UL Environment, a business unit of the Underwriters Laboratories independent product safety certification organization, announced that it has reached an agreement with Air Quality Sciences Inc. (AQS) to acquire AQS and its certifying body, the GreenGuard Environmental Institute. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“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,” noted 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.”

UL launch its environmental services business unit, UL Environment, in 2009. The organization helps establish new definitions of safety, aiding manufacturers in differentiating environmentally-superior products in the marketplace, according to UL. Expanding on UL Environment’s product emissions testing and indoor air quality certification capabilities, the acquisition further positions UL Environment as a global leader in environmental evaluation and certification, the company added.

AQS is headquartered in Atlanta. Since its establishment in 1989, AQS has tested more than 70,000 products for chemical emissions and catalogued the presence of more than 12,000 product specific chemicals that can pollute the indoor air.

Founded in 2001, the GreenGuard Environmental Institute certifies building products and materials for low chemical emissions. GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certification and GreenGuard Children & Schools Certification are two of the most trusted third-party indoor air quality certifications in North America, according to UL. More than 350 manufacturers worldwide currently participate in the GreenGuard Certification Program, representing 19 unique industries and over 10,000 products.