Samples Library
About the Library
The NEXUS Samples Library is a collection of green products and materials for residential and commercial projects. It offers building professionals, homeowners, students and the general public the chance to learn about a variety green building materials and see them first-hand. Our library currently contains more than 500 products sorted by CSI category and labeled clearly, so that visitors can easily identify the product name, manufacturer, website, and other information.
How Does NEXUS Screen Products for Sustainability?
All products in the NEXUS Samples Library are screened according to sustainability standards developed by organizations such as BuildingGreen, third party certifications such as GreenSeal, Cradle to Cradle, Forestry Stewardship Council, and ROHS, as well as our own set of stringent screening criteria. We’ve created a product screening survey for completion by product manufacturers that are ‘green’, based upon attributes such as recycled content, limited emissions of non-toxic substances, how rapidly renewable a resource is, and it’s ability to conserve energy or water.
What makes a product green?
Non-Toxic:
Certain products are considered sustainable because they help to maintain good indoor environmental quality by limiting the emission of VOCs, such as formaldehyde, which can cause cancer and other health problems. Some toxic chemicals contribute to climate change or air pollution levels, while others are slow to break down, and remain in the environment even after the product has been removed.
Recycled or Reclaimed:
Some products are considered sustainable because they contain high levels of recycled material. Post-consumer recycled, pre-consumer recycled materials, reclaimed material recovered from remodeling or demolition projects, and products made from agricultural waste reduce the need for new raw materials and reduce the embodied energy associated with a product.
Rapidly Renewable:
Rapidly renewable resources are considered sustainable when they do not require many years to regrow or regenerate.
Energy and Water Conservation:
Some products are green because they:
1. Reduce the overall energy needs of a building
2. Use less water and energy to operate
3. Use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power
Borrowing Items from the Library
Visitors to NEXUS can borrow up to three samples or product binders at a time from the samples library. All samples and binders must be checked out by completing our lending form and returned within two business days. A deposit of $5 for each sample or $10 for each binder is required in order to borrow a product. All deposits are fully refundable upon the return of the sample/binder. NEXUS reserves the right to keep a deposit if items are damaged, lost, or returned late, as all samples are the property of NEXUS or the product manufacturers.
Database of Samples in Our Library
An online listing of all products in our library can be found here. Detailed information on any of these products can also be located on www.buildinggreen.com. Building Green is a subscription service. All computers in the NEXUS Cyber Lounge have a subscription to Building Green.
