Article Number : 2207 |
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| Date | 8/10/2007 8:46:28 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2207 |
| Abstract | Ann Arbor, Mich.—NSF International has issued a draft standard for trial use addressing sustainable resilient flooring products... |
| Article | Ann Arbor, Mich.—NSF International has issued a draft standard for trial use addressing sustainable resilient flooring products. Designated as Draft American National Standard for Trial Use—NSF 332 Sustainability Assessment Standard for Resilient Floor Coverings, it is designed to help manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to the principles of sustainability. “As more products with sustainable benefit claims are introduced, end users have started to request information to compare their performances,” said Jane Wilson, NSF director of standards. “Developing a consensus standard will help support and inform the end-user decision-making process in identifying products making sustainability claims.” According to Jaclyn Bowen, MPH standards specialist for NSF, the draft was developed with help from the resilient flooring industry, and it will be used on a trial basis “so users can identify areas in need of further development and clarification.” The purpose, she explained, is “to ensure the standard is an adequate representation of sustainable flooring as perceived by everyone.” Bowen noted that American National Standards Institute (ANSI) policies require standard development organizations such as NSF to transition draft standards for trial use to an ANSI standard within three years. The draft has been designed with the following set of objectives in mind: • Demonstrate how resilient floor covering can conform to the environmental, economic and social principles of sustainability throughout the supply chain. • Demonstrate conformance with international standards for environmental labeling and declaration requirements. • Demonstrate conformance with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims. • Create confidence that products labeled with a third-party certification mark consistently meet the requirements of this program. • Encourage participation by all manufacturers of resilient floor coverings to improve environmental performance. To meet the standard the sustainable assessment criteria for resilient floorings are divided into five categories: informed product design, intelligent product manufacturing, long-term value, progressive corporate governance and innovation. “The criteria are grouped in general conformance with a product’s life cycle, from design with material selection and production to manufacturing, use and end of life,” Bowen added. “Additionally, criteria related to corporate governance are included to address issues of social responsibility.” Asked how this relates, if in any way, to GreenGuard certification or LEED, she stated, “GreenGuard certification is a single attribute standard relating to air quality, where as this is a sustainable assessment standard for a product where air quality may be one component. One difference is this is not a proprietary test method or program. ANSI standard development policies requires an open process, and anyone with an interest is welcomed and encouraged to take an active role in its development and execution.” Concerning LEED, Bowen said, it is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. “Interior designers, architects and consumers interested in purchasing a greener alternative to resilient flooring can look to this standard and the manufacturers that voluntarily choose to comply with it for products that meet these requirements.” Resilient flooring as defined by the draft includes, but is not limited to, vinyl tile, vinyl composition tile, sheet vinyl, rubber, polymeric and linoleum flooring products. The standard is applicable to products manufactured in one facility or multiple facilities, one country or multiple countries. Initial response from mills and industry organizations has been very positive. Dave Kitts, vice president of environment for Mannington Mills, believes “it will raise the bar, causing good environmental improvements. The definition of green is all over the map. This standard attempts to look at product from a broader perspective. Our customers will see that we’ve put a lot into this, [into the sustainability of our flooring]. Just as LEED is the [standard] for green buildings, this is the same for product. And, as time goes on work will be done to improve the standard.” According to Bill Freeman, consultant to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), “Members are vitally interested in the environmental impact of the flooring materials they manufacture and distribute. This will provide useful information about the sustainability of resilient floors by bringing clarity to this important and complex evolving issue.” During the standard’s trial use period, Bowen noted, NSF will offer product assessment services to manufacturers interested in marketing their products’ compliance to the draft. While the resilient draft makes its rounds, NSF said it is also in the process of developing sustainable product standards for the carpet, contract textile and business furniture industries. For more information, contact NSF International at 800.673.6275 ext. 5139. |