3
Definitions
3.1 air pollutant: Any substance in air that could, in high enough concentration, harm
humans, animals, vegetation, or material.
3.2 air pollution: The presence of contaminants or pollutant substances in the air that
interfere with human health or welfare, or produce other harmful environmental effects.
3.3
biodegradable: Capable of decomposing under natural conditions.
3.4
biodiversity: The number, variety, and variability of living organisms.
3.5 byproduct: Material, other than the principal product, generated as a consequence of an
industrial process or as a breakdown product in a living system.
3.6
carcinogen: Any substance that can cause or aggravate cancer.
3.7 chemicals of concern: A chemical that makes a significant contribution to one or more of
the following life cycle impact categories:
– persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT);
– reproductive or developmental toxicant;
– carcinogen;
– endocrine disruptor;
– mutagenic and/or genotoxic
3.8 child labor: Exploitation of workers under the minimum legal age for employment in the
country where the facility operates.
3.9 conformity assessments: Demonstration that specified requirements relating to a
product, process, system, person, or body is fulfilled.
3.9.1 first party conformity assessment: Conformity assessment activity that is performed by
the person or organization that provides the object.
3.9.2 second party conformity assessment: Conformity assessment activity that is performed
by a person or organization that has a user or purchaser interest in the object.
3.9.3 third party conformity assessment: Conformity assessment activity that is performed by
a person or body that is independent of the person or organization that provides the object, and
of the user or purchaser interests in that object.
3.10 cradle-to-gate: A term used to describe the LCA boundary encompassing the life cycle
stages of raw material extraction and conversion to a bulk form or a generic shape.
3.11 criteria (air) pollutants: The 1970 amendments to the Clean Air Act required EPA to set
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for certain pollutants known to be hazardous to human
health. EPA has identified and set standards to protect human health and welfare for six
pollutants: ozone, carbon monoxide, total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide, lead, and
nitrogen oxide. The term, "criteria pollutants" derives from the requirement that EPA must
describe the characteristics and potential health and welfare effects of these pollutants. It is on
the basis of these criteria that standards are set or revised.
3.12 design for the environment (DFE): The systematic integration of environmental
attributes into the design of products and processes. There are three unique characteristics of
DFE:
 The entire life-cycle is considered;
 Point of application is clearly in the product realization; and
 Decisions are made using a set of values consistent with industrial ecology, integrative
systems thinking or another framework.
3.13 ecosystem: The interacting system of a biological community and its non-living
environmental surroundings.
3.14 environment: The sum of all external conditions affecting the life, development, and
survival of an organism.
3.15 environmental aspect: An element of an organization's activities, products or services
that can interact with the environment.
3.16 environmental policy: A statement by the organization of its intentions and principles in
relation to its overall environmental performance, which provides a framework for action and for
the setting of its environmental objectives and targets.
3.17 environmental management system: The part of a company’s overall management
system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices,
procedures, processes, and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing, and
maintaining the environmental policy.
3.xx footprint: The total of negative impacts caused by the processes necessary to produce a
product or sustain an organization or person; allocation of a specific lifecycle impact to a
product, organization, or person (e.g., “carbon footprint”, “water footprint”).
3.18 forced labor: Compulsory prison or debt bondage labor. Lodging of deposits or identity
papers by employers or outside recruiters for the purpose of restricting or preventing the
individual from leaving employment.
3.19 fossil fuel: Fuel derived from ancient organic remains. Some examples are peat, coal,
crude oil, and natural gas.
3.20 gate-to-gate: A term used to describe the product boundary encompassing the fabrication
and assembly of business and institutional furniture. For purposes of the assessment, the entry
gate is the receiving dock of the first facility where basic materials used in the manufacture of
the furniture (e.g. steel, particleboard, fabric, laminate, etc.) begins the conversion to furniture
components. The end gate is the shipping dock where the ready-to-install furniture is
transported for distribution to the end user. The gate-to-gate assessment will include
transportation of intermediate materials and components between facilities where more than
one physical location is included in the manufacturing process.
3.21 greenhouse gas (GHG): Gases related to human activities that accelerate the
greenhouse effect (as defined in Credit 6.9.1).
3.22 hazardous substances (materials):
 Any substance that poses a threat to human health and/or the environment. Typical
hazardous substances are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive, or chemically reactive.
 Any substance designated by EPA to be reported if a designated quantity of the
substance is spilled in the waters of the United States or is otherwise released into the
environment.
3.23 homogeneous material: one material of uniform composition throughout or a material
consisting of a combination of materials that cannot be mechanically disjoined into different
materials, meaning that the materials cannot be separated by mechanical actions. Coatings
and finishes such as plating, powder coats, enamels, etc. are considered unique homogenous
materials.
3.xx hotspot: certain lifecycle stages or attributes that represent a significant and
disproportionate amount of impact, as it relates to environmental, health and wellness, or social
impacts. Attributes that dominate the overall impact and/or opportunity for improvement for the
product category.
3.24 incidental presence: The presence of a regulated metal (e.g., cadmium, lead, mercury,
hexavalent chromium) as an unintended or undesired ingredient of a package or packaging
component.
3.25 injury rate: The frequency of injuries relative to the total time worked by the total
workforce in the reporting period.
3.26 legacy products: Business and institutional furniture products manufactured for sale prior
to the publication date of this Standard.
3.27 life cycle: The total impact of a system, function, product, or service from the extraction of
raw materials through its end-of-life management.
3.28 life cycle assessment (LCA): A tool for the systematic evaluation of the environmental
aspects of a product or service system through all stages of its life cycle consistent with ISO
14040. An analytical tool to implement life cycle thinking, inclusive of both product and process.
An LCA is generally quantitative and requires that the results be normalized to a functional unit.
3.29 life cycle inventory (LCI): A process of quantifying energy and raw material
requirements, atmospheric emissions, waterborne emissions, solid wastes, and other releases
for the entire life cycle of a product, process, or activity.
3.30 life cycle thinking: A conceptual approach that addresses environmental problems from a
whole-systems or holistic perspective. The essential difference from an LCA is that the results
are not normalized to a functional unit, and the results may be expressed qualitatively or
quantitatively.
3.31 maintenance chemical: A chemical not directly used in the manufacturing of the product
(e.g., forklift engine oil).
x.x.x net positive: A concept used both qualitatively and quantitatively to indicate that positive
impact exceeds negative impact. Used quantitatively for a product, facility, or organization, a
calculation that the total positive impact for an impact category, such as water or energy,
exceeds the total negative impact relating to a particular scope, ideally referring to the full
lifecycle (cradle-to-grave). Used qualitatively, the concept captures a change from ‘doing less
harm’ to ‘doing good’, to encourage attention to positive impact both within and beyond the
direct processes involved in manufacturing the product (e.g., manufacturer influence on supplier
innovation that impacts processes beyond the supplied material).
3.32 package: A container providing a means of marketing, protection, or handling of a product
and shall include a unit package, an intermediate package, and a shipping/transport container
as defined in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 996. "Package'' shall also
mean and include such unsealed receptacles as carrying cases, crates, cups, pails, rigid foil,
and other trays, wrappers and wrapping films, bags, and tubs.
3.33 packaging component: Any individual assembled part of a package such as, but not
limited to, any interior or exterior blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing, exterior
strapping, coatings, closures, inks, and labels.
3.xx performance period: The applicant will declare 12 consecutive months within the last 24
months as the performance period. Once defined, the organization shall maintain consistency
of the performance period for evaluations. A newly occupied facility may use less than 12
months for comparison until a full 12 months is available.
3.34 postconsumer: Generated by households, or by commercial, industrial, and institutional
facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended
purpose. This includes return of materials from the distribution chain.
3.35 preconsumer: Diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process.
Excluded is reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind, or scrap generated in a process
and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.
3.36 pollution: This is generally, the presence of a substance in the environment that because
of its chemical composition or quantity prevents the functioning of natural processes and
produces undesirable environmental and health effects.
3.37 process chemical: Used in the direct manufacturing of the product and that is not
incorporated into the product as shipped (e.g. prep solvent prior to powdercoat or overspray).
3.38 product chemical: Incorporated in or on the product as shipped (e.g., wood finish).
3.39 recovered material: Waste materials and byproducts that have been recovered or
diverted from solid waste, but do not include materials and byproducts generated from, and
commonly reused within, an original manufacturing process.
3.40 recyclable: Capable of minimizing waste generation by recovering and reprocessing
usable products that might otherwise become waste.
3.41 recycle: To minimize waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products
that might otherwise become waste (e.g., aluminum cans, paper and bottles, etc.).
3.42 recycled-content materials: Materials that have been recovered or otherwise diverted
from the solid waste stream, either during the manufacturing process (preconsumer) or after
consumer use (postconsumer).
3.43 remanufacturing: Restoring products to usable condition by replacing or repairing parts
as needed.
3.44 renewable energy: Energy from a source that is replenishable and replenished on some
reasonable time scale. Potential renewable energy sources include, but are not limited to wind,
solar, heat from the earth's interior, oceans, rivers, and biomass.
3.45 renewable material: A material that is replenishable and replenished on some reasonable
time scale. Renewable material sources include, but are not limited to wood, grass fibers, plantbased plastics, and bio-based fuels.
3.46 reusable packaging: Packaging that has been conceived and designed to accomplish
within its lifecycle a minimum number of trips or rotations, is refilled or used for the same
purpose for which it was conceived, with or without the support of auxiliary products present on
the market enabling the packaging to be refilled: such reused packaging will become packaging
waste when no longer subject to reuse.
3.47 significant environmental aspect: An environmental characteristic that has or can have
significant environmental impact.
3.48 social responsibility (or equity): The identification of issues, the development of
standards, and the implementation of programs that address corporate responsibility for the
