The flooring industry has dramatically increased its efforts to protect the environment and implement green techniques and strategies. In both commercial and residential projects, sustainability and environmental concerns are becoming a standard part of the specification process.
At ACS, we share this commitment. For example, in any given year, we recycle more than four million pounds of carpet and carpet cushion as well as 250,000 pounds of cardboard.
We are also committed to helping our customers enjoy their flooring with the least impact on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) by working to reduce emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). We support the industry and manufacturer-led initiatives to address indoor air quality concerns:
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has developed a program known as the CRI Indoor Air Quality Green Label Program (CRI “Green Label”) to determine the level of VOC emissions from carpet, floor adhesives, and cushion products. The CRI Green Label attached to a carpet, floor adhesive, or cushion signifies that a representative sample of the product type has been tested by an independent laboratory and meets the requirements for each program established by CRI.
Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI)
The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), in collaboration with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), has developed the FloorScore IAQ Certification program Exit. FloorScore is a voluntary, independent certification program that tests and certifies the level of indoor air emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Choosing the Right Flooring
Steps we take to address concerns over indoor air quality include advising on product selection, ensuring proper ventilation during and after installation and whenever possible using installation materials that are known for low VOCs.
The choice you make in flooring has a major impact on indoor quality. Look for products
- That have been tested for VOC emissions
- Can be installed with low-VOC adhesives