White Papers and Industry Reports
Produced by UL engineers and other subject matter experts, our in-depth white papers and industry reports highlight key findings of our science-based research and analysis.
White Papers
 | Driving Performance and Transparency in Green Building Products and MaterialsIn just a few short years, the use of environmentally preferable products and materials has become an essential element in the development and construction of new commercial and residential building projects. However, questions remain among manufacturers and buyers about just how to evaluate and compare the lifecycle-based environmental profiles of similar building products and materials. This UL white paper provides an overview of the various ways in which building product manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with green building certification programs and codes, and how to best utilize each available mechanism in this toolkit. |
 | Chemicals in Children’s Toys: Addressing Stricter Limits and Environmental ConcernsThe safety of children’s toys has been regulated in the United States and the European Union (EU) for decades. This UL white paper begins with a brief overview of the U.S. toy industry and the unique issues associated with children’s exposure to chemicals in toys. The paper then reviews the current regulatory requirements applicable to chemicals in children’s toys, and discusses the key aspects of UL 172. The white paper concludes with a summary of compliance issues for manufacturers. |
 | How New Phone Technology Affects the EnvironmentIn just 30 years, mobile telephony has grown into a major global industry, with an estimated 5 billion users around the world. This white paper examines the overall environmental impact of materials used in mobile phones, from the extraction of raw materials and component manufacturing required to produce the latest models, to the appropriate recovery and recycling of these products at end-of-life. |
 | Transparency and the Role of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)An environmental product declaration (EPD) is a validation tool that offers manufacturers a standard approach for assessing the environmental impact of their products and provides buyers with an effective framework for making direct product comparisons. This UL white paper discusses the use and importance of EPDs in the validation and certification of life cycle-based product environmental impacts. The paper then reviews the steps in creating EPDs consistent with the requirements of ISO 14025 2006, Environmental labels and declarations—Type III environmental declarations—Principles and procedures, and discusses the important role of an EPD program operator in developing and running an effective EPD program. The report concludes with a look at potential developments regarding the use of EPDs in support of product environmental claims. |
Industry Reports
 | Interpreting Pre-Consumer Recycled Content Claims: Philosophy and Guidance on Environmental Claims for Pre-Consumer Recycled MaterialsThere is a great deal of debate within the environmental and manufacturing communities about which materials can be claimed as pre-consumer recycled content. UL Environment encourages an end to this debate and has developed this document to provide clarity on interpreting existing guidelines to validate claims of pre-consumer recycled content and to serve as a reference for manufacturers. |
Reports
UL Environment produces reports that analyze critical socio-environmental trends in the marketplace, providing valuable sustainability insights for your business.
 | The Sins of Greenwashing: Home & Family EditionIn 2010, UL TerraChoice published its Sins of Greenwashing: Home and Family Edition report to assess trends in the use and understanding of environmental claims, particularly among home and family products. What we found is both fascinating and inspiring. |
 | Thought Leadership: Biomass as EnergyThe global biomass fuel market is growing. Governments are setting policies to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decrease dependency on coal and crude oil, and secure “renewable” supply for rising energy demands. Biomass will be an important component of this necessary renewable supply. In this March 2011 report, Charlene Easton and Susan Herbert provide insight into how responsible supply chain managers can evaluate and manage the risks and opportunities associated with sustainable purchasing decisions. |
