Terry Weinheimer

FloorScore Certification? Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in 2026

FloorScore Certification

FloorScore® is one of the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certifications for hard‑surface flooring. As more homeowners, designers, and builders focus on health and sustainability, FloorScore certification has become an important factor in flooring selection.

What FloorScore Certification Means

FloorScore® certifies that a flooring product meets strict limits for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Products are tested in independent laboratories under controlled conditions to ensure they meet established indoor air quality standards.

Types of Products That Can Be FloorScore Certified

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and plank (LVP)
Laminate flooring
Engineered hardwood
Rubber flooring
Linoleum
Underlayments and adhesives

When these products carry the FloorScore® label, it indicates they have passed VOC emission testing.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air can contain higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air, especially in tightly sealed homes and buildings. Flooring can be a significant source of:

VOC emissions
Odors
Chemical exposure

Sensitive groups include:

Children
Elderly individuals
People with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions

Choosing low‑emitting flooring products can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

How FloorScore Products Are Tested

FloorScore testing typically evaluates:

Total VOC emissions
Specific chemical compounds of concern
Emission levels over time
Compliance with California Section 01350 (a widely recognized IAQ standard)

Products that meet the criteria are allowed to carry the FloorScore® certification mark.

FloorScore vs. Other Certifications

FloorScore®

Focus: VOC emissions from flooring and related products
Basis: California Section 01350
Commonly used in residential and commercial projects

GREENGUARD Gold

Focus: VOC emissions across many product categories (furniture, finishes, etc.)
Stricter limits for schools, healthcare, and sensitive environments

CARB Phase 2

Focus: Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products
Not a full VOC standard, but important for wood‑based materials

Each certification addresses a different piece of the indoor air quality puzzle. FloorScore is specifically tailored to flooring.

Why Consumers Should Look for FloorScore Certified Products

Improved indoor air quality
Reduced exposure to certain VOCs
Better suitability for sensitive individuals and environments
Contribution to green building programs such as LEED and WELL
Added transparency and confidence in product selection

Bottom Line

FloorScore certification helps homeowners, builders, and specifiers choose flooring that supports healthier indoor environments. As awareness of indoor air quality continues to grow, FloorScore‑certified products will remain an important part of responsible flooring design and selection.

Healthy Floors, Healthy Homes: Vinyl Floor Maintenance That Supports Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to resilient flooring, beauty and durability are only part of the story. The real foundation of a healthy home lies in how your floors contribute to indoor air quality. FloorScore®-certified vinyl flooring—whether sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl tile (LVT)—meets rigorous standards for low VOC emissions. But maintaining that standard doesn’t stop at installation. It continues with how you clean and care for your floors.

This guide outlines maintenance practices that preserve both your vinyl flooring and the air you breathe.

Why FloorScore® Certification Matters

FloorScore® is the most recognized indoor air quality certification for hard surface flooring, adhesives, and underlayments. Products that earn this certification are independently tested and comply with California’s Section 01350—one of the most stringent standards for VOC emissions.

But even the cleanest floor can become a source of indoor pollution if maintained with harsh chemicals. That’s why FloorScore® promotes cleaning methods that align with its mission: protecting human health through better air.

Maintenance Practices That Support Air Quality

To maintain your vinyl floors without compromising indoor air quality:

Use pH-neutral, low-VOC cleaners: Choose products specifically labeled as low-emitting or certified by third-party programs like Green Seal or Safer Choice.
Avoid aerosol sprays and harsh solvents: These can release VOCs and degrade the floor’s protective wear layer.
Ventilate during and after cleaning: Open windows or use fans to circulate fresh air, especially in enclosed spaces.
Dry mop regularly: Dust and allergens accumulate quickly. A microfiber mop traps particles without stirring them into the air.
Damp mop with care: Use only as much moisture as needed. Excess water can seep into seams and adhesives, potentially affecting air quality over time.