ethical treatment of employees, communities, and other stakeholders.
3.49 solid waste: Non-liquid, non-soluble materials ranging from municipal garbage to
industrial wastes that may contain complex and sometimes hazardous substances.
NOTE: For purposes of this Standard, this definition is not intended to match the
EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) definition.
3.50 source reduction: A pollution prevention technique that eliminates the potential for
pollution at the source, or where the polluting material enters the product or service cycle.
3.51 stakeholders: People who are (or might be) affected by any action taken by an
organization. Examples are: Customers, owners, employees, associates, partners, contractors,
suppliers, related people or located nearby.
3.52 sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
3.53 toxic: Presenting an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or the environment.
3.54 waste: Unwanted materials left over from a manufacturing process, or refuse from places
of human or animal habitation.
4
Assessing Conformance, Evaluation, and Assessment Criteria
Organizations that choose to assess their business and/or institutional furniture products to this
Standard can achieve first-party, second-party, or third-party verification of conformance.
Organizations can show continuous improvement by moving products to higher levels of
conformance.
The manufacturer of the applicant product can determine the scope of conformance to the
extent that the scope can be clearly communicated to potential purchasers of the product. The
scope of conformance can be defined based on geographic location. A product that is
manufactured in one location can be included, while the same product manufactured in another
location could be excluded. In this case, the credits that are based on “facility” or “corporate”
characteristics (such as energy use, water use, and health and safety management) shall be
evaluated based on the activities only at the location included in the scope of conformance (see
3.20 definition of gate-to-gate).
The scope of assessment is gate-to-gate unless otherwise specified within individual credit
language. The applicant shall clearly specify cut-off criteria for inclusion of inputs and outputs
and the assumption on which the cut-off criteria are established in the scope of assessment.
Unless otherwise specified, processes for manufacture of small components (e.g., fasteners,
screws, washers, glides, labels), that combined comprise up to a total of 5% of the product by
weight, may be excluded from the scope for the majority e3 credits (other than the Life Cycle
Assessment credits).
The intent of the Standard is to encourage reduction in environmental impact and credits are not
awarded for operations that are within the gate-to-gate boundaries or within the individual credit
language boundaries, but are excluded from the applicants’ scope of assessment. Nor are
credits awarded for the lack of an environmental impact where one had not previously existed.
The scope of conformance can also be defined based on product options or characteristics. For
example, wood/veneer options could be included while laminate/non-wood options are
excluded, or vice versa.
Representative (worst-case) Sample Selection
For manufacturers wishing to demonstrate compliance for a specific product(s), only that
product shall be evaluated.
A manufacturer may demonstrate compliance of a broad set of products by using the results
from a limited number of representative models. A range, series or category of products with
varying characteristics may be grouped together for evaluation purposes if the products can be
expected to perform similarly during evaluation (e.g., having the same general construction,
materials, and manufacturing processes). Evaluation models shall be selected from the group
based on those that can be expected to have the highest propensity for environmental impact. A
case-by-case product line analysis by the manufacturer in consultation with the laboratory
and/or certification agency is required, taking into consideration any special attributes, materials,
methods of manufacture/construction, etc.
4.1 Elements
This Standard is divided into three basic elements consisting of various prerequisites and
credits that are potentially available to organizations seeking product conformance to the
standard. The three basic elements are:
–
–
–
4.2
environmental impacts
health and wellness impacts
social impacts.
Prerequisites
Each element has one or more prerequisites that are required as the minimum performance
against the standard and applicants/products shall meet all prerequisites in each element in
order to proceed. Once the prerequisite(s) are met, products may achieve additional credits
toward multiple levels of achievement in each element by meeting the specified performance
requirements.
4.3
Credits
Beyond the prerequisites, there is no minimum number of credits from any of the four major
elements required to demonstrate conformance to this Standard. The required credits can come
from any of the four elements.
4.4
Points
Each credit has one or more points that accumulate toward a level of conformance. In addition
to a minimum number of total points required for each conformance level, there is also a
minimum number of product related points for each level. See Annex D for a listing of product
related credits and points.
4.4.1 Levels of Conformance
Silver
Gold
Platinum
4.5
32 to 44 total points; at least 5 of which are product related points
45 to 62 total points; at least 11 of which are product related points
63 to 100 total points; at least 18 of which are product related points
Baseline and Normalization Values
The baseline and normalization values selected for each credit shall be used consistently
throughout the certification period for each credit. The baseline shall only be re-calculated as
defined below.
4.5.1 Baseline Values
For the purposes of this Standard, calculating a baseline shall be established by one of the
following methods:
–
–
–
The average of any 36 consecutive months within the previous 72-month period.
Select a single year as the base year for which data are available. In no case shall the
baseline year be set prior to 2005 or more than 10 years prior to the performance year
period under evaluation.
Use first BIFMA e3 baseline calculated as the fixed standard.
A baseline shall be recalculated when a 10% or greater charge has occurred in the inventory
(such as GHG, energy, water, etc.) based on one of the following:
1) Structural change (e.g., merger, acquisition, or divestiture, insourcing and outsourcing of
activities) in the appropriate boundaries.
2) Change in calculation methodology or improvements in the accuracy of activity data that
result in a significant impact on the base year data.
3) Discover of significant errors, or a number of cumulative errors, that are collectively
significant.
A baseline shall not be recalculated when:
1) Closing and or opening of facilities that did not exist in the baseline year.
2) Outsourcing/insourcing: For energy, outsourcing/insourcing does not require
recalcualtion of the base year if the insourced or outsourced emissions were previously
reported under scope 2 and/or scope 3 (i.e. they were already accounted for in the
inentory). Insourced emissions that had already been accounted for in scope 3
emissions and reported would not trigger a recalculation. However, insourcing or
outsourcing of activities producing emissions that were not accounted for in the original
inventory or that were accounted for originally but are not scope 3 and not accounted for,
do require recalculation of the baseline. For example, insourcing/outsourcing of activity
that shifts significant emissions between scope 1 to scope 3 when those scope 3
emissions are not reported as part of the users inventory does trigger a base year
emissions recalculation.
3) Organic growth or decline; which refers to increase or decreases in production output,
change in product mix, and closing or openings of facilities owned or controlled by the
company.
4.5.2 Normalization Values
Applicants have flexibility in defining the unit of measure appropriate for each credit to
demonstrate change over time.
4.6
Frequency of Conformity Assessment
Products shall be re-evaluated if significant changes to materials, processes or the facility occur
that affect the eligibility for any credit within the scope of conformance at the time of the change.
Regardless, the frequency of conformity assessment shall not exceed three years.
5
Environmental Impacts
5.1 PRODUCT
5.1.1 Prerequisite
The organization shall implement a design for environment (DFE) program. The prerequisite is
met if a DFE program is implemented at the time of the assessment. The DFE program shall, at
a minimum, consist of the following elements: renewable materials; recycled materials;
recyclable and biodegradable materials; end of life management; water management and
energy efficiency. (keep as is)
5.1.2
Life Cycle Assessment
The organization shall encourage use of Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to inform product
design and development, to optimize materials choices, and to support understanding by
customers and provide environmental information to end users.
By fulfilling the criteria below, the applicant can earn a maximum of six points in this credit, as
detailed below.
The applicant shall receive points if it provides evidence that the company has taken initial
initiated steps toward a product-specific LCA and/or an industry-wide LCA and has begun to
incorporate the life cycle assessment framework into product design by applying the first two of
the four LCA components in ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. (Goal & Scope Definition and Life
Cycle Inventory).
5.1.2.1 The applicant shall receive one point for establishing a gate-to-gate inventory
encompassing all gate-to-gate processes as defined in 3.20. Primary data shall be collected for
processes under the applicant’s organizational control. The inventory boundary shall
5.1.2.2 The applicant shall receive an additional point for establishing a cradle-to-grave
inventory, The LCA boundary shall encompass extraction of raw materials through end of
product life. The LCA boundary shall be consistent with what is specified by the appropriate
BIFMA Product Category Rules. if one exists.
NOTE: 5.2.1 5.1.2 is meant to reward initial steps toward LCA, but these steps are
not sufficient to inform product design. The applicant may thus only qualify for points
under 5.2.1.1 5.1.2.1 and 5.2.1.2 5.1.2.2 for prior to achievement of 5.2.2 5.1.2.4 or
5.2.3 5.1.2.5. The applicant who qualifies for at least one additional point under 5.2.2
5.1.2.4 or 5.2.3 5.1.2.5 has automatically earned the 2 points in 5.2.1 5.1.2.1.
5.1.2.3 The applicant shall receive one point for contributing life cycle inventory data to an
industry-wide life cycle assessment toward the development of a third-part certified (Type III)
Industry-wide (generic) EPD. The manufacturer applicant must be explicitly recognized as a
participant by the program operator.
5.1.2.4 The applicant shall receive one point if it provides evidence that the company has
completed an LCA utilizing all four components in ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The applicant
shall include at the least the following all impact categories: required in BIFMA Product
Category Rules:
1) Global Climate warming potential
2) Acidification potential
3) Photochemical ozone creation potential / tropospheric ozone Ozone Depletion potential
4) Eutrophication potential
5) Smog Formation potential
And the following:
65) Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer
6) Depletion of nonrenewable energy resources
5.1.2.5 The applicant shall receive one point if it demonstrates compliance conformance to
5.2.3 5.1.2.4 and provides evidence that the company has completed an independent thirdparty review of its LCA.
5.1.2.6 The applicant shall receive one point if the product has an Environmental Product
Declaration which conforms to ISO 14025, 14040, 14044 and EN 15804 or ISO 21930 and has
at least a cradle to grave gate scope.
5.1.3
Life Cycle Assessment – Optimization
The applicant shall receive up to four points by demonstrating impact reductions for the
assessed product in at least three of the impact categories listed in 5.2.21.2.4 in one of the
following ways:
5.1.3.1 The applicant shall receive two points by demonstrating impact reductions between a
new product and an existing product in the same product category using LCA reports that follow
the methodology outlined in 5.2.31.2.4. The new product shall be compared against the version
of product chosen shall be the most commonly sold configuration.
The following criteria taken from ISO 14044 criteria must be met. using:




