Assessing building products from a building-biology perspective requires defined test methods, relevant criteria and careful interpretation of results. The assessment is limited to the properties and parameters actually tested. Awareness and attention regarding this issue have grown significantly among both consumers and manufacturers. To provide clear guidance in the marketplace, a large number of manufacturers have applied for the “Tested and Recommended by the Institute for Building Biology” (IBR) seal of approval for their products.

Following rigorous laboratory testing, products that pass the assessment demonstrate their safety—in terms of building biology—by displaying this seal. Manufacturers use it to distinguish their products from others, while consumers benefit from being able to easily assess a product’s health implications.

The IBR Seal of Approval is protected by copyright and registered as a trademark.