Flooring Industry 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.

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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.

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Independent Educational Resources

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

Green Building Programs

• LEED v4.1 – U.S. Green Building Council
• WELL Building Standard – International WELL Building Institute
• CHPS – Collaborative for High Performance Schools
• Green Globes – Green Building Initiative
• BREEAM – Building Research Establishment

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™.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a critical role in our health and well-being. Flooring materials—especially adhesives, underlayments, and surface finishes—can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect the air we breathe.

Note: This site provides educational content only. FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI.

Common Sources of Emissions

• Vinyl and laminate flooring
• Adhesives and sealants
• Underlayments and padding
• Surface treatments and finishes

Health Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Exposure to elevated VOC levels may lead to:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Respiratory irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Long-term health risks in sensitive populations

How Certifications Help

Certifications like FloorScore®, GREENGUARD, and CRI Green Label Plus help consumers identify products that meet strict emission standards. These certifications are based on independent testing and are recognized by major green building programs.

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

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

FloorScore® is a widely recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification for hard surface flooring, adhesives, and underlayments. It was developed by SCS Global Services in collaboration with the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), a leading trade association representing flooring manufacturers and suppliers.

Key Concepts Behind the Chart

• Developed by: SCS Global Services + Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI)
• Purpose: Certifies flooring products for low VOC emissions
• Applies to: Hard surface flooring, adhesives, underlayments
• Recognized by: LEED v4.1, WELL, CHPS, BREEAM, Green Globes
• Tested against: California Section 01350 (VOC emissions standard)

Timeline showing major milestones in the development of the FloorScore® certification program

What Does FloorScore® Measure?

FloorScore® certification evaluates products for compliance with California Section 01350, a rigorous standard for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Products that meet these criteria are considered low-emitting and suitable for use in environments where indoor air quality is a priority.

Why It Matters

Certified products contribute to healthier indoor spaces and may qualify for points under green building programs such as:

• LEED v4.1
• WELL Building Standard
• CHPS
• Green Globes
• BREEAM

Who Uses FloorScore®?

• Homeowners seeking healthier flooring options
• Architects & Designers working on sustainable projects
• Builders & Developers aiming for green building certifications
• Inspectors & Consultants evaluating IAQ compliance

Disclaimer: FloorScore® is a registered trademark of SCS Global Services and RFCI. This site is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by either organization.

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