In a comparative study, the equivalence of the systems being compared shall be
evaluated before interpreting the results. Consequently, the scope of the study shall be
defined in such a way that the systems can be compared.
Systems shall be compared using the same functional unit and equivalent
methodological considerations, such as performance, system boundary, data quality,
allocation procedures, decision rules on evaluating inputs, and outputs and impact
assessment.
Any differences between systems regarding these parameters shall be identified and
reported. If the study is intended to be used for a comparative assertion intended to be
disclosed to the public, interested parties shall conduct this evaluation as a critical
review.
A life cycle impact assessment shall be performed for studies intended to be used in
comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to the public.
A third party review of the LCA reports is not required. The use of EPDs for this comparison is
acceptable. When using EPDs for comparison, the following shall be met:

The EPD shall be owned by the same manufacturing company

Same Product Category Rule (PCR)

Summary narrative shall describe the rational for the product selection and available
that identifies the reduction achieved

The two products must have the same functional unit and meet the same functional
performance criteria.
– Demonstrate reduced impact of a new product vs. an existing product with two productspecific assessments an LCA report(s). The two products must have the same
functional unit and meet the same functional performance criteria. Specification
– Demonstrate a trend toward reduced impact in newer products vs. existing products over
time via…
– Demonstrate impact reduction as outlined in 5.3.1 using LCA reports rather than EPDs.

Impact reduction must be demonstrated for at least three of the impact categories
listed in 5.2.21.2.4 without increase in industry identified hot spot impact categories.
Impact reductions must be significant to qualify, and there must be no significant
increase in Global Warming Potential.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive two points (in addition to automatically achieving the two
points in 5.3.1) by demonstrating impact reductions using EPDs that follow the methodology
outlined in 5.2.5. EPDs used for demonstrating reductions must conform to the same PCR.
– Demonstrate reduced impact with a product-specific assessment (LCA or EPD) against
an industry-wide generic assessment. The manufacturer must have been part of the
industry-wide study.
– Demonstrate reduced impact of the same product, over time, with two consecutive
product-specific assessments.
Impact reduction must be demonstrated for at least three of the impact categories listed in 5.2.2.
5.1.4 Environmental Hot Spot Based Optimization
The applicant shall receive one point for targeted reduction of impacts that represent
environmental hot-spots for furniture. as indicated by the industry-wide life cycle assessment.
Reduction may be demonstrated as follows:
– via a product-specific LCA/EPD: [list impact categories, LC stages]
– or via achievement of the following e3 credits: [LIST,].
5.1.5 Product Energy Allocation Inventory (embodied energy) and Carbon Footprint
The applicant shall receive up to xx points for calculating and publicly disclosing the embodied
energy or carbon footprint of the product. The assessment should be completed using publicly
available Life-Cycle Inventory (LCI) data and generally following ISO 14044 as follows:
–
–
–
x.x.x.x (1 pt) Completing a product level energy allocation inventory to quantify energy use
resulting from producing the product based upon the gate-to-gate inventory for the product
to be assessed
x.x.x.x (1 pt) Completing a cradle-to-gate energy inventory for the energy consumed for the
materials within the product.
x.x.x.x (1 pt) Completing a cradle to end gate greenhouse gas inventory and calculation of
the carbon footprint (CO2 equivalent) of the product. for the materials required to produce
the finished product.
The following elements shall be included in the report:
o
Reason(s) for the study
o
Scope of the Study
o
Product to be assessed
o
Data assumptions and limitations
OR
– x.x.x.x (3 1pts) Completion of a Publically disclose product level greenhouse gas footprint
product level greenhouse gas allocation based upon the full cradle-to end gate inventory for
the product to be assessed (i.e., carbon footprint).
Acceptable documentation for this option shall be a report following the ISO 14044
guidelines and must include the following items.
o
o
o
o
Reason(s) for the study
Scope of the Study
Product to be assessed
Data assumptions and limitations
5.1.6 Carbon Footprint Reduction
The applicant shall receive up to xx points for demonstrating reductions of the product’s
embodied energy and/or carbon footprint as follows.
x.x.x Calculated Reductions
Demonstrate reductions of the product’s embodied energy and/or carbon footprint as follows:
x.x.x.x
– Reduction of the product’s embodied energy by 5% from a baseline established for the
product an established baseline, and/or
– Reduction of product’s carbon footprint by 5% from an established baseline.
x.x.x.x
– Reduction of the product’s embodied energy by 10% from a baseline established for the
product an established baseline, and/or
– Reduction of product’s carbon footprint by 10% from an established baseline.
A demonstrated reduction shall be based on an established baseline (either a product specific
baseline, or a generic industry-wide baseline). determined by following the requirements and
guidance contained in Section 4 of the Standard.
A reduction may be demonstrated using publicly available Life-Cycle Inventory (LCI) data
showing impact of material selection.
OR
x.x.x.x Selection of lower climate impact materials
The applicant shall receive one point for demonstrating preferential selection of materials with
an inherently lower carbon footprint than typical alternatives, for materials that make up at least
50% of the product by weight or volume, based on publicly available Life-Cycle Inventory data.
5.1.7
Efficient Use of Materials
The organization applicant shall reduce the quantity (mass) of raw materials used in the
manufacture of products. Material efficiency is calculated for the materials comprising 80
percent of the weight of the products to be assessed. The boundary for this credit is gate-togate (Section 4). By fulfilling one of the two criteria below, the applicant can earn a maximum of
two points in this credit, as detailed below.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point if it demonstrates a Material Efficiency of 60 70%.
OR
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive two points if it demonstrates a Material Efficiency of 70 80%.
Material Efficiency = [(Input Mass – Waste Mass)/(Input Mass)] X 100%
Process aids and incidental consumables (e.g. gloves, sand paper) are not included in the
calculation. Waste Mass includes materials sent to recycling.
5.1.8 Optimized sourcing – multiple environmental attributes
Applicant shall receive one point for addressing supply chain impacts through preferential
selection of xx suppliers demonstrating environmental leadership as indicated by one of the
following:
– Supplier achievement in multi-attribute sustainability standards that reflect the
requirements in EPA EPP guidelines (such as NSF 336)
– Supplier’s demonstration of impact reductions for the supplied part or material in at least
three of the impact categories listed in 5.2.2 5.1.2.4 as per one of the methods outlined
in 3.2.2.
5.1.9
Bio-Based Non-Wood Renewable Materials
The applicant shall earn points for increasing the use of renewable materials obtained from biobased sources, and assessing the sustainability of those materials, in order to decrease
dependency on petroleum-based materials in a sustainable manner.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point if it selects bio-based non-wood renewable
materials for use as an element of a new or existing furniture product. In order to qualify for this
point the furniture product to be assessed must contain at least 25 2 percent bio-based nonwood renewable material by weight or volume.
To qualify for this point, the raw material must be legally harvested as defined by the exporting
and receiving country. In addition, the material must meet one of the following criteria
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point if it completes an initial assessment of the
sustainability profile of bio-based non-wood renewable materials for use as an element of a new
or existing product. This assessment may be met by any of the following:
–
Agricultural Material meets the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Sustainable
Agriculture Standard or equivalent assessment of agricultural products.
–
Raw Material is legally harvested, as defined by the exporting and receiving country
–
Material LCA demonstrates reduced impact relative to functionally equivalent
petroleum-based material (significant impact reduction in at least one impact category,
and no impact categories with significant impact increases OR demonstrate impact
reduction in three categories).
Excluded: hide products, such as leather and other animal skin material. Materials for which
biobased origin is not otherwise evident or confirmed must be tested using ASTM Test Method
D6866.
5.1.10 Bio-based Renewable Materials – Sustainable Wood
Wood specified in the product, other than recovered or reused wood, shall not contain
endangered wood species, unless the trade of such wood conforms with the requirements of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Appendix I or II, and is harvested according to the applicable laws and regulations of the country
of origin.
In order to qualify for these points the product to be assessed shall contain at least 5 percent
wood by weight. By fulfilling one of the two criteria below, the applicant can earn a maximum of
two points in this credit, as detailed in 5.6.1 and 5.6.2.
x.x.x.x Basic Level
The applicant shall receive one point if:

