The Greenguard Environmental Institute (now part of UL Environment) is a third-party certification program that focuses on indoor air quality. The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual and sustainability standards (e.g., from the U.S. Green Building Council [USGBC] and LEED) outline the purpose of Greenguard certification, which is commonly referenced in interior design for specifying products that contribute to healthy indoor environments.

A. Contain recycled content: While recycled content is a sustainability attribute (e.g., in LEED credits), it is not the focus of Greenguard certification, which is specifically about indoor air quality. Recycled content is typically certified by programs like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or Cradle-to-Cradle.

B. Generate renewable energy: Generating renewable energy applies to systems like solar panels, not to products typically certified by Greenguard, which focuses on materials and furnishings.

C. Produce low emission levels: Greenguard certification tests products for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and other chemical emissions that affect indoor air quality. Products that meet Greenguard standards have low emission levels, ensuring they do not release harmful chemicals into the indoor environment. This is the primary focus of the Greenguard program, making it the correct answer.

D. Incorporate rapidly renewable resources: Rapidly renewable resources (e.g., bamboo, cork) are materials that regenerate quickly, but this is not related to Greenguard certification, which focuses on emissions rather than material sourcing.

The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual specifies that Greenguard certification is about ensuring low emission levels to improve indoor air quality, which is a critical consideration in interior design foroccupant health and well-being.

Verified Answer from Official Source:The correct answer is C, as verified by the NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual.

Exact Extract:

From the NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Chapter 9: Sustainable Design): "Greenguard Environmental Institute certifies products that have been tested and shown to produce low emission levels, ensuring they contribute to improved indoor air quality."

Explanation from Official Source:

The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual explains that Greenguard certification focuses on testing products for low chemical emissions, such as VOCs, to ensure they do not negatively impact indoor air quality. This certification is widely used in interior design to specify materials and furnishings that support healthy indoor environments, aligning with sustainability and health goals.

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of third-party certifications like Greenguard in interior design.

Identify the focus of Greenguard certification on low emission levels for indoor air quality.