Dow Building Insulation Products Achieve Cradle To Cradle® Certification

Rigorous, External Assessment Establishes Sustainability Benchmark And Guidelines for Next Generation Product Development

Midland, MI - Dow Building Solutions announces it has completed a rigorous, external assessment of its building insulation products conducted by MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC), a global sustainability consulting and product certification firm.

STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation, STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing, THERMAX™ (ci) Exterior Insulation, STYROFOAM™ Brand Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation, and SAFETOUCH™ Fiberglass-Free Insulation have all achieved Cradle to Cradle® Certification , a process that assesses products for their ingredients' human health, environmental health and recyclability profiles.

Dow products that have achieved Cradle to Cradle® Certification are eligible for points that contribute to various building certifications, such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Rating Systems and National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) National Green Building Program. Certified products can be listed under the U.S. EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program, as well as several other environmentally conscious product purchasing programs.

"We chose the Cradle to Cradle Certification process, because it is recognized as one of the most comprehensive product evaluations across a broad spectrum of criteria," said Scott Young, global director of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability for Dow Building Solutions. "Dow has a proud legacy of building solutions that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the ongoing operation of buildings worldwide. Now we have a way to measure our progression across additional sustainability criteria. This process will help to guide our investment decisions as we look at next generation solutions and continuous product improvements."

Cradle to Cradle® Certification by MBDC permits an organization to verify and market its products' sustainability attributes and guide future improvements. Cradle to Cradle Certified(CM) products are evaluated in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social responsibility. MBDC is a consulting and certification firm that helps clients create a positive environmental footprint – rather than just reducing their negative impact.

"The Cradle to Cradle criteria also aligns with Dow's 2015 Sustainability Goals, especially in the areas of renewable energy, water stewardship and social responsibility," noted Young. "Dow Building Solutions is a shining example of how Dow is fulfilling its sustainability promise. Dow has led the industry in advancing material and building science principles to improve the built environment. Knowing where we are now, where we want to go, and how we will get there is vital to our commitment to a continuous sustainability progression."

About Dow Building Solutions

Dow Building Solutions has a 60-year legacy of providing energy saving solutions to the global commercial and residential construction industry, which began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, one of the most recognized brands of insulation in the world. A business unit within The Dow Chemical Company's Advanced Materials Division, Dow Building Solutions offers unsurpassed expertise to help builders, designers, architects and homeowners reduce energy costs and protect against wind, rain and moisture, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. More information about Dow Building Solutions can be found at www.dowbuildingsolutions.com.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC)

MBDC is a consulting and certification firm that helps clients become environmental leaders and create a positive footprint on the planet by implementing the Cradle to Cradle framework. The Framework is based on internationally recognized architect/designer William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart's book Cradle to Cradle - Remaking the Way We Make Things, published in 2002 by NorthPoint Press. MBDC has two primary service offerings: Cradle to Cradle® Certification is a rigorous and comprehensive certification program that evaluates products and materials for human health, environmental health and recyclability. Cradle to Cradle® Consulting helps clients integrate the larger Cradle to Cradle® design framework to optimize product life cycles, organizational operations and decision-making. MBDC works with global clients within various sectors and industries. Cradle to Cradle® is a trademark of MBDC. Cradle to Cradle Certified(CM) is a certification mark of MBDC. For more information, go to www.mbdc.com.