‍Importance of 3^rd Party Testing and Compliance in Preserved Garden / Moss Wall Market

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, the integration of nature into our built environments has become more than just a trend, a necessity for creating spaces that nurture well-being and productivity. At the forefront of this biophilic revolution are preserved gardens and moss walls, offering a perfect blend of nature's beauty and modern design sensibility. However, as these elements gain popularity, a critical question arises: How can we ensure that these preserved nature installations are safe, sustainable, and truly beneficial for occupants?

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How do we ensure these botanical elements are safely preserved, and only include healthy ingredients that would not affect the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) negatively? The answer lies in rigorous third-party testing and compliance certifications.

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The Rise of Preserved Nature in Interior Design

Before we delve into the importance of certifications, let's take a moment to appreciate the transformative power of preserved gardens and moss walls in our spaces.

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Preserved nature installations have revolutionized the way we bring the outdoors inside. These stunning creations offer all the visual and psychological benefits of live plants without the maintenance challenges. From improving air quality to reducing stress and enhancing creativity, the positive impacts of biophilic design elements are well-documented. However, not all preserved nature products are created equal, and this is where third-party testing becomes crucial.

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Understanding the Value of Third-Party Certification

In a market where the standards have not been fully understood and applied by the designers and flooded with options, how can designers, architects, and end-users distinguish truly high-quality, safe preserved nature products from those that might fall short?

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Third-party certification stands as the gold standard for product assurance. Unlike self-certification, random ASTM or ISO numbers full of suggestions rather than actual testing, or second-party audits, third-party testing is conducted by independent organizations with no vested interest in the product's success. This independence ensures an unbiased, thorough evaluation of a product's safety, quality, and environmental impact.

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The American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) states that "of all conformity assessment procedures that give assurance that a product, process, or service conforms to specified requirements (safety, health, and the environment), third-party certification provides the greatest value."

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This level of assurance is particularly critical when it comes to elements that will be a permanent part of our living and working spaces.

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Key Certifications for Preserved Gardens and Moss Walls

When specifying preserved nature elements for a project, several certifications should be on the designers’ and specifiers’ radar. These certifications not only ensure the safety and quality of the product but also align with broader sustainability and health goals in modern design. With preserved garden, moss wall scope is still quite new in the US commercial interior design realm, the scope in general is open to greenwashing with meaningless claims from providers with no 3^rd party certification or compliance.

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Let’s dive deeper into these certifications to ensure the moss wall or preserved greenery specified for the project is free of dangerous chemicals, and does not cause Sick Building Syndrome, a phenomenon that refers to a situation where occupants of a building experience acute health and comfort effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a particular building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Without these certifications, it would be hard to pinpoint whether the source of chemical contaminants or irritants is the preserved greenery you just got installed in your healthcare or senior living project.

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Health Product Declaration (HPD): Transparency in Materials

The Health Product Declaration (HPD) Open Standard is a crucial tool for understanding the health impacts of building materials. For preserved gardens and moss walls, an HPD offers:

• Accurate and consistent reporting of product contents
• Associated health information for materials used
• Transparency in material composition, crucial for creating healthier indoor environments

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Look for products with a published HPD version 2.3 or later for the whole garden construct (not one or two ingredients of the construct), disclosing ingredients up to 100 parts per million. This level of transparency allows designers to make informed decisions about the preserved gardens and moss walls (and all other interior elements) they bring into their spaces.

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ASTM E84: Ensuring Fire Safety

Fire safety is paramount in any interior installation, and preserved nature elements are no exception. ASTM E84 testing for preserved gardens should cover:

• All types of preserved gardens (not just lichen/reindeer moss)
• Classification as Class 1 (& A) for Flame Spread and Smoke Index

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This certification ensures that the preserved nature elements meet stringent fire safety standards, crucial for commercial and public spaces where safety regulations are particularly strict.

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It is important to note that if the preserved garden provider does not have the ASTM e-84 Class 1 Classification already, it would not be possible for them to get their garden to be sprayed with fire retardant and get the Class 1 results. Any spray after install would affect the longevity of these preserved garden elements since they should not come in contact with any liquids.

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3E Exchange Passport: Commitment to Sustainability and Safety

The 3E Exchange Passport is an innovative certification that demonstrates a company's commitment to sustainability and product safety. When selecting preserved garden providers, look for those holding a 3E Exchange Passport. This certification indicates that the company:

• Adheres to rigorous environmental standards
• Prioritizes product safety throughout the supply chain
• Maintains transparency in their operations and material sourcing

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By choosing products from companies with a 3E Exchange Passport, designers can be confident they're supporting businesses that are actively working towards a more sustainable and safe future in the preserved nature industry.

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Environmental Sustainability: More Than Just Looking Green

Preserved gardens and moss walls offer a unique opportunity to incorporate biophilic elements into spaces where living plants may not be feasible. However, it's essential to ensure these products align with broader sustainability goals.

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LEED v4.1 Contribution: Building for the Future

Look for preserved garden products that contribute to achieving LEED v4.1 credits. This ensures that the installation not only brings nature indoors but also supports broader sustainability objectives in building design and construction. LEED certification has become a benchmark for green building practices, and specifying products that contribute to these credits can significantly enhance a project's sustainability profile.

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Beyond LEED: Comprehensive Green Building Standards

The commitment to sustainability should extend beyond a single certification. Preserved nature installations should comply with other recognized green building standards:

• WELL Building Standard v.2
• Fitwel certification
• BREEAM compliance

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These certifications demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability, considering not just the product itself but its impact on the overall built environment and occupant health.

