Overview of the legal framework of the Green Deal

IBO Certification Mark for Construction Products

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IBO Certification Mark for Construction Products

The Austrian Institute for Building Biology and Ecology is an independent, scientific association that researches the interaction between people, buildings and the environment. A central task is the development and promotion of the principles of ecological and sustainable architecture.
The IBO tests and evaluates building products and works at all levels to ensure that these products are in greater demand. Products that are certified have a particularly high quality in terms of sustainability.
Building materials and interior fittings are examined and evaluated based on comprehensive criteria that take the entire life cycle of a product into account.
It is aimed at products that are used in the construction sector and are produced in Austria or are available on the Austrian market.

Objectives:

Resource efficiency Free from harmful substances and recyclable




Procedure for IBO product testing:
Preliminary Inspection
Submission of products intended for IBO product testing using the application form for preliminary testing.
Submission
of the safety data sheets of the input materials, the technical product data sheet and the technical approval or the declaration of performance of the product.
Carrying out the Preliminary Inspection
with regard to critical input materials and conformity of the technical product data with the applicable catalogue of criteria.
Positive Result
Preparation of a cost estimate.
Order for IBO Product Testing
Submission of the survey form for the product declaration and the necessary evidence of compliance with the product criteria. Verification of the ingredients on the basis of these documents.
Reporting and Labelling
Evaluation of the product composition, the ecological product characteristics, the manufacturing plant and the analysis results.
Positive Test Result
If the test result is positive, the product is awarded the IBO test mark for two years.
Negative Test Result
In the event of a negative decision, the client receives a corresponding justification together with the report as well as suggestions for improving their product in order to enable further ecological and building biology development.
The IBO certification mark:
•	Is a transparent confirmation of the health and building ecological product properties by independent third parties
•	Supplements existing internal quality assurance measures with health and building ecological aspects
•	Uncovers ecological optimization potential of the production process
•	Supports the establishment of niche products on the market
•	Offers better consideration in building assessment systems such as TQB or klimaaktiv
•	Brings funding advantages in individual Austrian housing subsidies (depending on product group)

The general guidelines underlying product testing aim to:

Restricted use of harmful ingredients: ban on formaldehyde releasers, organohalogen compounds or aromatic hydrocarbons.
Environmentally friendly packaging: avoidance of disposable packaging.
Environmentally friendly production: low energy consumption during production, avoidance of environmentally relevant and harmful emissions (e.g. by avoiding substances that are hazardous to the environment or health).
Recycling-friendly construction.
From sustainable cultivation.

Further information: