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

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.

Depending on your product category, you may qualify for:

• USGBC LEED 2009 credits for NC, EB, CI, CS, Healthcare, Schools, Homes:

  • EQ4.1 (adhesives and sealants)
  • EQ4.2 (paints and coatings)
  • EQ4.3 (carpet systems, flooring)
  • EQ4.5 (systems furniture, seating)
• Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA) X7.1 (low-emitting office furniture and seating)
• Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA) level® Furniture Sustainability Standard, Credits 7.6.1 and 7.6.2
• Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) (low-emitting products)
• California 01350 Special Environmental Requirements
• 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
• HBN Pharos Project
• State-Specific Environmental Rating Systems

• EPA Tools for Schools Program

SCS indoor air quality certifications provide scientific proof that your product adheres to strict emission limit requirements, with the following potential benefits:

What is the testing basis for certification?

The basis of all SCS Indoor Air Quality claims is the California Standard Method for VOC Emissions Testing and Evaluation (Standard Method V1.1), otherwise known as CA Section 01350.

What is the difference between VOCs and TVOCs?

VOC (volatile organic compound) reporting usually refers to emission levels of individual VOCs. TVOCs refers to total VOC emissions. It is possible for a TVOC number to mask an individual VOC emission that exceeds its safe limit.

What is the difference between VOCs and the list of California chemicals of concern?

VOCs are an expansive and ubiquitous class of chemicals that are transmitted through air. VOCs are both man-made and naturally occurring. The California Office of Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) maintains an active list of VOCs. The California chemicals of concern are the approximately 3000 chemicals covered by a regulation under development by the California Department of Toxic Substance Control. The regulation is not yet in effect.

Is measuring TVOCs important?

Yes, a TVOC measurement can provide a valuable indication that there may be an excessive level of VOC emissions present. However, it does not reveal individual VOC levels that may be individually excessive, despite an acceptable TVOC test result.

Do you test for phthalates?

Yes, although SCS indoor air quality standards do not include phthalates, SCS affiliated labs have the capacity to test for phthalates.

What is a CREL?

A CREL is a Chronic Reference Exposure Level for volatile organic compounds, as established by the California Office of Health Hazard Assessment (OHHEA).

Does SCS provide certification support?

SCS provides ongoing program support, including on-going staff assistance, marketing and promotional support, and information about new or revised requirements. Certified clients will receive information about the logo approval system and use of SCS trademarks for both on-product and off-product promotions.