FloorScore®
When it comes to indoor air quality, a primary concern is the emission level of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs). FloorScore® IAQ Certification means that a flooring product is independently certified by SCS to comply with the volatile organic compound emissions criteria of the California Section 01350 Program. Hundreds of resilient hard surface flooring materials and their adhesives bear the FloorScore® seal. This seal tells you that the products have been independently certified by SCS to comply with the volatile organic compound emissions criteria of the California Section 01350 Program (California Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers, Version 1.2). Any product that has met these stringent standards is a product that will contribute to good indoor air quality.
CA 01350
Emissions Standard
SCS Global
Certification Body
Indoor Air Quality
Why should I be concerned with Indoor Air Quality?
Key Benefits
Why FloorScore®
01
IAQ Certification for Flooring
FloorScore® certifies that a flooring product’s VOC emissions comply with the California Section 01350 Program — one of the most stringent IAQ benchmarks for building materials in North America.
02
Administered by SCS Global Services
As a third-party independent certification firm, SCS audits and determines whether products qualify for the FloorScore® seal by reviewing all VOC emissions test reports, determining whether results meet California Section 01350 requirements, and conducting periodic manufacturing plant inspections.
03
Recognized by Green Building Programs
FloorScore® certified products are recognized by LEED, CHPS, BREEAM, Green Globes, NAHB ANSI National Green Building Standard, ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, and many other green building rating systems.
04
Healthier Air for Occupants
IAQ is important because most people spend around 90% of their time indoors. Poor quality air can increase risk for a variety of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and more serious long-term conditions.
05
Ongoing Compliance
To earn and maintain the FloorScore® seal, products must satisfy requirements including: testing demonstrating compliance with emission concentrations for listed VOCs under California Section 01350; manufacturing facility on-site audits and yearly surveillance audits; annual product re-testing; product record keeping; and a documented quality control plan.
The Process
How to get certified
FloorScore certification is administered by SCS Global Services. Contact SCS to submit your product for emissions testing and begin the certification process.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a list of flooring products that have earned the FloorScore® seal?
A current list is maintained at http://www.scscertified.com
Where can I find the FloorScore® test procedure and certification requirements?
You can find them on SCS’s website at https://www.scsglobalservices.com
In short, what does FloorScore® require?
To earn the FloorScore® seal, a flooring product must satisfy the requirements of the SCS-EC-10.2-2007 Environmental Certification Program — Indoor Air Quality Performance, which includes: testing demonstrating compliance with emission concentrations for listed VOCs under California Section 01350; manufacturing facility on-site audits and yearly surveillance audits; annual product re-testing; product record keeping; and a documented quality control plan.
Why does IAQ matter to me?
If you’re like most people, you spend over 90% of your life indoors.
Are some people more sensitive to VOCs?
Yes. During installation when VOC levels can be higher, people who are sensitive to odors or chemicals should avoid the area. Floorscore certification does not include the installation process.
Why is hard surface flooring recommended for classrooms, offices and homes?
Hard surface floors are easy to clean and maintain because they provide a one-dimensional surface that doesn’t absorb odors, spills, dust or soil. They also don’t easily retain moisture, which can promote the growth of microorganisms, such as dust mites and mold, that can contribute to poor IAQ.
Where can I learn more?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a web site that provides information on indoor air quality at www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html. You can also find out about all the indoor air quality certifications offered by SCS at http://www.scscertified.com
Can IAQ really be improved?
Absolutely. Here are five ways to improve your IAQ: improve your HVAC system design and maintenance; ensure adequate ventilation with clean air; improve air filtering; schedule maintenance or remodeling for minimum impact; and control the sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Resources
Links & documents
FloorScore® One-Page Overview
A concise summary of the FloorScore program, requirements, and certification process.
Download PDF
FloorScore Certification Application
Benefits, how to get certified, requirements, and more at SCS Global Services.
Visit Website
About SCS Global Services
Learn about SCS Global Services, the independent third-party body that administers FloorScore®.
Visit Website
Recognition
Programs that recognize FloorScore®
- U.S. Green Building Council LEED Rating System
- LEED for New Construction (NC)
- LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI)
- LEED for Core and Shell (CS)
- LEED for Healthcare (HC)
- LEED for Schools
- LEED for Homes
- LEED for Existing Buildings (EB)
- Green Guide for Health Care
- ANSI/GBI 01-2010 Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings
- ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings
- NAHB ANSI National Green Building Standard
- BREEAM
- Collaboration for High Performance Schools (CHPS)
- CSI Green Format
- HBN Pharos Project
- NSF/ANSI 332-2010 Sustainability Assessment for Resilient Floor Coverings
- Florida Green Home Standard
- City of Scottsdale Environmental Rating System
- EPA Tools for Schools Program
Explore other certifications
ASSURE® Certified
ASSURE® Certified was conceived and developed by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) as a way to establish uniform standards of quality for all rigid core luxury flooring products sold in North America; regardless of where they are manufactured. ASSURE® Certified standards apply to WPC or SPC construction. Rigid core luxury products that carry the ASSURE® Certified badge have been tested and certified by SCS Global, an international leader in third-party certification and standards development. You can be assured that this rigid core luxury product has been manufactured to the highest standards and meets the specific ASSURE® Certified requirements in indoor air quality, specific performance properties, heavy metals content, and ortho-phthalates.
AFFIRM™ Certified
AFFIRM™ Certified is a sustainable certification for resilient flooring products that is based on compliance with the AFFIRM™ Certified: Sustainable Assessment of Resilient Floor Covering. The standard’s criteria include environmental, health and wellness, and social impact categories. The AFFIRM™ Certified label on a resilient flooring product provides the specifier and consumer assurance that the resilient flooring product is meeting sustainability requirements and is third-party certified.