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What is FloorScore®?
FloorScore® is the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification standard for hard surface flooring materials, adhesives, and underlayments. Developed by SCS with the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), a leading industry trade association of flooring manufacturers and suppliers, it qualifies for many green building schemes including LEED v4.1, WELL, BREEAM, CHPS, and Green Globes.
Why Choose SCS?
Exclusive Certification Body
The FloorScore program is administered by the RFCI, with SCS as the exclusive certification body. We partner with independent, ISO-17025 accredited labs worldwide for efficient, unbiased testing. By testing representative product samples and focusing strictly on the relevant chemicals of concern, we deliver the results you need without excessive testing.
Private Labels
FloorScore® Private Label certification is available to customers of certified manufacturers to allow re-branding of SCS certified products under the customers’ company name. Customers will undergo a Private Label certification assessment to use the FloorScore brand and logo. Apply here or see the Private Label tab below for more information.
- Process
- Benefits
- FAQs
- Private Labels
- Program Documents
- Apply for Certification
- Client submits an SCS Application Form.
- SCS scopes the project and prepares a proposal which includes a detailed explanation of process, deliverables, cost, and timeline.
- Client agrees to scope and an SCS account manager is assigned to guide client through the certification process.
- Data Collection
- An auditor will work with client to collect product data and quality management documents.
- Once sufficient data is collected, an onsite audit is scheduled.
- Onsite Audit
- The SCS auditor conducts an onsite audit, observing client’s operation and interacting with technical staff to obtain any additional information needed.
- Auditor collects product sample for testing.
- Product Testing
- A product is submitted to an SCS-approved independent lab for emissions testing to the California 01350 standard.
- Emissions test results can take approximately 3-4 weeks.
- Audit Results
- Auditor issues audit findings, if any are required. a Non-Conformance Report for any non-conformities observed..
- Client responds to audit findings (if required)
- Reporting
- Auditor prepares Assessment Report detailing the audit findings, including data analysis, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement.
- Certification Decision
- An SCS reviewer conducts a final review of the draft Assessment Report and makes the certification decision.
- Client is listed in SCS Green Products Guide, and is granted the right to use the approved FloorScore® logo, consistent with SCS guidelines.
- SCS can also provide client marketing support.
- Certification Maintenance and Renewal
- Annual desk reviews of the quality system and product performance are required and are conducted to maintain certification.
- Any renewal testing required will be confirmed by the auditor during the evaluation process.
Timeline: Certification takes on average 3 months to complete from signed Work Order through to final decision. The timeline can be affected depending on when an onsite audit is scheduled.
- Qualify for: LEED v4, WELL Building Standard, BREEAM International, BREEAM UK, Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), Green Globes, Green Guide for Health Care 2.2 and more
- Meets criteria for EPA ecolabel and GSA procurement requirements
- Contributes to better indoor air quality
- Sell your products to schools and health care facilities by conforming with California 01350
- Differentiate your products
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Satisfy supply chain specifications
What types of products are eligible for FloorScore® certification?
Cementitious Flooring, Ceramic, Cork Flooring, Flooring Adhesives, Hardwood Engineered and Bamboo Flooring, Laminate Flooring, Linoleum, Polymeric Flooring, Porcelain, Raised Flooring, Rubber Flooring, Underlayments, Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT), Vinyl Sheet Flooring, Vinyl Tile and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Wall Base, Stair Treads, and Accessories.
What does it take to get certified?
Flooring products must undergo the evaluation process, which includes a review of the product’s formulation and the manufacturing site’s document control system, an onsite audit, and product emissions testing.
Does FloorScore meet CA 01350? Which VOCs are tested?
FloorScore tests for 35 individual Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) specified by the California Standard Method for VOC Emissions Testing and Evaluation (Standard Method V1.2), otherwise known as CA Section 01350.
What is the difference between the CARB and FloorScore certifications?
The regulatory formaldehyde emissions requirements per the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM 93120) and the EPA Formaldehyde Rule applies solely to formaldehyde emissions from composite wood panel products (e.g. MDF, particleboard, hardwood plywood (veneer or composite core).
The voluntary green building indoor air quality certification of FloorScore applies to finished flooring products tested for 35 individual VOC emissions (including formaldehyde).
What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
The US EPA defines VOCs as “any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions." VOC gases are emitted from certain solids or liquids, and include a variety of organic chemicals, some of which may have short-term and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. Find more information on VOCs at RFCI and CDPH.
Do you test for phthalates?
The FloorScore standard is a VOC emission based standard for indoor air quality and does not include phthalates within its scope because it is not considered an emission source when manufactured in products like vinyl flooring. Primary exposure concerns for phthalates occur through ingestion, such as with toys or plastic bottles. Manufacturers may choose to have products tested for phthalate content at a qualified lab.
Can SCS tell me a product’s VOC emissions profile that I plan to purchase?
While SCS has access to the emissions results for products it certifies, it is not allowed to disclose a client’s data. For specific emissions data requests, you may contact the manufacturer directly.
Where can I find FloorScore products?
The SCS Green Products Guide has a complete and searchable list of all FloorScore certified products.
How much does FloorScore certification cost?
The cost of FloorScore certification is determined by the specific scope of products and operations to be assessed.
Does SCS provide private label FloorScore certification for flooring distributors?
Yes, SCS will work with the distributors and the FloorScore certified manufacturers to undergo private label certification. For more information and to apply, review our Private Label brochure.
I use an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to manufacture my products. Can I still qualify for FloorScore certification?
There are two options available:
- Encourage your manufacturer to become FloorScore certified and then apply for a private label certification.
- Pursue certification and use the OEM as your product manufacturing site.
Does SCS provide certification support?
SCS provides on-going program support, including staff assistance, marketing and promotional support, and information about new or revised requirements. Certified clients will receive information about the logo use guidelines for both packaging and marketing purposes.
Does SCS provide marketing support?
As part of the certification package, our team provides marketing support and education to your sales team to help promote your successful certification.
What is it?
FloorScore® Private Label certification is available to customers of certified manufacturers to allow re-branding of SCS certified products under the customers’ company name. Customers will undergo a Private Label certification assessment to use the FloorScore brand and logo.
To protect the confidential relationship between the manufacturer (supplier) and the private label holder, customers receive a unique SCS certificate for their products upon approval.
Process
- Supplier and customer complete the Private Label Application.
- SCS reviews product information.
- Additional data is collected from Private Label customer as needed.
- SCS determines certification status.
- Private Label certificate and FloorScore logos are issued to customer.
- Certified Private Label products are added to the SCS Green Products Guide database.
- Renewal assessments are annual and follow the expiration date of the certified manufacturer.
Rob Emelander
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