When it comes to choosing flooring for your home or office, it's essential to consider not only the aesthetics but also the health and environmental impact. Two popular certifications for flooring products are Greenguard Gold and Floorscore. Let's dive into the differences between these two tests to help you make an informed decision.
What is Greenguard Gold certification?
Greenguard Gold certification focuses on indoor air quality and ensures that a product meets strict chemical emissions limits. This certification is especially important for sensitive individuals, such as children and the elderly, who may be more susceptible to indoor air pollutants.
GREENGUARD Gold Certified products are low-emitting and contribute to cleaner indoor air for you and your family. Certified products are screened for more than 15,000 VOCs known to pollute indoor air. n order to be certified, the product must meet specific requirements set forth by UL: GREENGUARD Certification: Total VOC emission rate of 500 μg/m. GREENGUARD Gold Certification: Total VOC emission rate of 220 μg/m.
What is Floorscore certification?
Floorscore certification, on the other hand, evaluates flooring products for their compliance with indoor air quality emission requirements. This certification is recognized by LEED and other green building programs, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Floorscore's total VOCs limit is the same as standard Greenguard. If a product is Greenguard Gold Certified then it off-gasses less than Floorscore. Floorscore certifications are for hard surface flooring and flooring adhesives only.
How do they differ?
While both certifications focus on indoor air quality, Greenguard Gold has stricter emission limits compared to Floorscore. Greenguard Gold also takes into account more sensitive populations, making it the preferred choice for those looking to create a healthier indoor environment.
Which one should you choose?
If you are looking for the highest level of indoor air quality certification and have sensitive individuals in your space, Greenguard Gold is the way to go. However, if you are more focused on overall environmental impact and sustainability, Floorscore may be the better option for you.
Ultimately, the choice between Greenguard Gold and Floorscore will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Both certifications offer valuable information about the indoor air quality and environmental impact of flooring products, helping you make a more informed decision for your space.