Writing Sustainability-Focused Specifications

Part four of the Specifying Sustainability series will apply strategies to draft and integrate sustainability-driven specification language aligned with certification goals.

Sustainability goals only deliver impact when they are clearly written into the specification. This is where research, certification alignment, and product strategy translate into measurable outcomes.

Effective sustainability specifications are clear, performance-based, and backed by verified documentation; strong enough to protect project intent, yet flexible enough to allow innovation.

Key Sustainability Elements of Specification Language

1. Emphasize full product assembly compliance
   Require that the entire assembly meets sustainability criteria to avoid partial or limited compliance. In the case of our roller shades, shade system AND shade cloth should be included.
2. Use performance-based criteria and trusted references
   Establish measurable benchmarks (e.g., “must achieve VOC emissions below 0.5 mg/m³”) and reference trusted brands when appropriate to streamline decision-making.
3. Cite verified documentation and required versions as submittals.
   Examples of programs include:
   
   • Cradle to Cradle (Bronze 3.0)
   • HPDs (v2.3 or later)
   • Product-Specific Type III EPDs
   • Preference for product-specific vs. industry-wide EPDs
   • Preference for cradle-to-grave vs. cradle-to-gate
   • VOC emissions certifications (Greenguard Gold)
   Being specific about documentation types and their versions, helps ensure sustainability claims are backed by third-party verification.
4. Reference applicable green building standards and targeted credits
   • LEED v4.1 and v5 MR credits
   • WELL Feature X07 (Daylighting Optimization)
   • Living Building Challenge Red List compliance

Referencing certification frameworks strengthens alignment between product selection and project-level sustainability targets.

To write specifications aligned with sustainability goals, language must be clear and intentional, tight enough to safeguard outcomes, but flexible enough to remain achievable. Performance-based criteria establish measurable standards while allowing innovation in how they are met. Identifying trusted brand preferences can streamline decisions without limiting competition.

Example Specification Language

Below are examples that integrate performance requirements, material attributes, and verified documentation:

1. ROLLER SHADES, MANUAL OPERATION AND ACCESSORIES

A. Shade System; General:

1. Components capable of being removed or adjusted without removing mounted shade brackets, or cassette support channel.
2. Smoothly operation raising or lowering shades.
3. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Published disclosure of product’s environmental impacts based on a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Manufacturer must have EPD certification by independent 3rd party evaluation service.

2. SHADE FABRIC

A. Basis of Design: Shade fabric as manufactured by [insert trusted brand here]

1. Solar Shade cloths:

1. Fabric: Cradle to Cradle Certified, woven 100 percent polyester, PVC-free, reversible face, (1 percent open).
   1. NRC Rating: 0.50.
   2. SAA Rating: 0.53.
2. Low-Emitting Material Certification: Greenguard Gold certified and listed in UL (GGG).
3. Health Product Declaration (HPD): Published declaration with full disclosure of known hazards.
4. Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certificate:
   1. Achievement Level: Bronze.
5. Declare label.
6. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Published disclosure of product’s environmental impacts based on a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Manufacturer must have EPD certification by independent 3rd party evaluation service.

Recap on Specifying Sustainability: Turning Intent into Outcomes

Throughout this series, we’ve explored the how of specifying sustainability—how to find products aligned with client and project values, integrate sustainability into everyday workflows, collaborate effectively with manufacturers, and ultimately translate those priorities into clear specifications.

The key takeaways include:

• Verified data builds trust and reduces risk.
• Digital platforms streamline research and documentation.
• Early collaboration aligns performance with sustainability goals.
• Specification language embeds sustainability into the final outcome.

Ultimately, the specification is the binding document that turns intention into action—ensuring responsible material decisions carry through procurement and construction.

Previous posts in this series:
#3: Collaboration Between Manufacturers & Specifiers
#2: Leveraging Data for Selection, Documentation & Design Coordination
#1: Data Sources, Challenges, and Trends

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