Providing third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development.

Program Details

Eligible Products

Examples of furniture products eligible for level® certification include case goods, seating, storage, systems furniture, tables and work surfaces.

Certification Criteria

Qualification for level® certification under the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard requires conformance with criteria under four specific categories:

• Material Use
• Energy and Atmosphere Impacts
• Human and Ecosystem Health
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

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

• Level 1. The first tier of certified performance
• Level 2. Additional milestones of performance achieved
• Level 3. The highest level of performance recognized

Pre-Assessment

SCS can walk you through a pre-assessment process as a preparation tool to improve your performance to the BIFMA level® program. Pre-assessment is a non-scored mock audit designed to reveal potential non-conformities to the BIFMA level® standard. Prioritize with us what you will correct and how. Ask about combining a pre-assessment with your initial audit for efficiency.

Process

1. Apply for Certification

   Complete and submit an SCS Application Form. SCS scopes the project based on information provided in the application and prepares a proposal for your approval with a suggested timeline and quote. Once you approve the proposal, you sign a Work Order.  An SCS account manager is be assigned to guide you through the certification process.

2. Data Collection

   An SCS technical coordinator helps you assemble preliminary data that will be submitted to SCS. SCS reviews the product data, corporate documentation, manufacturing process, product formulation, testing, etc., and assesses your readiness for an audit. Once sufficient data is collected, an auditor is assigned.

3. On-site Audit

   The auditor conducts an on-site audit to evaluate your data. The auditor interacts with your technical staff to clarify and obtain any additional information that might prove essential to reaching an accurate supportable evaluation.

4. Draft Assessment Report

   The auditor writes a draft assessment report that details the findings of the audit, which includes data analysis, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement.

5. Internal peer review

   A qualified SCS representative reviews the report, making any necessary corrections or changes before the report is sent to the client.

6. Corrective Actions

   You respond to any non-conformities with a Corrective Action Plan. You may also make comments and responses to the information contained in the report and the conclusions drawn by the auditor.

7. Certification Decision

   SCS conducts a final technical review of the assessment report and makes the final certification decision. If certification is granted, SCS issues the certificate and final report to your facility or operation. Once certified, your company is listed in the Green Products Certificate Database on the SCS website.

8. Certification Maintenance and Renewal

   Periodic audits as required under the standard are conducted to maintain your certification and support continual improvement.

Qualify for Credits

Depending on the credits earned in the level assessment process, the following points may be available through the LEED program:

• For ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011e Credit 5.5, Rapidly Renewable Materials:

  • USGBC LEEDv3, MR credit 6 (Rapidly Renewable Materials)
  • For ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011e Credit 5.6, Bio-based Renewable Materials-Sustainable Wood
  • USGBC LEEDv3, MR Credit 7 (Certified Wood)
  • For ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011e Credit 5.7, Recycled Content
  • USGBC LEEDv3, MR credit 4

• For ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011e Credit 7.6, Low Emitting Furniture:

  • USGBC LEEDv3, IEQ4.5 (Low-Emitting Materials-Systems Furniture and Seating)
  • Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)
  • CA-CHPS 2009, EQ2.2.5 (Low-Emitting Materials, Furniture & Furnishings)
  • ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2011 Low-emitting Office Furniture Systems and Seating
  • California Section 01350 Specification Standard Method, Version 1.1 (2010)
  • California Department of General Service (DGS) Indoor Air Quality Specifications for Open Panel Office Furniture (2006)

Benefits

Certification to level® under the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard:

• Establishes your leadership credentials in the office furniture industry
• Supports your internal sustainable management objectives
• Assures customers and stakeholders that your certified products are held to industry-leading social, environmental and economic standards
• Helps you meet state and federal procurement requirements
• Establishes a path for continuous improvement.