What happens when building science, innovation, and third-party certification converge? A smarter path forward for healthier buildings
At Allergy Standards Ltd, we work with leading manufacturers to validate their product claims through rigorous scientific testing. In a recent article for Building Enclosure, Dr. Anna O’Donovan, of the ASL team, explored how certification programs like the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program help companies design with health in mind, offering not only consumer-facing assurance, but real value for architects, specifiers, and the broader building industry.
One standout example is Knauf North America, whose Performance+® Certified insulation products have achieved Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification across both residential and commercial applications. From homes to hospitals, these Certified products are engineered to minimize exposure to airborne allergens and particulates, an increasingly important factor in material selection for healthy building projects.
A Portfolio Approach to Certified Insulation
Rather than certifying a single product, Knauf has integrated health-focused performance into a range of offerings across sectors. This approach provides specifiers with greater flexibility and confidence when meeting client goals around indoor air quality (IAQ), sustainability, and occupant wellness.
The Knauf North America team celebrates their win at The Nationals 2025, where they received the NAHB Global Innovation Award for their Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certified insulation portfolio.
This leadership was recently recognized with the NAHB Global Innovation Award, presented at The Nationals during the International Builders’ Show. The award spotlights products that deliver on energy performance and occupant health, an increasingly non-negotiable combination for builders, developers, and design professionals.
“This incredible honor underscores our commitment to setting a higher standard for fiberglass insulation and supporting healthier living environments,” said Linda McGovern, VP of Marketing at Knauf North America. “We’re proud to introduce insulation solutions that not only enhance energy efficiency but also contribute to the well-being of occupants and installers.”
Meeting Market Demand with Credible Claims
Specifiers and procurement teams face a crowded marketplace full of health-based marketing language. But terms like “low-emission” or “non-toxic” are often unregulated or unverified. Independent, third-party certification provides a level of trust that’s increasingly expected by clients and required by regulatory bodies, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and sustainable construction.
With over 100 million Americans affected by asthma or allergies, health-focused product validation is no longer niche, it’s strategic.
Certification from programs like Asthma & Allergy Friendly® gives manufacturers a scientifically backed framework for innovation and transparency. It also signals alignment with industry standards and ESG goals related to occupant well-being, product stewardship, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
Healthier Buildings Start with Smarter Choices
The construction industry is shifting toward materials and systems that contribute to healthier, high-performance spaces. Certified insulation, like Knauf’s Performance+®, gives developers and contractors the confidence that they’re specifying a product that supports both human health and environmental responsibility.
At ASL, we’re proud to work with manufacturers who are raising the bar for healthier living and working environments.
Explore the full article in Building Enclosure to learn more about Knauf’s approach and the role of certification in the future of building materials.
Key Words
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