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Indoor Air Quality: Breathing Easy with Preserved Nature

The impact of interior elements on indoor air quality is a growing concern in building design. Preserved gardens and moss walls should enhance, not compromise, the health of space’s occupants. If the moss wall installed needs aeration, or has an unpleasant smell other than their pertinent mossy, earthy odor, chances are there are some chemicals lurking underneath.

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VOC Standards Compliance: A Breath of Fresh Air

Ensure that the preserved nature products comply with California Department of Public Health's VOC standards for both Classroom and Office Scenarios. This compliance is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and protecting occupant health. Low VOC emissions are particularly important in spaces where people spend extended periods, such as offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.

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VOC is the contributor to poor indoor air quality, and the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is often associated with poor indoor air quality in the designed space. The symptoms associated with SBS may include headaches, dry/itchy skin, eye/nose/throat irritation, dizziness and even nausea. It is important to know whether the preserved garden provider of choice has the 3^rdparty tests to prove that they’re compliant with California Department of Public Health’s VOC Standards in various built environment scenarios.

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Post Occupancy Evaluations in terms of the VOC content in the designed space would easily clarify the culprit of the added VOC to the environment. With that, to not to come across such an issue in the built environment, it is always best to choose the providers with CDPH Compliance, to ensure there is no VOC, or lowest values of VOC levels for the whole construct of their gardens, but not one or two specific items in their garden construct that they got tested and putting them out in the world. With greenwashing is quite prevalent in Moss Wall / Preserved Garden market, it is crucial to ask the right questions to the providers.

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Bio-Based Content Certification: Nature's Touch

Look for preserved garden products that offer 100% Bio-based Carbon Content per ASTM 6866. This certification ensures:

• No off gassing from the product
• Use of natural, renewable resources in the preservation process

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By choosing products with high bio-based content, designers can further enhance the sustainability and health profile of their biophilic installations, creating truly nature-inspired spaces.

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Transparency and Material Health: Knowing What's in Your Walls

In an era where transparency is increasingly valued, preserved garden providers should offer clear information about their products' composition and environmental impact.

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Mindful Materials and Transparency Catalog: Information at Your Fingertips

Check if the preserved nature products are listed in databases like:

• mindful MATERIALS
• Transparency Catalog

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These listings provide easy access to product information, helping designers make informed decisions about the materials they specify. Such transparency not only builds trust but also aligns with the growing demand for accountability in product sourcing and manufacturing.

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Red List Free Certification: A Clean Slate

Preserved gardens and moss walls should be certified as Red List Free. This certification ensures that the product does not contain any materials known to pose serious risks to human health and the environment. The Red List, maintained by the International Living Future Institute, identifies the "worst in class" materials prevalent in the building industry. Choosing Red List Free products demonstrates a commitment to creating truly healthy spaces. It is important to take lessons from some other interior product manufacturers, where the Red List only covers one or two ingredients of their construct. Choosing a preserved garden / moss wall provider that has a Red List Free denomination for their whole construct is the safest way to ensure the clean slate for the built environment. Having random one or two elements of the garden construct as Red List free without including the whole construct is a true definition of greenwashing. With that Red List Free should include the whole garden construct.

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The Future of Biophilic Design: Certified, Safe, and Sustainable

As we look to the future of interior design, the integration of nature into our built environments will only grow in importance. Preserved gardens and moss walls offer a sustainable, low-maintenance solution for bringing the outdoors in. However, to truly reap the benefits of these biophilic elements, we must ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and health.

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By prioritizing products with comprehensive third-party certifications, including the 3E Exchange Passport, designers and specifiers can create spaces that are not just visually stunning but also contribute positively to occupant well-being and environmental responsibility. These certifications provide peace of mind, knowing that the preserved nature elements in your space have been rigorously tested and comply with stringent standards.

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Conclusion: A Greener, Healthier Future with Certified Preserved Nature

The importance of third-party testing and compliance in the preserved gardens and moss walls market cannot be overstated. As we continue to seek ways to create more sustainable, health-promoting spaces, these certifications serve as a crucial guide, ensuring that our biophilic design choices truly align with our values and goals.

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When specifying preserved nature installations for your next project, remember to look beyond aesthetics. Consider the full spectrum of certifications available, from HPDs and fire safety ratings to VOC compliance, Red List Free status, and the 3E Exchange Passport. By choosing products that meet these rigorous standards, you're not just bringing nature indoors; you're creating healthier, more responsible built environments that nurture both people and the planet.

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Garden on the Wall® (GOTW) stands out as the only choice in the preserved garden / moss wall market that comprehensively addresses all these needs by its unmatched number of comprehensive 3^rd party tests, credentials and compliance that no other company offers (as of December, 2024). Garden on the Wall^®’s commitment to this level of transparency and their level of compliance demonstrates their comprehensive approach to sustainability, and their products’ impact on the overall built environment and occupant health.

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In the quest for truly sustainable and health-promoting design, certified preserved gardens and moss walls stand out as a powerful tool. They offer the beauty of nature, the benefits of biophilic design, and the assurance of safety and sustainability - all wrapped up in one stunning package.

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As we move forward, let's embrace these certified natural elements, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also truly good for us and our world.

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For more information on this subject and other related information, please visit our website: www.gardenonthewall.com