GREENGUARD Proudly Sponsors 2nd Annual Green Schools National Conference

Sponsorship Supports the Creation of Healthier, High-Performance K-12 Educational Facilities

ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, a division of UL Environment, announces today its continued support of the Green Schools National Conference, an exciting gathering of teachers, administrators, parents, students, facility managers, and community leaders whose mission is to promote healthy, sustainable, and environmentally-preferable K-12 schools nationwide. Now in its second year, the conference is taking place today at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Co. and will run through Wednesday, February 29.

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"We're proud to be recognized as an Emerald Green Sponsor of the Green Schools National Conference, just as we were in 2010 when the conference debuted," says Marilyn Black, Ph.D., founder of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. "At a time when childhood asthma rates are on the rise and forcing millions of students to miss school every year, and when research continues to show that poor indoor air quality can cause health problems, it is critical that school and community leaders take action now to ensure healthier, more sustainable learning environments. We're here to show our support for the green schools movement, and to teach the public about simple steps they can take to make a positive difference."

To educate conference attendees on how to create and maintain healthier, environmentally-preferable learning environments, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute—along with its UL Environment sister organization, EcoLogo®—is hosting a booth exhibit at the show. Knowledgeable staff members will be on hand to answer questions and distribute literature about such topics as children's health, indoor air quality, chemical exposure, and the environmental impacts of classroom cleaning products.

Additionally, Dr. Black, along with GREENGUARD's Director of Public Affairs, Mark Rossolo, will deliver presentations about critical issues facing green schools, offering insights and solutions for success. The presentation schedule is as follows:

• Green Procurement: Developing an Effective Environmentally-Preferable Purchasing Program – Mark Rossolo

Participants will learn how to develop an effective Environmental Purchasing Policy (EPP) that helps protect student health and the environment while staying within budget. Key strategies, including a case study review and tips on overcoming common obstacles, will be discussed.

Wednesday, February 29
8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Breathe Easy: Smarter Product Choices for Better IAQ – Marilyn Black, Ph.D.

This session will present facts about chemical exposure in schools and how it impacts children's health. Case studies will help audience members identify pollutant sources and remedies, create an effective IAQ management plan, and identify tools that aid in product procurement and the avoidance of greenwashing.

Wednesday, February 29
10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

To learn more about indoor air quality in schools and the importance of low-emitting products, visit the Healthier Schools page on the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute's website (www.greenguard.org).

To register to attend the Green Schools National Conference, visit www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org.

About the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI)

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, part of the UL Global Network, aims to protect human health and enhance quality of life by improving indoor air quality and reducing chemical exposure.  As an ISO-IEC Guide 65:1996 accredited, third-party organization, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute certifies products and materials for low chemical emissions and serves as a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environments.  All certified products must meet stringent chemical emissions standards based on established criteria from key public health agencies. GREENGUARD Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs and building codes worldwide.  For more information and a complete listing of certified products, visit www.greenguard.org.

About UL Environment

UL Environment's mission is to advance global sustainability, environmental health, and safety by supporting the growth and development of environmentally-preferable products, services, and organizations. We help companies achieve their sustainability goals and help consumers find products they can trust. UL Environment offers environmental claim validations, multi-attribute product certifications, environmental product declarations, indoor air quality certification, product emissions testing, organizational sustainability certification, and consulting. For more information, visit www.ul.com/environment.

SOURCE GREENGUARD Environmental Institute