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

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 the SCS Certified mark under the NSF/ ANSI 140 standard for carpet involves assessment of conformance with criteria under the following categories:

• Manufacturing processes
• Reclamation and end-of-life management
• Energy usage and energy efficiency
• Use of bio-based, recycled, or environmentally preferable materials
• Steps to minimize adverse public health, environment, and community impacts

Certification Tiers

Successful applicants achieve one of three levels of certification, depending on the number of point achieved:

• Silver - Entry level certification tier
• Gold - Middle tier certification
• Platinum - Highest level of performance recognized

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.