Rapidly depleting natural resources and increasing greenhouse gas emissions has led to a growing awareness of the need to
save Planet Earth for future generations. Around the globe there is a rising call for stringent measures toward sustainable
practices which is being echoed by organizations. Many manufacturers abide by corporate sustainability plans that they have
evolved. Retailers insist on products emanating from sustainable practices and consumers are showing an increasing preference
for green products.
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has, along with NSF International, put in place a single, easy–rating
certification system for rugs and carpet. NSF International is a leader in standards development and product certification.
This certification, known as NSF/ANSI 140–2007, is a Sustainable Carpet Assessment Standard for the commercial market.
It has taken nearly five years to develop by a consensus–based conglomeration of stakeholders. The purpose of NSF140
was to establish a system with differing levels of certification to determine sustainable carpet.
NSF 140 is the first multi–characteristic standard for environmental preferred building materials in the
construction industry to be developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standard was intended to:
- Enhance the commercial value of sustainable carpet right across the supply chain.
- Help members of the supply chain and specifiers to sort out and classify information on sustainable characteristics.
- Create a competitive environment between manufacturers that drives them to develop environmentally friendly practices,
manufacturing processes, materials and power sources.
Certification Benefits
Sustainable practices result in assured benefits to manufacturers, retailers and those specifying product requirements.
The following are some of the benefits that can be expected:
Carpet/ Rug manufacturers
- Cost savings
- Advertising design innovation
- Reduced liability
- Differentiation of products
- Aid in market recognition
- Helps in establishing long–term client relationship
Specifiers – Interior designers, Architects, Purchasing Agents
- Reduced environmental impact
- Reduced liability
- A route to LEED certification
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Demonstrates social responsibility
- Positions an organization as an industry leader
