What Does it Mean to Be Green (at School)?

The demand for commercial products that meet sustainability and wellness standards is increasing among school builders, architects, designers and administrators. From responsibly sourced paper to nontoxic furniture, there's a growing selection of eco-friendly products available for educational facilities. These "green" products come with labels and certifications that can often be difficult to understand. We've outlined the four most common green ratings on our site so you can be more informed while you shop.

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certified

Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. (SCS) is a leading certifying organization for environmental practices across several industries. SCS certifies products that meet strict indoor air quality chemical emission limits through a stringent independent testing process. Their SCS Indoor Advantage Gold rating certifies compliance with California Specification 01350, the most rigorous indoor air quality emissions standard in North America. The CA 01350 environmental requirement specifies volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limits for school classrooms and commercial offices.

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certification involves three steps: documentation review, on-site facility auditing and laboratory testing. Certification is ultimately based on the quality control system of the manufacturing process, compliance with all applicable standards and the product's VOC emissions.

SCS Certified products qualify to earn points under LEED v4, the widely adopted green building rating system developed by the US Green Building Council. This makes Indoor Advantage Gold Certified furniture and equipment attractive to school builders and designers. Schools In offers several SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certified items, including desks, bean bag seats, room dividers and glass dry erase boards.

Greenguard Certified

The Greenguard Environmental Institute was the original certifying body for distributing Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certifications. This non-profit organization was founded in 2001 with a mission of reducing human exposure to airborne chemicals and pollutants. GEI was acquired by the UL Environment in 2011. Today, the organization offers two tiers of rigorous certification: Greenguard and Greenguard Gold. The original Greenguard certification allows up to 500 μg/m3 total VOCs. The Greenguard Gold certification was developed in 2005 for sensitive environments like childcare centers, schools and healthcare facilities. This second tier offering allows up to 220 μg/m3 total VOCs.

To determine certification, products are sealed in environmentally controlled chambers for a pre-determined length of time. Chemicals emissions are captured in the chamber and measured. The thorough test detects more than 10,000 VOCs. If emission levels are below the threshold, the Greenguard certification is awarded. Products must undergo regular monitoring to maintain Greenguard credentials.

The Greenguard certification program is recognized by building, safety and environmental organizations around the world. Schools In carries several Greenguard Certified products, including school chairs, soft play equipment, wood play furniture, lockers, daycare cots, storage cubbies, classroom cabinets, activity tables, bulletin boards and cafe tables.

CRI Green Label Plus Certified

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) created the Green Label Plus rating to identify carpets, adhesives and cushioning that meet stringent criteria for low chemical emissions. This testing program sets the highest indoor air quality standard in the carpet industry. To receive certification, carpeting undergoes a 14-day testing process in an independent lab. Any off-gassed chemicals or VOCs are captured and measured. If these emissions fall below prescribed limits, Green Label Plus certification is awarded.

Architects, builders and facility managers use the Green Label Plus rating as a guideline for meeting the most stringent criteria for low chemical emissions. It guarantees that carpeting meets or exceeds California's indoor quality standards for low-emitting products used in schools, offices and other commercial facilities.

All classroom rugs found on the Schools In site feature the CRI Green Label Plus certification.

FSC Certified

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, nonprofit organization that promotes responsible forest management and sustainable lumber production. Their goal is to protect our natural wood resources through ethical and environmentally sound sourcing practices. In the 1990s, the FSC created a certification system to support and promote wood products from sustainably managed forests. Any lumber or paper producer that carries the FSC logo has been vetted and meets the standards of the FSC certification program.

Builders looking to use eco-friendly framing and flooring materials opt for FSC Certified wood. Facility managers who want to lower their carbon footprint seek out FSC Certified paper products.

Schools In carries several FSC Certified products, including copy paper, file folders, bath tissue, paper towels and paper cups.