IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)

We would like it if our flooring took your breath away – but only figuratively. That’s why we work hard to ensure that our products meet rigorous IAQ standards. Standards were initially established in 1993, and that same year Mannington was one of the first mills to comply. Today, we hold IAQ certification for all of our carpet products. We were also the first vinyl carpet manufacturer to have all of our six- foot and modular products certified for IAQ. In addition, all Mannington Commercial adhesives are certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Program & South Coast Air Quality Management District.

GL+ (Green Label Plus)

In 2004, CRI (The Carpet and Rug Institute) set a new IAQ standard to match the low-emitting materials criteria used by California CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools).

This new standard, GL+, is the fourth time in 12 years that the CRI has enhanced its carpet testing standard, a measurement by which manufacturers continue to reduce product emissions.

GL+ is an independent testing program that meets and even exceeds the CHPS indoor environmental quality standards for low-emitting products used in commercial settings such as schools and office buildings. GL+ will be accepted in lieu of Section 01350, the CHPS low-emitting materials criteria for use in schools.

Though the more rigorous GL+ standard is currently only a requirement for California projects, we anticipate the commercial marketplace will begin to expect GL+ throughout the nation. With that in mind, Mannington is pursuing GL+ for our entire product line. All of our running-line carpet products and most of our custom products meet GL+.

GL vs. GL+

Both programs assure customers that carpet products meet stringent requirements for low chemical emissions. GL+ was designed for architects, facility administrators and others who need greater assurance of good IAQ.

Every carpet that receives GL+ certification has been tested for 14 days for emission levels for all of the chemicals detailed by Section 01350, plus six additional chemicals. Subsequent annual tests will target 13 chemicals, and quarterly tests will measure TVOC (total volatile organic compounds). The emissions standards are based on stringent criteria outlined in Section 01350. GL+ expands on Section 01350 in several respects, including annual testing for the specific chemicals, a chain of custody process, and an annual audit of the testing laboratory.

Architects, interior designers, government specifiers and facility administrators who prefer green building products can be assured by the green and white GL+ logo on carpet samples, signifying that the product has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory to meet stringent criteria for low emissions.

CHPS 01350 IAQ Standard (Collaborative for High Performance Schools)

A citywide emissions standard for classrooms in Los Angeles has quickly become the industry standard across the US.

CHPS section 01350, commonly called “Chips Thirteen-Fifty,” focuses on natural daylight, improved lighting systems, thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and superior IAQ.

All flooring materials – except carpet – that meet this standard are listed on the CHPS website at www.chps.net. These materials include Mannington heterogeneous sheet, ICORE laminate, inlaid homogeneous sheet, and VCT.

In addition, Mannington commercial adhesives meet SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) Rule #1168, the guideline referenced in LEED. For carpet standards, CHPS follows the CRI GL+ certification.

top