Empowering Sustainable Change: Insights from Debra Robertson of Global GreenTag International
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In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable construction, Global GreenTag International stands as a pivotal figure. With a commitment to transparency and ethical manufacturing, they help shape essential dialogues around product assessment and sustainability standards. This blog post delves into Debra's insights on the future of sustainable building practices, recent industry trends, and how we can all contribute to a healthier planet. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of sustainable design and the vital role of certification in driving meaningful change.
About Debra Robertson
Debra is the Global Marketing and Communications Director for Global GreenTag International, one of the world’s leading certification bodies for sustainable building products. Involved in strategic communications and environmental and social advocacy, Debra plays a pivotal role with GreenTag in helping to shape narratives around product transparency, responsible and ethical manufacturing and the importance of independent, scientifically backed product assessment processes. Ultimately, to assist build and trade professionals, and consumers alike, to be more aware and informed about how to select products that are better for the health and wellbeing of the Earth and all living beings, including us humans.
1. Can you introduce your organization and share its mission?
Global GreenTag is an independent, third-party certification, declaration, and verification body that works to honour and substantiate the work of progressive manufacturers who are moving boundaries in sustainable product design. We provide scientific, transparent, and robust certification of products – ensuring they meet the highest sustainability standards globally.
Equally, we are dedicated to empowering (informing and educating) specifiers and buyers within the construction and design industries to make sustainable product choices with product information they can trust, which are genuinely better for human health, the environment, and ethical supply chains.
Our ultimate mission is to support and accelerate the transformation of the built environment to work with nature, not against it. We are involved in the continuous improvement of our product certification standards and creating new ones – like our NaturePositive+Standard™. Through our certification and declaration programs, we are intent on supporting the needs of now and the future, and passionate about celebrating the significant advances in product design, and especially by manufacturers who are making strong inroads already to produce products that are Nature Positive in design. This drives everything we do.
2. How does your organization contribute to sustainability in construction?
Our contribution is centred on empowering specifiers, architects, designers, builders, and procurement teams to make informed decisions. We offer a suite of certification programs, including:
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LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) Assessments – Evaluating product carbon performance and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Nature Positive circular and bio-based product certifications (NaturePositive+Declaration™) – Driven by the first Nature Positive Standard for products in the world, developed by Global GreenTag to support projects for the Circular Economy.
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Environmental Product Declarations (Global GreenTag International EPD™ Program) – ISO 14025 and EN 15804 compliant product transparency declarations.
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Modern Slavery Declarations (Global GreenTag International MSD™) – The world's first ethical transparency declaration for products to minimise Modern Slavery in global supply chains.
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Health and well-being accreditations with the Global GreenTag International Product Health Declaration™ (GreenTag PHD™) and HealthRATE™ Certifications – Providing assurance that products for sustainable building projects and consumers are safe and rated for their healthiness in use.
These tools provide the industry with verified, transparent product data — reducing greenwash and enabling true progress in sustainable construction.
3. How do you envision the future of sustainable building practices influencing construction standards?
The future is clear especially with the backing of the leading green and healthy building certification tools – such as Green Star® WELL™ and LEED® – and leadership in the property development sector, we expect sustainability will become the baseline, not the exception. We’re already seeing this shift in government policy, global finance, and consumer demand.
New construction standards are increasingly aligning with climate resilience, circular economy, health, and social equity. Certifications and lifecycle impact assessments will become essential tools, not add-ons. We anticipate that Nature Positive principles — which focus on giving back more to ecosystems than we take—will be embedded into core building regulations globally – and that would be a happy day.
Our role is to make sure that building material manufacturers have access to credible certification pathways that reflect these new values.
4. Can you share any recent trends in the construction industry that you find particularly exciting?
Yes, several! A few key trends we’re excited about:
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Biobased materials (like engineered bamboo, CLT timber, and natural fibres) gaining traction for their ability to sequester carbon and support circular design.
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Digital transparency tools, like product passports and QR-coded ecolabels, becoming standard to share sustainability data.
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Product-as-a-service models and take-back schemes helping to close material loops.
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A growing focus on healthy interiors, driven by demand for low-toxicity, asthma- and allergy-sensitive building materials.
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And, of course, the rise of Nature Positive design thinking — rethinking construction as a regenerative, rather than extractive, practice.
These shifts show a maturing industry that’s ready to lead by example.
5. What advice would you give to new professionals entering the industry?
Be curious — and courageous. The construction industry is undergoing a major transformation, and new professionals have an incredible opportunity to shape it.
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Understand the impact of materials — not just in terms of carbon, but across human health, ethics, and biodiversity.
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Learn how to read product certifications and declarations — these are powerful tools to help you avoid greenwash.
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Advocate for transparent and responsible sourcing in every project you work on.
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Finally, stay inspired. Sustainability isn’t just a challenge — it’s a creative design opportunity to build a better world.
6. How can attendees best engage with your organization during the expo?
Come and meet us! Our team loves connecting with professionals who are passionate about sustainability. At the expo, we’ll be:
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Showcasing examples of products that demonstrate world-leading sustainability performance;
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Sharing insights about our certification and declaration programs, including the GreenTag NaturePositive+ Declaration, Environmental Product Declaration, Product Health Declaration and Modern Slavery Declaration;
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And offering free resources to help attendees learn how to specify more responsibly and to help manufacturers get on the product certification pathway.
We welcome you to bring your questions, ideas, and even your product concepts—we’re here to support your sustainability journey.
The work of Global GreenTag International is more than certification — it's about reshaping how we build, live, and design with purpose. As the construction industry takes bold steps toward climate action, healthier buildings, and circular economies, having partners like Global GreenTag ensures that trust, science, and impact lead the way.
Stay connected with us via globalgreentag.com or drop by our booth during the expo to explore how we can collaborate for a healthier future.
Social media platforms:
Linkedin:
Global GreenTag International EPD Program
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/globalgreentag/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GlobalGreenTagSouthAfrica/