A minimum of 20 percent of the total wood weight of the product conforms to a thirdparty certification program for environmentally and socially responsible forest
management including but not limited to, chain of custody practices throughout the
supply chain;

The applicant publicly declares the third-party certification program.
x.x.x.x Advanced Level
The applicant shall receive two points if:

A minimum of 30 percent of the total wood weight of the product conforms to a thirdparty certification program for environmentally and socially responsible forest
management including but not limited to, chain of custody practices throughout the
supply chain; and

The applicant publicly declares the third-party certification program.
5.1.11 Recycled Content
The organization shall increase the amount of recycled content material incorporated into
products. By fulfilling the criteria below, the applicant can earn a maximum of two points in this
credit, as detailed below.
x.x.x.x Basic Level
The applicant shall receive one point if it incorporates recycled content materials into the
product so that the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus one-half of the preconsumer
content constitutes at least 30 percent of the total weight of the materials.
x.x.x.x Advanced Level
The applicant shall receive two points an additional point if it incorporates recycled content
materials into the product so that the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus one-half of the
preconsumer content constitutes at least 50 percent of the total weight of the materials.
5.1.12 Category-specific Advances
The applicant may earn one point for advanced sustainability features that are significant to the
specific product type, but are not relevant to most business and institutional furniture. Only one
point may be achieved in this section.
x.x.x.x Lighting Products [UPDATE IF RETAINED]
This credit applies only if the product line is being assessed includes lighting products.
The applicant shall receive one point if its lighting products meet Title 24 of the 2007 California
Energy Code as described in Part 6, Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and
Nonresidential Buildings; and section 5.13 of the 2005 Nonresidential Compliance Manual.
x.x.x.x Cleanability
The applicant shall receive one point for products designed for use in health care settings by
following the recommendations in BIFMA HCF 8.1-2014, HEALTH CARE FURNITURE DESIGN
- GUIDELINES FOR CLEANABILITY Appendix 1.
x.x.x.x Ergonomics
The applicant shall receive one point if computer workstations are designed to meet ergonomic
principles as referenced in one or more of the following or the most up-to-date versions:




BIFMA G1-2013
ANSI/HFES 100-2007
CSA Z412-00 (R2011)
ISO 9241-5:1998
x.x.x.x Other Category Specific Innovation
The applicant shall receive one point for unique advances relating to a specific product type that
result improved environmental or health and wellness characteristics. For example, innovations
relating to wiring and plug load controls for systems furniture.
5.1.13 Responsible Packaging
The applicant shall receive one point if it meets one of the following requirements for both
finished product packaging and packaging from first tier suppliers.
Packaging from first tier suppliers shall consist of readily recyclable material, and/or materials
taken from renewable resources, or be a reusable packaging multi‐ use system. Packaging
materials shall be easily separable by hand into recyclable parts consisting of one material (e.g.
cardboard, corrugated paper, paper, plastic, textile). Applicant shall: The assessment shall
include suppliers comprising of at least 75% of the applicants total direct spend for products,
measured using actual annual spend data for a consecutive 12 month time period within the
previous 2 years. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate that inbound packaging is being
recycled (see credit 5.2.10).
OR
Incorporate recovered materials into outbound packaging at or above the levels specified in the
recovered materials content requirements as listed in the table below:
The assessment shall include 75% of the applicants total direct spend for outbound packaging,
measured using actual annual spend data for a consecutive 12 month time period within the
previous 2 years.
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recycled
Content (%)
25
6045
--
--
Corrugated
Cardboard
Renewable Materials
(excluding wood
pallets)
Plastics
Renewable Materials
Content (%)
1
40
AND/OR
Demonstrates an on-going process to minimize packaging environmental impacts (e.g. Energy
Use; Water Use; Waste Generation; Material Efficiency) associated with product packaging.
Examples may include, but are not limited to offering the end user:
a) Blanket/ no-wrap outbound packaging
b) Returnable cartons and/or other forms of reusable packaging
c) Packaging reduction engineering initiatives practices such as other forms of reusable
packaging, material repurposing options, disposal options, and creation of new
materials.
5.1.14
Long Term Value
x.x.x.x Design for Durability/Upgradeability – Policy
The applicant shall earn one point if it maximizes the useful life of the product to make it easy to
refurbish and upgrade for multiple uses by the original or subsequent users. In order to
accomplish this, the organization shall adopt and publicize a policy stating that it will design and
manufacture products that have a long useful life; can withstand repeated service, repair, and
handling; and has standardized product parts and components available to facilitate
maintenance, servicing, and reassembly. The organization’s policy may allow for the
replacement of design components and reuse of functional components. The product to be
assessed shall be covered by the policy.
x.x.x.x Design for Remanufacturing
The applicant shall earn one point if it designs products to ensure that they can be
remanufactured. The products shall be designed in a modular fashion to facilitate the
replacement of components that are subject to wear or breakage, likely to go out of style, or
likely to be upgraded. In order to earn a point in this credit, the organization shall conform to all
three of the requirements below in its design for remanufacturing:
 Product disassembly instructions are publicly available;
 Disassembly is possible with standard tools and does not require special training; and
 Disassembly can occur in a reasonable amount of time.
x.x.x.x Design for Recycling
The organization shall maximize the degree to which materials from the product that cannot be
reused or remanufactured can be recycled into value-added products. In order to earn a point in
this credit:
1) the product shall consist of 30 20% by weight recyclable materials; and
2) the organization shall conform to all of the requirements below in its design
recycling:





Amount by weight of recyclable materials in the product is identified;
Product disassembly instructions are publicly available;
Disassembly is possible with standard tools and does not require special training;
Disassembly of the product can occur in a reasonable amount of time; and
Product parts are clearly labeled, or otherwise identified, to facilitate separation
by material content, and identification of any materials that may require special
handling.
The following constituent materials, commonly used in products assessed to this Standard,
have been pre-determined to be recyclable:



Steel
Aluminum
Non-composite Wood
Applicants shall be able to provide reasonable verification of recyclability for other constituent
materials in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Green Guides or in accordance
with applicable regulations in the country it is used. For example, materials may be shown to be
recycled, in practice, at the applicant’s or their suppliers’ manufacturing facilities.
Labeling/marking of plastic components, to support identification and recycling, shall be
completed in accordance with ISO 11469.
5.1.15 Extended Producer Responsibility
The applicant shall ensure that obsolete product is managed to minimize environmental
impacts.
— The applicant shall receive one point if it makes a buy-back or take-back program offers
end of life management options as part of its strategic sales strategy for products it is
selling or leasing.
— The applicant shall receive a second point upon providing proof of implementation and
evidence of active use within the last 3 years. The applicant may involve a third party in
the buy-back/take-back program. The applicant shall ensure that the program is
managed consistently with its own environmental programs.
5.2 MANUFACTURING
5.2.1 Prerequisite – Energy and Environmental Policy
Top management of the organization shall develop and implement an energy and environmental
policy that shall establish the organization’s overall direction in terms of its commitment to
energy conservation and environmental performance. The policy shall:
– Be appropriate to the nature and scale of the organization’s activities, products, and
services;
–
Include a commitment to continual improvement;
– Include a commitment to comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, and
with other requirements to which the organization subscribes;
–
Provide the framework for setting and reviewing objectives and targets; and
–
Be documented, implemented, and communicated.
The policy should focus on the organization’s mission, vision, and core values. Specific local or
regional conditions should be considered, as should the organization’s image and the views of
other interested parties. Other interested parties may include employees, shareholders,
customers, consumers, local communities, environmental groups, lenders, and regulators.
Applicants shall not be required to develop a separate energy or environmental management
policy for the purposes of achieving the prerequisites as long as they highlight energy and
environmental aspects, and the five points listed above in their existing management systems or
policies.
5.2.2
Energy Management
The applicant shall receive a point for establishing a system and processes necessary to
improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption.
Implementation of the system is intended to lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
and other related environmental impacts and energy cost through systematic management of
energy.
The applicant shall receive one point if an energy management system is maintained for a
minimum of 50% of the organizational boundary based on number of buildings or total square
footage where final assembly of the product occurs by implementing one of the following
options:
Option 1: ISO 50001 Energy Management System – Demonstrate conformance to the ISO
50001 Energy Management Systems.
OR
Option 2: Energy Management System – Demonstrate that an energy management system has
been implemented and maintained that contains the following elements:


