About ClearChem
ClearChem™: Transparent Environmental Claims for Interior Building Products
ClearChem™ is a program developed by Berkeley Analytical that enables manufacturers to make credible, self-declared environmental claims about the VOC emissions and VOC content of their interior building products. ClearChem promotes transparency and consistency in the marketplace.
Core Elements of the ClearChem Program:
- ClearChem Standard (BkA-CC-01) – Defines the program rules for making self-declared environmental product claims. It’s based on ISO 14021 and aligned with the CDPH Standard Method V1.2.
- ClearChem Self-Declaration – An easy to use, online form that allows companies to document product compliance in a clear and credible format. It simplifies the review process for architects, specifiers, and LEED project teams.
- ClearChem Product Registry – A public, searchable database where participating companies list their declarations. It supports green building rating systems such as LEED®, WELL, CHPS, Green Globes, and others.
Why Self-Declared Claims?
- Accepted by USGBC LEED, which permits the use of self-declared claims that meet rigorous quality standards.
- Protects proprietary information: Companies retain control of their sensitive data while ensuring transparency.
- Responsibility stays with the company: Each declaration is backed by a Berkeley Analytical laboratory test and the company’s manufacturing quality systems.
- No audits and no waiting for a third-party – get your declarations to market as soon as test reports are available.
- Flexible and efficient: Especially valuable in dynamic, global manufacturing environments.
Participation Requirements
To participate in ClearChem:
- The company must be a Berkeley Analytical customer.
- Participants must sign an implementation agreement committing to follow the protocols in ClearChem Standard BkA-Cc-01, including maintaining manufacturing quality control systems per Chapter 8 of the CDPH method.
- Product categories must be covered under the ClearChem Standard (only a few exclusions).
- Each product declaration must backed by a 14-day compliance test conducted by Berkeley Analytical following CDPH Standard Method V1.2.
Origin.build Integration
Berkeley Analytical is a recognized Reporting Body for Origin.build, the online material data hub operated by GIGA. ClearChem declarations are sent to Origin.
Through this partnership:
- The company links its ClearChem declarations to their corresponding product listings on Origin.
- The ClearChem declarations appear directly on the Origin product pages.
- The displayed ClearChem logo indicates verified, transparent reporting.
- Manufacturers gain increased visibility with architects, designers, and project teams.
Benefits of ClearChem
✔ Trusted, test-based product claims
✔ Transparent and standardized documentation
✔ Supports major green building programs and codes
✔ Public registry for easy access
✔ Protects proprietary business data
✔ Recognized by USGBC, WELL, CHPS, and more
Download ClearChem Standard BkA-CC-01 for full program details, or use our Contact form to reach a company representative.