• Supported by committed community driving market transformation
• Provides environmental and social benefits

YOUR NEED TO KNOW

• Low-emitting Materials Credit Products with EC1plus/EC1 EMICODE® classification contribute toward this credit by limiting harmful VOC emissions.
• Materials & Resources – Embodied Carbon Products with EPD documentation contribute toward sustainability goals by providing lifecycle environmental impact data (SIBEXTREME range currently).
• Current Status: LEED v4/4.1 accepted until 2026. LEED v5 introduces stricter requirements with enhanced focus on decarbonisation and embodied carbon reduction.

EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)

What it is: Comprehensive lifecycle assessment document covering environmental impact from raw material extraction through end-of-life.

What it includes:

• Carbon footprint
• Energy consumption
• Water usage
• Waste generation
• Resource depletion

YOUR NEED TO KNOW

• SIBLAND Products: Currently available for SIBEXTREME range (AF FLOW, AG STYLE, T). SIBECO range EPD documentation in development.
• Why it matters: Provides verified, transparent environmental data. In LEED v5, EPD information contributes toward Materials & Resources credits with focus on embodied carbon reduction in materials purchasing.
• Relevance: Third-party verified proof of environmental responsibility throughout product lifecycle.

BREEAM

What it is: Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – UK-originated, widely used across Europe.

Similar to LEED but with a European focus and different assessment criteria and weighting.

Credibility:

• World’s leading science-based certification suite
• 80% market share across Europe, expanding globally
• Six technical standards across building lifecycle

YOUR NEED TO KNOW

• SIBLAND Contributions: Low-emission products contribute toward Indoor Environment Quality and Health & Wellbeing categories.
• Why it matters: Particularly relevant for UK and European projects seeking recognised green building certification.
• Product Relevance: All SIBLAND products with EC1plus EMICODE® classification support BREEAM indoor air quality credits.