Energy policy to assure the applicant is committed to achieving energy improvements.
Legal and other requirements to assure applicants are compliant with local regulations.
 Energy inventory to help applicants understand the areas of significant energy
consumptions.
 Objectives and targets to help the applicant in achieving specific improvements in
energy performance and overall energy management.
 Operational control to help the applicant identify and plan operations and maintenance
activity related to significant energy uses; and assure they are consistent with policies,
objectives, targets, and action plans.
 Energy efficient purchasing assures the applicant considers environmental attributes
when purchasing new equipment.
 Monitoring and/or measurement to help the applicant monitor determine the
effectiveness of action plans in achieving energy objectives and targets.
 Management review to help assure the applicant’s top management is committed to
support the energy management system and to improve its effectiveness.
5.2.3 Environmental Management System
The applicant shall receive two points if it documents conformance of buildings and operations
comprising a minimum of 50% of its organizational boundary based on number of buildings or
square footage with one of the following options:

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems – Specification with guidance for use,
OR
 an environmental management system that contains the following elements for all
facilities associated with the product being assessed:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Environmental policy
Environmental aspects
Legal or other requirements
Objectives and targets
Implementation
Management review
5.2.4 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The applicant shall receive points if it conducts an energy and/or greenhouse gas inventory from
historical energy use data, for the manufacturing facility and/or buildings that comprise the
corporate organizational boundary. The applicant shall document the methodology and/or
calculator that generally adhere to the World Resource Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas
Protocol’s A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and Corporate Value Chain (Scope
3) Accounting and Reporting Standard. Other approaches are acceptable as long the rationale
and calculation methodologies are clearly expressed in the reporting documents.
The applicant shall identify and disclose organizational boundaries for the inventory as defined
by the WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, as follows:
The applicant shall disclose whether the equity share or control approach is used.
If the equity share method is selected, the applicant shall identify how the equity control
approach was consistently applied across the organization. If the control method is
selected, the applicant shall identify whether the operational or financial control method is
used.
The boundary should by identified by total number of buildings or total building square
footage. For example, the total organizational boundary includes 100,000 square feet of
space and the proposed boundary is 50,000 square feet, or the total boundary includes
ten buildings worldwide and the proposed boundary covers 5 total buildings. When
establishing the boundary, it shall be used consistently throughout the Energy and
Atmosphere Section of this Standard (unless otherwise noted).
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point for completion of an energy inventory or one
facility. based upon the location of a single facility manufacturing and/or final assembly of the
product being assessed. For operations that take place at facilities not under operational
control by the applicant documentation of inventory shall be required.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point if it establishes a greenhouse gas emissions
inventory (expressed in CO2e) covering its Scope 1 and 2 emissions for the one facility.
where a single facility manufacturing and/or final assembly of the product being assessed
occurs.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive an additional point for completion of a Scope 1 and 2
greenhouse gas emission inventory for 50% of the corporate organizational boundary.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive an additional point for completion of a Scope 1 and 2
greenhouse gas emission inventory for 90% of the corporate organizational boundary.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive an additional point for completion of a Scope 3 greenhouse
gas emission inventory. The inventory shall include at least 2 of the 15 Scope 3 categories
defined in the WRI Scope 3 Standard.
5.2.5 Energy and GHG Reduction
The applicant shall receive points for reducing energy and/or greenhouse gas emissions from
an established baseline.
A demonstrated reduction shall be based on an established baseline determined by following
the requirements and guidance contained in Section 4 of the Standard.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point for reducing energy usage by 5% from an
established baseline for the facility boundary established in the previous credit where
manufacturing and/or final assembly of the product being assessed occurs.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive up to xx points for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a
normalized basis from an established base year as follows:
4% reduction
8% reduction
Facility
1
1
50% boundary
1
1
90% boundary
1
1
To obtain points under this credit, the GHG target for the facility, or associated with 50% and/or
90% of the corporate boundary, shall be met entirely from internal reductions at sources
included in the target boundary. If the targets are met with the addition of offsets generated from
GHG reduction projects that reduce emissions (or enhance sinks) at sources external to the
target boundary, points are instead achieved under x.x.x for Offsite Renewable Energy and
Carbon Offsets
5.2.6
Greenhouse Gas Reporting
The applicant shall receive points if it participates in a voluntary GHG reporting program where
companies annually inventory and report their GHG emissions.
The applicant shall receive two points for participating in a greenhouse gas voluntary reporting
program that contains the following statements:

The program shall allow the identification of the emissions methodology the applicant
used for collecting, calculating and managing its emissions inventory data.

The program shall allow reporting for Scope 1, Scope 2, and/or Scope 3 GHG emission
figures in metric tons CO2e.

The program shall allow documentation of targets and initiatives applicants have in place
to reduce the emissions derived from its activities, directly or indirectly.

The program shall allow the applicant to participate on an annual basis.
5.2.7 Clean and Renewable Energy
The applicant shall earn up to four points for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the
use of clean and renewable energy sources using any one or combination of the following
options.
Option 1
Generating electricity from clean and renewable energy sources on-site and retaining
or retiring the rights to the environmental attributes of such electricity. (In other
words, if the applicant has sold Renewable Energy Credits for the clean and
renewable energy it generated, it may not claim such energy here.) The on-site
renewable energy generating devices may be owned and/or maintained by
another party as long as the applicant has contractual rights to the associated
environmental attributes
Option 2
Using renewable sources for non-electric, on-site energy generation, such as
biomass for heating.
Option 3
Carbon Offsets: Certified emission reductions (CERs), verified emissions reductions
(VERs), or reductions registered with the California Climate Action Registry
(CCAR) or carbon offsets from renewable energy projects that meet the quality
requirements established by the International Carbon Reduction and Offset
Alliance (ICROA) and ICROA Code of Best Practice or documentation to justify
the off-site energy quantity and retention of the attributes (see table of offset
quality mechanisms).
Option 4
Purchasing the environmental attributes of electricity in the form of Renewable
Energy Certificates (RECs) or other similar renewable energy products that are
either Green-e Energy certified or meet Green-e Energy’s technical requirements
and are verified as such by a third party, or purchasing renewable electricity
through the institution’s electric utility through a certified green power purchasing
option.
Option 5
Carbon Sink Project
The applicant shall receive points by meeting the following percentages of its energy
requirement for buildings directly associated with manufacturing and/or final assembly of the
product being assessed.
Energy %
Points
1%
2%
3%
4%
1
2
3
4
The following renewable systems are eligible for this credit:
 Concentrated solar thermal
 Geothermal systems that generate electricity
 Low-impact hydroelectric power
 Solar photovoltaic
 Wave and tidal power
 Wind
Biofuels from the following sources are eligible:
 Agricultural crops
 Agricultural waste
 Animal waste
 Landfill gas


