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Chemicals production and consumption is set to double by 2030, from a $5 trillion industry globally in 2017, with production set to increase, mainly in emerging economies. If chemicals production is doubled, chemical pollution must not double as a consequence – rather we should aim to significantly reduce it from current levels.

Current international attempts at the massive undertaking of addressing chemical pollution are not working. For the world to solve the major environmental and health challenges we face, there must be a sustainable chemicals revolution. We can only achieve this through senior-level engagement with the chemical sciences community through an authoritative, intergovernmental science-policy interface.

The Royal Society of Chemistry engaged with scientists in their community to develop the vision for a chemicals strategy, relevant to any nation in principle.  Four pillars were identified on which any chemicals strategy has to be based: education, innovation, circular economy and regulation. National governments must invest in these areas and create a responsible framework of action for chemicals management.

At face value, cabinetry may seem to be made of one type of wood, but its construction is much more complex. Many prefabricated cabinets are built using a combination of three or more wood composites and veneers, which typically use toxic glues containing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

By comparing the material contents and construction in prefabricated cabinets, we created a spectrum that indicates the relationship between affordability and health. We typically consider the health effects during all phases of product development, but these diagrams are focused on the health effects during installation and inhabitation.

Currently, prefabricated cabinets are composed of 5%-30% healthier materials. Designers can increase this percentage by requesting manufacturers to build with NAF (no added formaldehyde) composite woods. This often comes with an increased price. Our Composite Wood Product and Spec Guidance gives a range of healthier substitutions.

GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals is a method of comparative Chemical Hazard Assessment (CHA) that can be used for identifying chemicals of high concern and safer alternatives.  GreenScreen was developed by and is a project of Clean Production Action.

The Framework Manual introduces, in a structured way, various facets of green and sustainable chemistry, with the intention to foster learning, reflection and scale up action based on a common global understanding of the concept. It features an organizing framework that unpacks various topics relevant for green and sustainable chemistry literature. The Manual is setting objectives and guiding considerations from green and sustainable chemistry, as well as an innovation and research framework are offered to stimulate stakeholder action at various levels and in different settings. Ultimately, the Manual seeks to promote innovation that unveils the full power of chemistry, and is compatible with, and supports implementation of global sustainable development goals and targets. The range of topics covered in the Manual have been identified following a review of the green and sustainable chemistry literature, the 2019 UNEP report on best practices in sustainable chemistry, and the second edition of the Global Chemicals Outlook (GCO-II). Resources permitting, the Framework Manual will be complemented by specific manuals, covering selected topics of interest to stakeholders. The Manual is structured alongside the elements of the conceptual framework “Advancing sustainability through green and sustainable chemistry” which was developed through a consultative process and is introduced below. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 address the question of: “Why” is green and sustainable chemistry needed and “What” does it aim to achieve, and in which specific innovation areas. Chapters 5, 6 and 7 focus on enabling tools and measures to advance green and sustainable chemistry (the “How”). These action-enabling elements range from promoting life cycle approaches, to strengthening research and innovation policies and programmes. An important cross-cutting topic is the need to scale up awareness raising and education initiatives at all levels that bring the green and sustainable chemistry agenda to potential actors, through formal and informal education.

The Global Minimum Transparency Standard (GMTS) is a tool for companies to disclose hazardous chemicals in their products throughout the whole product lifecycle.  It will help achieve equal access to information for all stakeholders, irrespective of country and within and outside the supply chains. It is a step toward stricter regulation or even a complete phase-out of hazardous chemicals leading to global human health and environmental safety.

This guidance document aims to give an overview of potential hazardous substances that might occur in construction products and when appearing as waste need attention during renovation and demolition activities. Focus in this guideline is on hazardous substances regulated by EU or international agreements or national legislation.

Although the present legislation restricts the use of many hazardous substances in new building products, there is a considerable concern for compounds present in old construction products, since their presence in construction and demolition waste may limit the recyclability of the material and potentially cause waste management problems. One group of substances that has recently received attention are persistent organic pollutants (POP substances) such as e.g. some brominated flame retardants.

Important characteristic of the construction and building products is the relatively long life span. Because of long lifespan the restricted substances will enter the waste stream many decades after a ban has been placed on their use and they can therefore be found in renovation or demolition waste for a long time. Many of these substances provide important functionality in a wide range of products, e.g. flame retardants.

Besides hazardous substances also degradation in composition and quality aspects (e.g. mould) of construction products needs to be considered.

This document is part of the pre-demolition overall guidance document developed in the PARADE project.

Information from GreenSpec on environmental impacts of building materials, including chemicals of concern.