Indoor Air Quality Certification

• Qualify for: BREEAM International, BREEAM UK, Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), Green Globes, Green Guide for Health Care 2.2, LEED v4.1, WELL Building Standard, and more.
• Recognized by the GSA and EPA
• Streamlined and responsive service from an experienced certification team
• No license and administration fees
• Flexibility in categorizing products
• Risk-based testing methods used to identify the worst case product category formulation or material assembly
• Independent laboratories eliminate potential conflict of interest and unnecessary testing
• Multiple approved laboratories located worldwide for manufacturers’ convenience
• Provide options to customers to promote healthier work, school, hospital, and home environments by conforming to California Section 01350

What types of products are eligible for certification?

SCS Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold – Furniture

• Includes all types of interior office, healthcare, and classroom furniture

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold - Building Materials

• Includes interior building materials such as architectural coatings, paints, sealants, adhesives, wall coverings, floor coverings, ceiling tiles, and wall paneling used in public and commercial office buildings, schools, medical buildings, single-family residences, and other building types.

What does it take to get certified?

Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold products must undergo an evaluation process, which includes a review of the product’s formulation and the manufacturing site’s document control system, and product’s emissions testing.

What VOCs are tested for the Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold emissions test?

Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold 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 CA Section 01350.

In addition, furniture products are also assessed for compliance according to the ANSI/BIFMA Furniture Sustainability Standard, Credits (7.6.1, 7.6.2, and 7.6.3), which is a similar list to the CA Section 01350, with additional compounds such as 1-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone.

What is the difference between the CARB and Indoor Advantage 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 Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold applies to finished furniture products and building materials 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.

Do you test for phthalates?

The Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold 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 furniture. 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?

A client’s emissions results for products are confidential. SCS’ may not disclose or distribute confidential data on the client’s behalf. For specific emissions data requests, you may contact the manufacturer directly.

Where can I find certified Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold products?

The SCS Green Products Guide has a complete and searchable list of all Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold certified products.

How much does Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold certification cost?

The cost of Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold certification is determined by the specific scope of products and operations to be assessed.

Does SCS provide private label Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold certification for distributors?

Yes, SCS will work with the distributors and the Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold certified manufacturers to undergo private label certification. 

I use an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to manufacture my products. Can I still qualify for Indoor Advantage/Indoor Advantage Gold certification?

1. Encourage your manufacturer to become Indoor Advantage certified and then apply for a private label certification.
2. 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.

Why is third-party certification important?

Third-party certification assures customers that a product’s environmental claims have been validated by a qualified, independent, and objective organization. All products are measured against the same criteria, making product comparisons possible. Third-party certification encourages transparency and builds trust among consumers.

Can I keep my lab report?

Yes. All results reported by the lab for certification are distributed to both SCS and the client.

What is the relationship between SCS Global Services and its scientific partners?

SCS is a third-party certification body who partners with experts in the field of indoor air quality. As a chartered Benefit Corporation, SCS reflects its corporate commitment to creating a material positive impact on society and the environment, and takes into account the impact of its efforts on workers, the community, the environment, and shareholders.

SCS has formed relationships with its approved laboratories who are leaders in indoor air quality and product testing. Our laboratory partners include: Berkeley Analytical Associates, MAS, TUV Rheinland – Hong Kong, Eurofins, and Eco-INSTITUT.

SCS has strong industry networks with leading green building experts, such as BIFMA, RFCI, ILFI, Well Building Institute, and CHPS, who have provided feedback and review of SCS standards.