5.2.7
Untreated wood waste
Other organic waste
On-site and Off-site Renewable Energy
The applicant may receive up to a maximum of four points for using increasing levels of on-site
renewable energy and/or off-site renewable energy (through direct power purchase agreements,
or other documented renewable energy sources) to help reduce greenhouse gases and other
environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel energy use. This may be accomplished by a
combination of individual actions by the organization or its suppliers for the sum of the points
allocated to those individual actions.
To calculate the percentage of on-site renewable energy utilized, applicants should divide all onsite renewable energy by the total amount of on-site energy utilized. To document percentage
of on-site renewable energy utilized, applicants should provide meter readings for all forms of
on-site energy. Calculations shall be in accordance with the WRI GHG Protocol Corporate
Accounting and Reporting Standard.
For purchased electricity or other off-site renewable energy, the applicant shall provide
documentation that it retained all the environmental attributes. If any of the on-site renewable
energy generating equipment is connected to the grid or other external distribution systems, the
applicant shall provide documentation that it retained all the environmental attributes for the
percentage that it consumes.
The applicant shall receive points by meeting the following percentages of its energy
requirement for buildings directly associated with manufacturing and/or final assembly of the
product being assessed via renewable energy:
Facility(s)
1%
2%
5%
4%
Points
1
2
3
4
5.2.8 Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Credits
The applicant shall receive points for achievement of goals established in credits relating to
carbon footprint reductions (x.x.x) energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction (x.x.x) and
renewable energy sourcing (x.x.x) via use of any of the following offsite mechanisms in addition
to those outlined in the referenced credits.
NOTE: A total of xxx points may be achieved through this credit and/or the referenced
credits.
Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)s: Purchased RECs are as defined by the Center for
Resource Solutions (http://www.green-e.org/) (Greene certified power marketer, a Green-e
accredited utility program, Green-e certified tradable Renewable Certificates). RECs are
calculated at xxx%. RECs shall be used only as it relates to x.x.x and x.x.x to mitigate the
effects of Scope 2 emissions and consumption of fossil-fuel sourced electricity.
Carbon Offsets: Certified emission reductions (CERs), verified emissions reductions (VERs),
or reductions registered with the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) or carbon offsets
from renewable energy projects that meet the quality requirements established by the
International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) and ICROA Code of Best Practice
or documentation to justify the off-site energy quantity and retention of the attributes (see table
of offset quality mechanisms).
Purchased carbon offsets shall be verified by a third party. Purchased offsets that have not
been third-party verified shall not count. For the purposes of this credit, the offset quality shall
meet at least one of the following:
Offset Quality Mechanism
Web Address/Notes
Gold Standard CER
http://www.cdmgoldstandard.org/
CER
http://cdm.unfccc.int/index.html
Gold Standard VER
VCS (below), with added sustainable development
criteria
VER
http://www.v-c-s.org/
CCAR
http://www.theclimateregistry.org/
ICROA
http://www.icroa.org/index.php
NOTE: The Climate Registry is a nonprofit partnership developing an accurate, complete,
consistent and transparent greenhouse gas emissions measurement protocol that is
capable of supporting voluntary and mandatory greenhouse gas emission reporting policies
for its Members and Reporters. It will provide a verified set of greenhouse gas emissions
data from its Reporters supported by a robust accounting and verification infrastructure.
Offsets used to achieve facility credits can also be allocated to the gate-to-gate portion of the
product’s GHG footprint (x.x.x), but additional offsets must be used for earlier stages in the
cradle-to-gate.
Biogenic Carbon: Biogenic carbon accounting is allowed, for wood or bio-based materials
contained in the product being assessed, including independent peer reviewed methods such
as those provided by USEPA, WRI/WBSD, BSI PAS 2050 or equivalent.
5.2.9 Transportation
x.x.x.x. Transportation Programs
The applicant shall receive one point if it develops, documents, and implements technologies
and strategies that help carriers save fuel, reduce air pollution, and reduce emissions when
receiving materials and components to the manufacturing facility and distributing between
facilities(s), and when distributing finished goods.
OR
x.x.x.x. Transportation Inventory and Impact Reduction
The applicant shall receive one half point if it establishes a baseline transportation inventory,
calculating emissions associated with all company-owned vehicles (as per WRI Scope 1)
The applicant shall receive an additional half one point if it establishes a baseline transportation
inventory for all inbound and outbound carriers using one of the methods below:
– Inventory for all inbound and outbound travel associated with the assessed product
resulting in an absolute ton-miles and ton-mile per product allocation, OR
– Inventory for the 90% corporate boundary as per WRI methodology outlined in x.x.x
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This transportation inventory must include both
Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions from inbound and outbound carriers.
On re-certification, the applicant shall earn this one point by demonstrating further reductions in
increments of 25%, on an absolute basis, or 10% on a normalized basis. By demonstrating tonmile reductions of xx% against the baseline, the applicant shall also automatically receive the
point in x.x.x (Transportation Programs).
5.2.10 Solid Waste Management
The applicant shall receive a maximum of two points based on its documented and
implemented solid waste diversion program for landfill disposal (this credit does not apply to
hazardous waste). Waste-to-energy is an acceptable form of landfill diversion.
5.2.10.1 High Diversion Rates
The applicant shall receive one point for achieving 90% diversion by weight for the product to be
assessed for solid waste generated from fabrication and assembly of product components. Not
included is solid waste generated from process aids (for example: sandpaper, gloves, spray
booth filters) and packaging. The scope of this credit is gate-to-gate processes relating to
materials comprising no less than 80% by weight of the product.
5.2.10.2 Waste Allocation
The applicant shall receive one point for calculating and publicly disclosing an allocation of gateto-gate waste generation to the product (total lbs waste per product) and demonstrating total
waste to landfill below xx units of waste per product.. The allocation shall be based on a waste
inventory that includes primary data for gate-to-gate processes relating to materials comprising
no less than 80% by weight of the product.
5.2.11 Water Management
The intent of this section is to focus on process water only. Process water includes, for example,
water used for pre-treatment (e.g., phosphating wash line), water-based adhesive processes,
cooling water, water-jet cutting operations, and spray booth over-spray capture systems.
x.x.x.x. Water Efficiency Improvements
The applicant shall receive one point if it implements program(s) to maximize process water
efficiency to reduce the burden on the water supply and local wastewater treatment systems for
select facility or facilities involved in gate-to-gate processes for the product to be assessed. The
scope of efficiency improvements shall be the location of final assembly, or any specific
processes within the gate-to-gate boundary.
The applicant must establish a baseline process water inventory to document water
sources/withdrawals, uses, and discharges for the facility or facilities within the gate-to-gate
boundary for which the assessment is being completed. The applicant must state whether the
assessment is being completed for the applicants’ own facilities, and/or facilities operated by a
supplier (using process water for the product to be assessed).
–
The baseline must demonstrate that process water was used within the associated gateto-gate processes of the product to be assessed, at any point in time during the past six
years. Absolute Reductions in total water usage must be documented.
–
The applicant shall demonstrate that for some or all of included processes, water usage
is currently an industry norm, and specific actions were taken at some time in the past to
ensure net zero water usage for those processes (such as processes that occur in a net
zero water facility).
OR
x.x.x.x. Minimal Process Water and Wastewater Discharge
–
Process Water Allocation The applicant shall receive one point for calculating and
publicly disclosing an allocation of gate-to-gate process water use to the product and
demonstrating process water use below xx units of water per product. The allocation
shall be based on a water inventory that includes primary data for gate-to-gate
processes relating to materials comprising no less than 80% by weight of the product.
–
The applicant shall receive one point if it achieves zero net process water usage or
wastewater discharge rates for the facility where the finished product is assembled or
manufactured. The applicant that demonstrates zero net process water usage for gateto-gate processes relating to materials comprising no less than 80% by weight of the
product has automatically earned the point in 5.11.2.
OR
6
Health and Wellness Impacts
6.1 PRODUCT
6.1.1 Low Emitting Furniture
The organization shall ensure good indoor air quality by reducing irritating, odorous, and/or
harmful indoor air contaminates in finished products. By fulfilling one or both of the criteria in
7.6.1 and 7.6.2, an applicant may earn up to two points. An additional point may be earned by
fulfilling the criteria in 7.6.3 as detailed below.
Individual furniture components of workstations (e.g., file cabinets, desks, drawer pedestals,
work surfaces, tables, vertical panels, privacy screens, etc.) may obtain the points of this credit
by meeting the maximum allowed emission factors for either an open plan workstation or a
private office, using configurations as defined in ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011. This criterion also
applies to items not necessarily intended to be in workstations like easels, conference tables,
