Sustainability Specification Series:
Data Sources, Challenges, and Trends
January 27, 2026
In this series, we will be exploring the challenges and solutions to writing specifications for products with sustainability attributes.
Sustainability Data Challenges and Trends
Sustainability data for building products is continuously evolving in how it is collected, managed, and delivered. Currently, most data gathered through product certification programs is found in PDFs and must be reviewed manually to get key data points. Static documents mean they are often found on brand websites and product libraries in outdated or expired condition. Additionally, since no two manufacturers compile their data in the exact same way, or use the same product certification programs, it can be difficult to find the “best” or “most sustainable” product for a project. The inherent inefficiency in this process becomes a significant challenge in writing accurate and comprehensive product specifications.
The Importance of Data Sources
Sustainability documentation provides verifiable evidence of product performance and sustainability claims. Project teams use them to ensure compliance with certification requirements for green building standards such as LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge (LBC). Specifiers also use them to align product decisions with client values and project sustainability goals. It is critical to know how to access these key platforms and databases in order to achieve these goals.
Key Product Certification Databases
The ability to navigate across tools is essential when searching for product sustainability data from multiple manufacturers. The following table includes sustainability product platforms, their program scope, and their library filtering capabilities.
| Platform Name | Database Scope | Specification Division | Green Building Rating System Alignment | Third-Party Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL SPOT | Greenguard Gold, other product certificates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HPDC Public Repository | Health Product Declarations | No | Yes | No |
| Declare Product Database | Declare Labels, LPC certificates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Registry | C2C Certificates | No | No | No |
| Building Transparency EC3 Tool | EPDs from all program operators | Yes | No | N/A |
| EPD North America EPD Library | EPD Certs | No | No | N/A |
| Third-Party Tech Platforms | Multiple Certs + Data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Evolving Our Data Ecosystem
Recently, there has been a rising trend of digitization and standardization of connected data, leading to improved accessibility. MindfulMaterials is one organization leading the charge toward a connected building materials data ecosystem, driving progress towards enhancing an accessible and standardized sustainability landscape.
New Specifying Sustainability CEU- Sign Up Today
Learn more about sustainability data sources, challenges and trends by signing up for our new CEU. Specifying Sustainability is a course that will show you how to navigate many different product certification platforms, and how to write a product’s data into their specifications. You will leave with a stronger understanding of how product specifications can deliver on their project’s sustainability goals.