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THE PHAROS PROJECT

The key to unveiling greenwash is transparency in communication. However, there are different priorities for performance that vary depending on the person, and the product or goal. In addition, there are likely at least as many definitions of “green” as there are people discussing the topic, and ultimately, it is the individual who determines if the information is sufficient for them to move forward.

We are working on a project to help the building industry expose what would otherwise be hidden tradeoffs for material selection: Pharos (www.pharosproject.net). It is a materials evaluation tool that displays a product’s attributes as defined in three major categories: Environment + Resources, Health + Pollution, and Social + Community; there are 16 sub-categories.

The Pharos Project aims to put the control back in the hands of consumers - the building industry at large - mapping a 360° view of green material attributes, putting those claims in context and testing them against verifiable data and community consensus of ideal goals.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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