GreenFormat FAQs

How do I start a listing?

To create a product listing:

  1. If you haven't registered, click here to create an account.
  2. Login to your account.
  3. Click “List a new product” on the welcome page
  4. Complete the Background Information (Part 1) about your company and the product (or group of products*) you wish to list. Provide any MasterFormat 2004 numbers where your product is commonly specified.
  5. Complete as much or as little of Parts 2, 3 and 4 as possible. Important: click “Save” at the end of each section; you can add more information to your listing later. In Part 5, authorize the information, then complete the process by selecting “Proceed to final step and publish my listing.”
  6. Enter your company and credit card information, review and accept the Product Listing Agreement and click “Submit.” Until you complete this step, you will not be charged, and your product information will not be visible to the public.

You may add additional listings to your account at any time by repeating these steps. Use the Copy Data feature to expedite this process.

You can edit an existing listing at any time. The listing will remain available in its previous form until you complete Part 5 again and authorize the new version.

Start your listing now!
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What is GreenFormat?

GreenFormat is a CSI format that allows manufacturers to accurately organize and report the properties of their products that affect sustainability. Designers, contractors, and building operators use GreenFormat to find products with properties that help them achieve their green goals.
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What about greenwashing?

GreenFormat does not seek to determine whether a product is green. Instead, using a comprehensive questionnaire, GreenFormat reports on the properties of a product, referencing specific industry standards wherever possible, and allowing space at the end of each category for individual manufacturer input. The verification of sustainable claims by relating questions to standards and certifications benefits both manufacturers and designers.
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Is GreenFormat a spec?

No, it is a format for structuring information and a database of product information, searchable by a designer, contractor, or building operator seeking products that may solve a particular problem. All products listed in GreenFormat are organized by MasterFormat. Results are downloadable in an editable PDF or Word format, ready for detailing and inclusion in specifications.
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Is there a charge for using GreenFormat?

GreenFormat is free for users who searching the database for product information. Building product manufacturers pay a modest fee to list products in the database.
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How is GreenFormat different from GreenSpec and other product rating services?

GreenSpec and similar product rating systems only list the products that they have tested and that meet the specific standards and questions GreenSpec asks. GreenFormat is open to any manufacturer that wants to list a product. GreenFormat’s approach to greenwashing is in keeping with CSI’s respected standards: CSI does not endorse any product, but instead encourages trained construction professionals to consider the merits of products that could meet their needs, and make the best decision for a unique project. GreenFormat provides information, not evaluations or endorsements.
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Does CSI validate the product claims made in GreenFormat?

No. Manufacturers complete and self-certify their listings. CSI and BuildingGreen Inc. randomly check information in the product listings.If you would like to report a listing with an error, click here.
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Where can I report inaccurate information I found in a listing?

If you would like to report a listing with an error, click here.
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Who has been involved in/is involved in developing GreenFormat?

The format was originally developed by the CSI Sustainable Facilities Task Team, consisting of CSI members in practice as specifiers, environmental consultants and product manufacturers. The deployment of GreenFormat is supported by the CSI GreenFormat Program Management Task Team, which also consists of specifiers, environmental consultants and product manufacturers from leading national and international design and manufacturing organizations. CSI is also working with BuildingGreen Inc., a leading environmental information research and publishing firm, and McGraw-Hill Sweets. GreenFormat’s development was also funded in part through a grant from the Charles Pankow Foundation.
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