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:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. 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.