Dalton, Ga. — The Carpet and Rug Institute has unveiled a new Green Label Plus independent testing program for carpet that meets, and even exceeds, California's indoor environmental quality standards for low- emitting products used in commercial settings such as schools and office buildings.

Working in coordination with California's Sustainable Building Task Force and the Department of Health Services, Indoor Air Quality Section, the carpet industry voluntarily upgraded its Green Label testing program to meet or exceed testing protocols used by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), designed to help achieve good indoor air quality. Green Label Plus represents the fourth time in the 12-year-old program that the Carpet and Rug Institute has enhanced its carpet testing standard, a measurement by which manufacturers continue to reduce product emissions.

“Consumer health and safety is our highest priority,” said Werner Braun, president of the Carpet and Rug Institute. “Green Label Plus once again sets the highest standard for indoor air quality and ensures that customers are purchasing one of the lowest emitting products on the market.”

Under the agreement between the Carpet and Rug Institute and the California agencies, Green Label Plus will be accepted in lieu of Section 01350, the CHPS low-emitting materials criteria for use in schools.

The CRI Green Label testing program assures customers that approved carpet products meet stringent requirements for low chemical emissions. Every carpet receiving Green Label Plus certification has been tested for emission levels for all chemicals as required by Section 01350, plus six additional chemicals, utilizing a 14-day test. Subsequent annual tests will target 13 chemicals, and quarterly tests will measure for the total level of volatile organic compounds (TVOC). The emissions standards are based on stringent criteria outlined in Section 01350. Green Label Plus expands on Section 01350 in several respects, including annual testing for the specific chemicals, a chain of custody process, and an annual audit of the testing laboratory.

Air Quality Sciences, an Atlanta-based, independent laboratory will perform testing for Green Label Plus. To view a list of Green Label Plus approved carpet products, visit the CRI Web site at www.carpet-rug.com.