Behind the green labels

Some brands are going beyond low VOCs with "green" certifications that are self-awarded or from independent groups. But as we found, those certifications don't guarantee top performance:

Greenguard

This independent organization requires manufacturers to measure off-gassing from drying paint and allows only trace levels of VOCs, including formaldehyde and styrene. Companies pay to have paint tested along with at least $3,000 to use the Greenguard logo. Freshaire Choice has it. But it scored at the bottom of our Ratings (available to subscribers) in two out of three categories.

Green Seal

This group, also independent, limits VOCs (50 grams per liter for flat paint, 100 for nonflat; with colorant, 100 grams for flat, 150 for nonflat), prohibits certain other hazardous substances, and assesses performance. Companies pay $2,500 to $10,000 to have paints evaluated and to use the Green Seal logo. VOC levels are from manufacturers; no currently tested paints have the logo.

GreenSure

This certification was created by Sherwin-Williams, is self-regulated, and covers only the company's products. Paints with the GreenSure logo must have VOCs of 50 grams per liter or less and be free of certain other chemical substances. The logo is on Sherwin-Williams Harmony and Duration lines, which generally rank low in our interior-paint Ratings (available to subscribers).

Green Promise

This one was created by Benjamin Moore, covers only its products, and requires VOCs of 50 grams per liter or less. It also requires paints to use zero-VOC colorant, according to the company. It's on Aura and Natura paints, which were very good overall but were outscored by lower-priced paints.