What is M1?

The criteria for M1-certified building material was developed and published for the first time over 20 years ago in 1996. M1 Emission Classification for low-emitting building materials sets limit values for the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and ammonia. In addition to chemical testing, acceptability of the odour associated with the material is assessed.

The M1 label on the product tells that the product has been tested in impartial laboratory and it complies with the M1 criteria. M1 Emission Classification is a type I ecolabel according to EN ISO 14024:2018 with restricted scope of indoor emissions. The aim of the classification is to enhance the development and use of low-emission building materials and furniture.

Building Information maintains and publishes a freely accessible database. All products with valid M1 Classification can be found in the database. If you cannot find the product you are looking for by entering either the name of the product or manufacturer, or by using the Talo 2000 classification as a search criteria, the product does not have a valid M1 Classification.

Companies which have been granted the right to use 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 M1 Emission Classification of building materials is a voluntary labeling system open to all manufacturers, importers and exporters of building products. Many developers, architects and designing engineers favour M1-certified 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 M1 Classification system in order to promote high-quality construction.

The M1 Emission Classification is owned by The Building Information Foundation RTS sr (Rakennustietosäätiö RTS sr) and operated by its subsidiary Building Information Ltd (Rakennustieto Oy) who, among other things, issues the
classification certificates. Only Building Information can grant the M1 Classification and testing alone is never enough for a product to be considered as M1-classified. Approved testing laboratories are authorized to carry out emission tests required for the M1 Classification, but all decisions regarding granting the M1 Classification are done by Building Information based on an application submitted by the applicant.

Building Information Group is Finland’s leading information service for the building and construction sector. Its mission is to foster and promote good architect and engineering practices in the building sector as well as sound property management procedures. The Building Information Foundation is a private institution with representatives from 54 Finnish building organisations.

The M1 Emission Classification is developed and supervised by the principal committee Indoor Environment (PT 41), appointed by the Director General of The Building Information Foundation RTS sr. The multidisciplinary committee is comprised of professionals from various fields. M1 applications and matters relating to classification decisions are processed confidentially by a separate classification working group working under the principal committee.

The Emission Classification of building materials is part of the Classification of Indoor Environment 2018, which is 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) and The Building Information Foundation RTS in 1995 as part of Classification of Indoor Climate, Construction, and Finishing Materials.