Ratings Explained

Restorative

Current methods of production focus on minimizing negative impact. Restorative methods of production are positive for the environment. This is our goal and GIGA's ultimate purpose.

Currently, materials are evaluated using a 4-tiered rating system: Best-in-Class, Promising, Weak, Destructive.

Best-in-Class

Best-in-Class materials are closest to being ecologically productive. They represent the best of what is currently available. Full life cycle audits should be considered for Best-in-Class materials to determine the margins to being environmentally productive.

Materials which achieve 100% of applicable LCA criteria are rated as Best-in-Class.

Promising

Promising materials are ecologically better than average and represent a clear step towards becoming sustainable. Improvement is still possible and necessary to make Promising materials less harmful and eventually positive.

Materials which achieve 50-99% of applicable LCA criteria are rated as Promising.

Weak

In most cases, materials have some ecologically notable features. These features however, are outweighed by a majority of drawbacks. Weak materials need to improve and manufacturers are encouraged to improve incrementally.

Materials which achieve 1-49% of applicable LCA criteria are rated as Weak.

Destructive

Destructive materials are ecologically ruinous and are unacceptable. Refuse destructive materials until they are improved.

Materials which meet none of the applicable LCA criteria are rated as Destructive.