etc.
All surfaces are allowed a maximum emission factor depending upon the intended use
environment. The maximum emission factor is calculated based on the guideline concentration
for a chemical substance as defined in 7.6.1, 7.6.2, or 7.6.3 the total surface area for the open
plan workstation or private office, and the airflow rates for the open plan workstation or private
office.
In order to obtain the points of this credit, classroom furniture consisting of individual pupil
desks, seating units, combined desk/seating units or non-electronic visual aid boards (e.g.,
markerboard, chalkboard) shall meet the maximum allowed concentration limits for a
workstation system (in the appropriate section 7.6.1, 7.6.2, or 7.6.3) when calculated using the
standard classroom scenario defined in Tables 4-2 and 4-3 of CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method
V1.1.2010.
The standard test method to be used to demonstrate compliance is the ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011
Standard Test Method for Determining VOC emissions from Office Furniture Systems,
Components, and Seating.
Prerequisites
6.1.1.1 Former e3 credit 7.6.1: The applicant shall provide documentation that furniture
emissions concentrations or factors meet the following criteria as defined in ANSI/BIFMA X7.1
2011 at 168 hours:
Workstation systems (open plan or private) office emissions concentration limits
TVOCtoluene
Formaldehyde
Total Aldehydes
4-Phenylcyclohexene
≤ 0.5 mg/m3
≤ 50 ppb
≤ 100 ppb
≤ 0.0065 mg/m3
Seating office emissions concentration limits
TVOCtoluene
Formaldehyde
Total Aldehydes
4-Phenylcyclohexene
≤ 0.25 mg/m3
≤ 25 ppb
≤ 50 ppb
≤ 0.00325 mg/m3
Individual furniture components maximum emission factors
Formaldehyde, (µg/m2 hr)
TVOC, (µg/m2 hr)
Total Aldehyde, (µmol/m2 hr)
4-Phenylcyclohexene, (µg/m2 hr)
ANSI/BIFMA M7.1 2011
Open Plan Workstation
42.3
345
2.8
4.5
ANSI/BIFMA M7.1 2011
Private Office Workstation
85.1
694
5.7
9.0
6.1.1.2 Former e3 credit 7.6.2: The applicant shall provide documentation that furniture
emissions do not exceed the individual Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC) concentration limits
listed in Annex C at 336 hours (14 days) or sooner when determined in accordance with the
ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011 standard test method. These criteria are based on the CA DGS
Purchase Spec 1-09-71-52, which used chronic reference exposure levels (CRELs) defined by
the CA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). The acceptance criteria
for acetaldehyde and xylenes in Annex C are updated to be consistent with the acceptance
criteria in CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.1.
Seating may obtain this credit by meeting ½ the maximum acceptable limits for a workstation as
defined in 7.6.2.7.
6.1.1.3 The applicant shall receive one point if the criteria in 7.6.1 or 7.6.2 (or both 7.6.1 and
7.6.2) have been met, and furniture emissions do not exceed the individual formaldehyde
concentration limits listed below at 336 hours (14 days) or sooner when determined in
accordance with the ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2011 standard test method. These formaldehyde
criteria are based on CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.1 (Table 4-1, footnote b).
Workstation systems (open plan or private) office emissions concentration limits
Formaldehyde
≤ 9 μg/m3
Seating office emissions concentration limits
Formaldehyde
≤ 4.5 μg/m3
Individual furniture components maximum emission factors
Open
Plan Private
Office
Emission factor
Units
Workstation*
Workstation**
Formaldehyde
(μg/m2 hr)
6.2
12.5
*ANSI/BIFMA
2011
M7.1-
**ANSI/BIFMA
2011
M7.1-
[ Product Chemicals ]
The organization shall design safer products by using design for the environment (DFE) protocol
to identify and assess the human health and ecosystem health impacts of chemicals of concern.
The intent of the identification and assessment process is for the product manufacturer to collect
data from the supply chain. The chemical constituents are to be reported and referenced by
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN). Chemical constituents of metal alloys
can be based on generic composition defined by appropriate standards organizations. No
further review of wood and other natural fibers is required; however, products using these
materials shall report added chemical constituents as defined below.
The organization shall identify all chemical constituents of the homogeneous materials
incorporated into the product in its ready to install state, and shall assess them for human and
ecosystem impact based on the options detailed below. This credit is intended to employ a
tiered approach to obtain points under 7.5.1.1 or 7.5.1.2 or 7.5.1.3. A maximum of four product
points shall only be achieved by fulfilling credit 7.5.1.3.
6.1.2 – Material Specification
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point for conducting an inventory of homogeneous
materials that add up to 99% of the finished product by weight. All assemblies and subassemblies must be separated into individual homogeneous materials and each material must
be identified by manufacturer trade name and grade.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive an additional point for including in the inventory all surface
coatings, adhesives and glues applied to a part, excluding those applied to fasteners.
6.1.3 Product Chemicals Inventory
The applicant shall receive a maximum of xx points in this credit for conducting an inventory of
product chemicals using one of the following options, as detailed below.
Documentation may include results of supplier inquiry, supplier declaration, or supplier material
chemical disclosure that provides sufficient detail (typically beyond MSDS/SDS disclosure).
x.x.x.x SDS-based Supply Chain Assessment [TBD -- PLACEHOLDER]
The applicant may earn one point if it identifies and assesses all GHS SDS reportable
chemicals for materials that add up to 95% by weight of the final product.
x.x.x.x Chemical Hazard Hot-Spot Assessment
The applicant shall receive one point for conducting a chemical hazard hot-spot assessment.
The applicant must complete an inventory of all homogeneous materials used in the product
that are on the BIFMA Chemical Hazard Hot Spot list (Annex X). The inventory must include the
following:
– For material types on the Chemical Hazard Hot Spot list as follows, specific materials
used in the product are identified by manufacturer trade name and grade:
o
o
o
o
Surface coatings
Adhesives and glues
Textiles and leather
Upholstery materials
o Flame retardants
o Phthalates
o Composite and recycled wood
–
For each identified material, assess the presence of chemicals of concern as per Annex
X.
x.x.x.x Market Precaution Assessment
The applicant shall receive one point for assessing all homogeneous materials for chemicals of
concern using the Market Precaution list (Annex Y) for materials that add up to 99% of the
finished product by weight (as per 6.2.2). If chemicals of concern are present at or above 100
parts per million (100 ppm) by weight of an assessed material, the concentration of each
chemical of concern shall be reported for each homogenous material.
x.x.x.x Full Chemical Inventory
The applicant shall receive points if it identifies the chemical constituents of the product’s
homogenous materials as follows (maximum total of 6 points). For chemical constituents that
are considered trade secret or intellectual property suppliers may withhold name and/or CASRN
but must disclose to the manufacturer the role, amount and GreenScreen List Translator or
Benchmark score, as defined in GreenScreen v1.2.
x.x.x.x.x. Any chemical constituent that, in aggregate, is present at or above 0.1% (1000 ppm)
of the finished product by weight. (1 points)
x.x.x.x.x. Chemical constituents down to 100 ppm of the material by weight for homogeneous
materials that add up to:
–
–
–
75% by weight of final product (1 points); or
95% by weight of product (2 points); or
99% by weight of product; (3 points).
The inventory shall include documentation confirming the extent to which residuals and
impurities were considered as part of the inventory conducted. If considered, residuals and
impurities known or suspected to be present at or above 100 ppm of the material by weight shall
be included in the inventory of chemical constituents. Documentation shall include an
explanation of methods by which residuals and impurities were considered for each material.
x.x.x.x.x. The applicant shall receive an additional point for inventorying chemical constituents
down to 100 ppm of the material by weight for all surface coatings, adhesives and glues applied
to a part, excluding those applied to fasteners.
x.x.x.x.x. The applicant shall receive one point for assessing all chemical constituents
inventoried against the GreenScreen list translator or other dynamic list of lists, including at
minimum the lists referenced in Annex Z. The lists or list-of-lists used must be documented.
6.1.5 Product Content Disclosure
The applicant shall receive points for public disclosure of inventory information. Disclosure may
be on the company website alongside other product documentation and/or through third party
tools and libraries.
x.x.x.x Material Disclosure
The applicant shall receive one point if the inventory of homogeneous materials developed in
6.2.2 is publicly disclosed. The disclosure must clearly note the following:
–
–
–
Homogeneous materials adding up to 99% of the product, by trade name and grade
Whether all finishes and adhesives excluding those applied to fasteners are also included in
the disclosure
The location in the product where the homogeneous material is present (provide the name
of the part and/or a diagram of the product)
x.x.x.x Manufacturer inventory disclosure
The applicant shall receive one point if the product’s chemical inventory developed in 6.2.3.3 is
publicly disclosed to at least 0.1% (1000 ppm) in the product by weight. The public disclosure
must include chemical constituents by name and Chemical Abstract Service Registration
Number (CASRN), and the amount as a percent of the product.
For chemical constituents that are considered trade secret or intellectual property, the applicant
may withhold the name and/or CASRN but must disclose the role, amount as a percent of the
product, and GreenScreen List Translator or Benchmark Score, as defined in GreenScreen
v1.2.
x.x.x.x Material constituent disclosure
The applicant shall receive one point if the product’s chemical inventory developed in 6.2.3.3 is
publicly disclosed by material as outlined below or via an approved standard for disclosure
(such as Health Product Declaration version 2.0).
In addition to the requirements for homogeneous materials in 6.2.5.1, the disclosure must
