Frequently Asked Questions

How does GTBG ensure the products in their directory are green?
All products listed in the directory must adhere to certain standards of sustainability. A full list of the criteria we use is listed on our qualifications page.

Does it cost money to access the Good To Be Green directory?
No. In order to provide the most accessibility to green building products, access to the Good To Be Green directory is free and no registration is required for you to contact the vendors on the site. All we ask is that if you contact a vendor, through a means other than DirectLeads™, you mention that you found them on Good To Be Green!

What is a CSI Division/CSI Code?
CSI codes are the commercial building design and construction standard for locating and classifying all building products and materials (not just green ones). It was developed by The Construction Specifications Institute and uses titles and section numbers to organize data about construction requirements among architects, specifiers, contractors and suppliers in order to help them meet building owners' needs. Good To Be Green uses the latest version of CSI codes, the 2004, 50-division, MasterFormat.

What is the difference between the Commercial search and the Residential search?
Our commercial search only list products that are meant to be used in commercial applications and is for building professionals that are familiar with using CSI codes to locate products and materials in the Sweets products catalog.

The Residential Search takes a common name approach to the listing categories. These listings give results for products that are created specifically for or can be applied to residential or light commercial building applications. Since the categories in our residential product search take a common name approach, the average homeowners or professionals unfamiliar with CSI codes will find it much easier to identify product categories.

What is MyGreenSpace?
MyGreenSpace™ is your place to put your favorite green building products or services. You must be a registred user to use MyGreenSpace. In Summer 2008 we will be launching our enhanced MyGreenSpace that will allow you to create projects and to build and collaborate with project teams.

Does it cost money to register for a MyGreenSpace account?
No.

What is DirectLeads?
DirectLeads is our unique program allows you to directly contact product manufacturers and service providers with questions service or product. Once you click on the DirectLeads icon you will be asked to fill out a short form request your name, some contact information and section to place your question or comment. If you are a registered user the form will be pre-filled, otherwise you will need to fill out a new form with every DirectLeads request.

How do I purchase products or services?
Good To Be Green does not sell any of the products listed on the site. In order to purchase products or services you must contact manufacturers, local retailers or product installers.

Why does Good To Be Green only list products and not sell them?
Shipping goods back and forth across the country is a major source of pollution and has a significant negative environmental impact. By not having a manufacturer ship materials to us and, in turn, having us ship them to you, we minimize the environmental impact of getting the product into your hands. We encourage consumers to find a local retailers inside Profiled Product Listings, contact manufacturers using DirectLeads or use the other contact information provided in the listing. Once contacted via DirectLeads, manufacturers can send you additional information and help you find a local distributor, vendor or retailer that carries your product, if one is not already listed here.

Do the products in the Good To Be Green directory qualify for LEED Credit?
Many products in the Good To Be Green directory may qualify for credit under the LEED rating system, however, this is not a requirement to be in our directory. Good To Be Green is not affiliated with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)and you should consult a LEED Accredited Professional to guide you in this regard.

I didn't find the answer to my question. What do I do now?
If you have additional questions that are not answered here. Please feel free to contact us and we will get right back to you with an answer!