SACRAMENTO—Beginning this year, all state carpet purchases in California must be certified at ANSI/NSF 140-2007e Platinum level. The new provision
replaces the California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard and ensures all state carpet buys meet the laws and sustainability objectives of the state by following the national standard.
NSF-140 was drafted for carpet in hospitals and commercial facilities and establishes requirements for performance, public health, as well as environmental, economic and social impact throughout the supply chain. To help designers, architects, and contractors chose more sustainable products certification is issued in one of three levels—silver, gold or platinum—by awarding a corresponding number of points to each product.
“The adoption of ANSI/ NSF 140-2007e by California for state purchasing is a tremendous opportunity for industry and governmental partnership,” said Jeff Carrier, sustainability and IAQ program manager at the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI).
He explained when industry knows which attributes are most valued by government and how to identify products that have the most favorable sustainability characteristics, non-governmental groups then have confidence that public interests are being protected. “It brings the strengths of all three groups together in a cohesive and productive manner.”
California manufacturers applaud the endorsement, and reported it is in line with existing production practices.
“NSF-140 awards points for many of the things we have been doing for years like maintaining ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, reducing manufacturing waste, using renewable energy and conducting life cycle assessments on our products,” said Kim Matsoukas, sustainability manager for Bentley Prince Street. She reported its standard broadloom backing, High PerformancePC, has been NSF-140 certified to the platinum level for more than a year, and research is under way to achieve the same on its carpet tiles. “That certification should be complete in the next six months.”
For more on NSF-140, call CRI at 706.278.3176.