UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has reached an agreement with Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS) to acquire AQS and its certifying body, the GreenGuard Environmental Institute.

UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), an independent product safety certification organization, has reached an agreement with Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS) to acquire AQS and its certifying body, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. AQS and GREENGUARD provide the North American with product emissions testing and third-party indoor air quality certification.

AQS helps manufacturers identify the chemicals being emitted from their products using state-of-the-art equipment and testing laboratories. GREENGUARD Certification helps manufacturers communicate their sustainability message to the marketplace by providing assurance that their products have been independently evaluated for low chemical emissions.

“This acquisition combines AQS’s world-class technology and expertise, as well as GREENGUARD’s brand recognition and scientific rigor, with UL’s trusted history of standards development, testing, and compliance to create a more comprehensive solution for testing and certification,” said Steve Wenc, president of UL Environment. “Together, we’ll help consumers, regulators, and other interested parties make informed product purchases by providing clarity around indoor air quality claims.”

“By joining forces with such a recognized and reputable brand as UL, we are confident that we will boost consumer confidence in the green product marketplace,” said Dr. Marilyn Black, founder of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and chairperson at AQS. “Additionally, this strategic partnership will allow us to enhance our position as the North American indoor air quality market leader and help us expand our reach into the global market.”

Combined, GREENGUARD and AQS leadership has more than 120 years of experience in chemistry, chemical and mechanical engineering, microbiology, public health, and industrial hygiene. Both AQS and GREENGUARD will help bring greater value to UL’s existing customers and extend UL’s reach to a broader range of companies that seek to minimize their environmental impact.