Recommended Cleaner Criteria

When selecting a cleaner for your FloorScore®-certified vinyl floor, look for:

Criteria	Why It Matters
Low or no VOCs	Reduces airborne chemical exposure
Fragrance-free or naturally derived scents	Minimizes synthetic irritants
No ammonia, bleach, or petroleum distillates	Prevents chemical degradation of flooring and air quality
Third-party certifications	Adds credibility and transparency (e.g., GreenGuard, Safer Choice)

What to Avoid

Even well-meaning cleaning routines can introduce pollutants. Avoid:

Mixing household chemicals: Combining vinegar with bleach or ammonia can release toxic gases.
Overuse of disinfectants: Unless medically necessary, frequent use of strong disinfectants can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Scented floor polishes or waxes: These often contain phthalates and other VOCs that linger in the air.

Long-Term Protection for People and Floors

Proper maintenance of vinyl flooring isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about stewardship. By choosing certified products and safe cleaning methods, you’re protecting your family, your pets, and your indoor environment.

FloorScore®-certified floors are designed to support healthier living. Let your maintenance routine do the same.

Trusted Resources on Flooring Certifications

Explore official sources and educational materials to learn more about FloorScore® and other indoor air quality standards.

FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by either organization.

Official Certification Bodies

SCS Global Services – FloorScore® Program
Learn about the certification process, testing protocols, and eligible product categories.
Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI)
Industry trade association supporting resilient flooring manufacturers and sustainability initiatives.

Independent Educational Resources

FloorCentral.com – Consumer-focused flooring advice and inspection guidance. Not affiliated with FloorScore®, RFCI, or SCS Global Services.

Green Building Programs

Which Certifications Align with Green Building Programs?

Certification	LEED®	WELL™	CHPS	BREEAM™
FloorScore®	✅	✅	✅	✅
GREENGUARD	✅	✅	❌	❌
CRI Green Label Plus	✅	✅	✅	❌

This matrix shows how indoor air quality (IAQ) certifications—FloorScore®, GREENGUARD, and CRI Green Label Plus—map to major green building programs. FloorScore® is recognized by LEED®, WELL™, CHPS, and BREEAM™, making it one of the most broadly accepted certifications for low-emitting flooring products. GREENGUARD and CRI Green Label Plus are widely accepted in U.S.-based programs but not formally recognized by BREEAM™.

Additional Educational Content

FloorCentral.com – Flooring Care & Inspection Guides
Explore installation tips, maintenance advice, and inspection standards for various flooring types.
EPA Indoor Air Quality Resources
Understand broader IAQ concerns and how building materials contribute to indoor health.

FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. GREENGUARD is a trademark of UL Environment. CRI Green Label Plus is a program of the Carpet and Rug Institute. BREEAM™ is a registered trademark of BRE Global Ltd. Floorscore.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by any certification body or green building program. This matrix is for educational purposes only and reflects publicly available recognition criteria as of 2025.

FloorScore® Certification FAQs

FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. This visual is for educational purposes only and does not imply affiliation.

This page answers common questions about FloorScore® certification, indoor air quality, and how consumers can make informed flooring choices.

FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by either organization.

What is FloorScore®?

FloorScore® is a certification for hard surface flooring, adhesives, and underlayments that meet strict indoor air quality standards, particularly for VOC emissions.

Does FloorScore® mean a product is non-toxic?

Not necessarily. FloorScore® indicates low VOC emissions based on California Section 01350, but it does not test for all potential toxins or allergens.

Is FloorScore® required for LEED certification?

No, but FloorScore®-certified products may contribute points toward LEED v4.1 and other green building programs.

Can carpet be FloorScore® certified?

FloorScore® primarily applies to hard surface flooring. Carpet products are more commonly certified under CRI Green Label Plus.

How do I verify if a product is FloorScore® certified?

Visit the official SCS Certified Product Database and search by manufacturer or product name.

Is this site affiliated with FloorScore®?

No. Floorscore.org is an independent educational resource. We provide neutral information to help consumers understand flooring certifications and indoor air quality standards.

For broader flooring education and inspection guidance, visit FloorCentral.com. This site is independently operated and not affiliated with FloorScore®, RFCI, or SCS Global Services.

Is FloorScore® the same as GREENGUARD?

No. While both certifications address indoor air quality, they differ in scope and testing protocols.

FloorScore® focuses specifically on flooring and adhesives, using California’s Section 01350 as its benchmark.
GREENGUARD covers a broader range of building materials and furnishings, with two tiers: GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold. Consumers may encounter both labels, but they are not interchangeable.

What does Section 01350 actually test for?

