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.
