The aim of the emission classification to enhance the development and use of low-emitting building materials
The aim of the classification is to enhance the development and use of low-emitting building materials so that material emissions do not increase the requirement for ventilation. The classification presents requirements for the materials used in ordinary work spaces and residences. The Classification does not overrule official building codes or interpretations of them.

The classifications are granted by the Building Information Foundation RTS
The Building Information Foundation RTS is Finland's leading information service for the building and construction sector. Its mission is to foster and promote good planning and construction practices as well as sound property management procedures. The Building Information Foundation RTS is a private foundation with representatives from 43 Finnish building organisations.

M1 brochure (pdf)

Classification work is developed and supervised by Committee PT 17 Indoor Air Classification appointed by the Director General of the Building Information Foundation RTS. Classification applications and matters relating to classification decisions are examined by a separate classification working group elected by the Committee.

Press release: 10 Years of Emission Classification – a Thousandth M1 Classification Granted! >>

Pressmeddelande: Utsläppsklassificeringen av byggmaterial 10 år – den tusende M1-klassificeringen har beviljats! >>

The Emission Classification of Building Materials is for both products and companies
The Building Information Foundation RTS maintains and publishes a directory of currently classified products and holders of right of use. If the searched product is not on that list, it is not classified by order of the company. Right of use of a classification label provides the company which has been granted classification the right to label the classified product with the label and to use the label 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.

Background
The emission classification of building materials is part of Classification of Indoor Climate 2000, which is intended to be used in the design and construction of healthier and more comfortable buildings and their mechanical systems. The publication can be ordered from aila.laine-sarkkinen@sisailmatieto.com

The first version of the emission classification was developed by the Finnish Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (FiSIAQ) in 1995 as part of Classification of Indoor Climate, Construction, and Finishing Materials. The first emission classifications were granted in 1996.
In May 2000 the system changed its name into emission classification of building materials.