The aim of the classification is to enhance the development and use of low-emitting building materials
Various chemicals are emitted from building and interior decoration materials into indoor air. The classification presents emission requirements for the materials used in ordinary work spaces and residences with respect to good indoor air quality. M1 stands for low emissions.
Emission Classification is product-specific Companies which have been granted the right of use of the M1 label may use it for marketing purposes. The classification label shall not be used in marketing in such a way that it refers to the company as a whole or to products which have not been granted M1 classification. The Building Information Foundation RTS maintains and publishes a directory of currently classified products and holders of right of use on its website.
Voluntary labelling system
The emission classification of building materials is a voluntary labeling system open to all manufacturers, importers and exporters of building products. The Classification does not overrule official building codes or interpretations of them. However, many developers, architects and designing engineers favour M1 classified products when selecting materials for their projects. The Finnish Association of Building Owners and Construction Clients RAKLI, the Finnish Association of Architects SAFA and the Finnish Association of Consulting Firms SKOL recommend their members the classification system in order to promote high-quality construction.
The classifications are granted by the Building Information Foundation RTS
The Building Information Foundation RTS is Finland's leading information service for the building and construction sector. Its mission is to foster and promote good planning and construction practices as well as sound property management procedures. The Building Information Foundation RTS is a private foundation with representatives from 49 Finnish building organisations.
Classification work is developed and supervised by Committee Indoor Air Classification (EPT 24) appointed by the Director General of the Building Information Foundation RTS. Classification applications and matters relating to classification decisions are examined by a separate classification working group elected by the Committee. The Building Information Foundation RTS treats all documents and information submitted by applicants in support of their application in confidence.
The details of the classification system are described in the following documents:
Classification of Indoor Environment 2008
The emission classification of building materials is part of Classification of Indoor Environment 2008 (LVI
05-10441en) , which is intended to be used in the design and construction of healthier and more comfortable buildings and their mechanical systems. The first version of the emission classification was developed by the Finnish Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (FiSIAQ) in 1995 as part of Classification of Indoor Climate, Construction, and Finishing Materials. The first emission classifications were granted in 1996.