Section 01350 is a California standard that evaluates VOC emissions from building materials. It includes:

Testing for chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene
Simulated environmental chamber conditions
Health-based exposure limits for indoor environments FloorScore® certification is based on compliance with this standard.

Can I use FloorScore® certified products in WELL or LEED buildings?

Yes, in most cases. FloorScore® certified products typically meet the low-emitting materials criteria for:

WELL Building Standard (Air concept) However, project teams should verify documentation and consult with their certification body to ensure compliance.

LEED v4.1 (Indoor Environmental Quality credits)

Does FloorScore® mean a product is completely non-toxic?

Not necessarily. FloorScore® certification indicates that a product meets specific VOC emission limits—it does not guarantee the absence of all chemicals or allergens. Consumers seeking ultra-low chemical exposure should also consider:

Installation methods
Adhesives used
Ventilation during and after installation

How can I verify if a product is truly FloorScore® certified?

Look for:

The official FloorScore® label on packaging or product literature
A listing on the certifying body’s website (e.g., SCS Global Services)
VOC test reports referencing Section 01350 compliance If in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly and request documentation.

Are adhesives and underlayments covered by FloorScore®?

Sometimes. FloorScore® certification can apply to adhesives and underlayments if tested independently. However, many flooring products are certified without accounting for installation materials, which may still emit VOCs. Always check whether the full system—including adhesives—is certified.

Is FloorScore.org affiliated with the official FloorScore® program?

No. FloorScore.org is an independent educational resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any certification body. Its purpose is to help consumers and professionals understand indoor air quality standards and make informed decisions.

Comparing Flooring Certifications: FloorScore® vs Others

A rubber stamp set on a teal background. Not seen on the stamp is the wording, flooring ceritifications

Choosing low-emitting flooring products can be confusing. Here’s how FloorScore® compares their flooring certifications to other leading indoor air quality certifications.

Flooring Certifications Comparison Table

Certification	Focus Area	Recognized By	Typical Products	Testing Standard
FloorScore®	VOC emissions, indoor air quality (IAQ)	LEED v4.1, WELL, CHPS, Green Globes, BREEAM	Vinyl, laminate, adhesives, underlayments	California Section 01350
GREENGUARD	VOC emissions, chemical exposure	LEED, BREEAM, WELL	Furniture, building materials, paints	UL 2818
CRI Green Label Plus	Carpet-specific IAQ standards	LEED, CHPS	Carpet, carpet cushions, adhesives	CRI proprietary testing
NALFA Certification	Durability, moisture resistance, formaldehyde emissions	Not formally recognized by LEED or WELL	Laminate flooring	ANSI LF-01 + NALFA standards

FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any certification body.

Key Takeaways

FloorScore® focuses on VOC emissions and is widely accepted across green building programs.
GREENGUARD covers a broader range of materials and is often used in furniture and paint evaluations.
CRI Green Label Plus is carpet-specific and ensures low emissions from carpet-related products.
NALFA Certification emphasizes durability and formaldehyde safety in laminate flooring, using ANSI standards but is not formally recognized by LEED or WELL.

Choosing the Right Certification

Certification	LEED®	WELL™	CHPS	BREEAM™
FloorScore®	✅	✅	✅	✅
GREENGUARD	✅	✅	❌	❌
CRI Green Label Plus	✅	✅	✅	❌

Which Certifications Align with Green Building Programs? This matrix shows how indoor air quality (IAQ) certifications—FloorScore®, GREENGUARD, and CRI Green Label Plus—map to major green building programs. FloorScore® is recognized by LEED®, WELL™, CHPS, and BREEAM™, making it one of the most broadly accepted certifications for low-emitting flooring products. GREENGUARD and CRI Green Label Plus are widely accepted in U.S.-based programs but not formally recognized by BREEAM™.

Consider your project goals:

For LEED points, check which certifications qualify.
For residential health, prioritize low-VOC products.
For commercial compliance, consult your building program requirements.

FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. GREENGUARD is a trademark of UL Environment. CRI Green Label Plus is a program of the Carpet and Rug Institute. BREEAM™ is a registered trademark of BRE Global Ltd.Floorscore.orgis not affiliated with or endorsed by any certification body or green building program. This matrix is for educational purposes only and reflects publicly available recognition criteria as of 2025.