Sustainable Carpet Certification

Based on NSF/ANSI 140 Certification Standard

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Rob Emelander

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What is Sustainable Carpet Certification?

The Sustainable Assessment for Carpet, NSF/ANSI 140, is a multi-attribute standard that evaluates the economic, environmental, and social impacts of commercial carpet and rug products across the entire product life cycle. This standard satisfies conformance with ISO 14024 and ISO 14021 environmental labelling and declaration requirements and with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims. It also fosters confidence from manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, and consumers that products labeled with the third-party certification mark consistently meet the requirements of the standard. NSF/ANSI 140 encourages manufacturers of carpets and rugs to maximize their impact reductions and enhance environmental achievements.

Manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through this third-party certification while also contributing to LEED v4.1 credits as well as meeting EPA ecolabel and GSA procurement requirements.

Why Choose SCS?

SCS Global Services is a leading third-party certifier of environmental claims in the green building industry, including carpet and other flooring products. Manufacturers are able to work with the same audit team year over year, which provides continuity and a streamlined approach. SCS also provides marketing support upon certification to help manufacturers promote their product achievements.

  • Program Details
  • Process
  • Benefits
  • Program Documents
Eligible Products

NSF/ANSI 140 is applicable to any carpet product. The standard does not apply to the packaging of sustainable carpets or to the adhesive or padding products used in the installation of carpet products.

NSF/ANSI 140 Criteria

Qualification for certification under the NSF/ANSI 140 standard for carpet requires conformance with criteria under six categories:

  • Public Health and Environment
  • Energy Usage and Energy Efficiency
  • Use of Bio-based, Recycled, or Environmentally Preferable Materials
  • Manufacturing
  • Reclamation and End-of-life Management
  • Innovation

Points earned under each of these categories determine the level of certification earned:

  • Silver - Entry-level certification tier
  • Gold - Middle tier certification
  • Platinum - Highest level of performance recognized
  1. Scope
    • SCS scopes the project and prepares a proposal that includes a detailed explanation of the process, deliverables, cost, and timeline.
    • Client agrees to scope, purchases the NSF/ANSI 140 standard, and an SCS account manager is assigned to guide the client through the certification process.
  2. Data Collection
    • Client completes the Data Request Form, identifying mandatory and elective credits to be pursued, and submits it to the auditor along with supporting documentation.
    • Once sufficient data is collected, an onsite audit is scheduled.
  3. Onsite Audit
    • The SCS auditor conducts an onsite audit(s).
  4. Audit Results
    • Auditor issues audit findings if any are required.
    • Client responds to audit findings (if required).
  5. Reporting
    • The SCS auditor prepares an assessment report that details the findings of the audit.
  6. Certification Decision
    • An SCS reviewer conducts a final review of the draft assessment report and makes the certification decision.
    • Upon successful certification, client receives certificate, is listed in SCS Green Products Guide, and is granted the right to use the approved logo, consistent with SCS guidelines.
    • SCS can also provide client marketing support.
  7. Certification Maintenance
    • Certification is valid for three years.
    • Surveillance audits of a sampling of credits are required annually
    • Full renewal is required every three years.
  • Contributes to credit for LEED v4 and other building schemes
  • Meets criteria for EPA ecolabel and GSA procurement requirements
  • Provides a comprehensive review of manufacturers’ sustainability program
  • Guides manufacturers on a path towards continuous improvement

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Rob Emelander

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