clearly note the following:
–
–
–
–
–
Any chemical present in aggregate in the product at over 0.1% (1000ppm), as per
requirements of 6.2.5.2 (The point for manufacturer inventory is automatically achieved as
well)
For each homogeneous material, the inventory level to which chemical constituents were
disclosed (100 ppm, 1000ppm, via GHS SDS, or other)
The total percent of the product by weight with a material’s chemical constituents assessed
at each inventory level (e.g., 75% of product with chemical constituents inventoried to 100
ppm; 25% inventoried via GHS SDS).
For each homogeneous material, whether residuals and impurities were considered as per
x.x.x.x)
Chemical constituents listed by name and Chemical Abstract Service Registration Number
(CASRN). For chemical constituents that are considered trade secret or intellectual property
disclosure is as outlined in 6.2.5.2.
x.x.x.x Hazard profile disclosure
The applicant shall receive one additional point by including the following in the publicly
available inventory from 6.2.5.2 or 6.2.5.3.
– GreenScreen List Translator or Benchmark Score for each chemical, as defined in
GreenScreen v1.2
– The hazard endpoints and reference lists for each chemical
6.1.5 Hazard Elimination and Chemical Optimization
The applicant shall receive up to 8 points for demonstrating that chemicals of concern were
addressed in the product, at the time of certification, using one of the following options. The
options for this credit correspond directly to the inventory options in 6.2.3 Product Chemicals
Assessment.
x.x.x.x Chemical Hazard Hot-Spot Reduction
The applicant shall receive a total of xx points by providing documentation supporting the
conclusion that the requirements outlined in Annex X to address BIFMA chemical hazard hot
spots have been met. Compliance and/or material selection of preferable alternatives for
potential hot-spot materials must be demonstrated based on supplier declaration or chemical
disclosure, as outlined in ‘6.2.3.1 Chemical Hazard Hot-Spot Identification’. The applicant shall
receive one point for meeting requirements of each of the following:
x.x.x.x.x Surface coatings
x.x.x.x.x Adhesives and glues
x.x.x.x.x Textiles and leather
x.x.x.x.x Upholstery materials
x.x.x.x.x Flame retardants
x.x.x.x.x Phthalates
x.x.x.x.x Composite and recycled wood
x.x.x.x Addressing Market Precaution
The applicant shall receive one point for providing documentation supporting the conclusion that
the product does not contain chemicals identified as a specific concern by stakeholders (as
identified in Market Precaution list) as per the inventory completed in 6.2.3.2. (i.e., No Market
Precaution list chemicals at or above 100 ppm by weight of an assessed material, for materials
that add up to 99% of the product… as per xyz program)
x.x.x.x Elimination of Chemicals Highly Toxic to Humans
The applicant shall receive points for providing documentation supporting the conclusion that
assessed materials in the product do not contain chemical constituents with any of the following
hazard classifications at or above 100 ppm by weight of the material:
–
–
–
–
–
Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT); and
reproductive or developmental toxicant; and
carcinogen; and
endocrine disruptor; and
mutagenic and/or genotoxic
Assessed materials must include all homogeneous materials specifically listed in 6.2.6.1, and
materials that add up to a total of:
–
–
–
75% by weight of final product (2 points); or
95% by weight of product (3 points); or
99% by weight of product; (4 points).
Classification is based on the dynamic list-of-lists used for x.x.x (see Annex Z for minimum
required list-of-lists and for definition of terms)
x.x.x.x Elimination of Priority Human and Ecosystem Health Hazards
The applicant automatically achieves all points in the prior credit and shall receive one
additional point for providing documentation supporting the conclusion that:
– The product does not contain any chemical constituents, present in aggregate at or
above 0.01% (100 ppm) of the finished product by weight, that are assessed with the
GreenScreen List Translator as LT1 or LTP1 or with a public full GreenScreen
assessment score of BM1.
OR <pick correct option, once GBCI interpretation is clarified>
– Assessed materials making up 99% by weight of the product (as per 6.2.6.3.1) do not
contain chemical constituents assessed with the GreenScreen List Translator as LT1 or
LTP1 or have a public full GreenScreen assessment score of BM1.
6.1.7 Optimized Sourcing – standards addressing material hazards
The applicant may shall receive one point for selecting materials for at least 5% of the product
by weight that meet an external standard demonstrating hazard reduction for the product
category beyond U.S. regulatory compliance. Products must meet one of the standards or
certifications below, or applicant must submit documentation supporting applicability of an
alternate standard addressing hazard content:
 Textiles: OEKO-TEX 100 or the Global Organic Textile Standard
 Electronic components: EPEAT listed
 Other TBD by BIFMA e3 committee review
6.2 MANUFACTURE
Prerequisites
6.2.1
Demonstration of Compliance
The organization shall screen all facilities for compliance with environmental and health and
safety requirements of their products and processes. The organization shall evaluate
compliance with all applicable environmental and health and safety regulations that govern toxic
and hazardous substance use and risk management associated with human and ecosystem
health. The organization or any representative of the organization shall not have any human or
ecosystem health related criminal violations within the previous three years. Any human or
ecosystem health related criminal violation at an acquired company which preceded the date of
acquisition shall not preclude an organization from participating in this Standard.
6.2.2
Key Chemical, Risk, and EMS Policies
The organization shall adopt a policy statement. The policy statement shall be publicly available
and communicated to all persons working for or on behalf of the organization. In addition to the
aforesaid topics, the organization shall document the following:
– An environmental policy that includes commitments to prevention of pollution,
continuous improvement, and compliance with applicable regulations and other obligations;
– A chemical management policy that includes a statement of how the company assesses
and reduces human and ecosystem health impacts; and
–
6.2.3
Incorporation of life-cycle thinking into company policies.
Chemical Management Plan (CMP) – Facility
The organization shall establish a CMP to manage chemicals in products and processes. By
fulfilling one of the following three criteria, the applicant can earn one point as detailed below.
– The applicant shall receive one point if it develops and implements a system for
inventory tracking and control of process, product, and facility management chemicals that
includes acquisition, use, storage, transportation, and final disposition; or
– The applicant shall receive one point if it adopts as part of best management practices
(BMPs) chemical hazard recognition using appropriate parts of the Process Safety
Management Standard (OSHA Std. 29 CFR 1910.119) and/or EPA Risk Management Plan
(RMP) (40 CFR Part 68); or
– The applicant shall receive one point if its CMP contains a documented action plan for
emergency planning and response that includes the basic reporting requirements of SARA
Title III (U.S. Code Title 42- The Public Health and Welfare, Chapter 116 – Emergency
Planning and Community Right to Know)
6.2.4
Alternatives Assessment and Chemical Impact Reduction Strategy
x.x.x.x Chemical Impact Reduction Strategy
The applicant shall receive one point if it develops and applies a strategy to improve public and
environmental health by reducing the use of materials and processes with significant life cycle
impacts. Significance shall be based on quantity of chemical used, relative impact, applicable
impact categories, likelihood of impact, or feasibility.
The strategy shall be based on the findings of 6.1.3, 6.2.5, and 6.2.6, and provide direction
toward achievement relating to optimization objectives outlined in x.x.x, x.x.x, x.x.x,
–
–
On initial certification, the applicant shall earn a point by developing the strategy
On re-certification, the applicant shall earn a point by demonstrating that the strategy is
current and updated, and has resulted in impact reduction as evidenced by achievement
of additional points in x.x.x, x.x.x, x.x.x.
x.x.x.x Alternatives Assessment
The applicant shall receive one point for including alternatives assessment as part of the
Chemical Impact Reduction Strategy. The applicant shall demonstrate that a process has been
established for conducting alternatives assessment as per Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse
Alternatives Assessment Guide version 1.0 or similar.
x.x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point for conducting an alternative assessment and
establishing a plan of action relative to the results of that assessment.
x.x.x.x.x The applicant shall receive one point for demonstrating implementation of a lowerimpact alternative as a result of the plan.
6.2.5
Maintenance and Operations Chemicals
The organization shall operate safer facilities and processes by using their design for the
environment (DFE) program (as in 5.1) to identify and assess the human health and ecosystem
health impacts of chemicals of concern. The intent of the identification and assessment process
is for the product manufacturer to collect data from maintenance and operations chemical
suppliers.
x.x.x.x Maintenance/Operations Chemical Assessment Level
The applicant shall receive one point if it identifies and further assesses chemicals of concern
based on GHS SDS information, with supplementary hazard identification using ChemHat or
another tool that references at minimum the lists in Annex Z. for 95% by purchase amount of all
maintenance and operating chemicals not directly used in the manufacture of the product. This
credit applies at the facility where manufacturing or final assembly occurs.
x.x.x.x Reductions from Maintenance/Operations Level
If compliance with credit 7.3.1 is achieved, the applicant can earn an additional point by
reducing and/or eliminating chemicals of concern based on GHS SDS information and
supplementary hazard identification using ChemHat or another tool that references at minimum
the lists in Annex Z.
On initial certification, the applicant shall receive:
–
One point for demonstrating a 20% reduction or more, on an absolute basis, or 40% or
more on an normalized basis, in chemical(s) in one or more of the categories listed in
x.x.x.x Elimination of Potential Hazards; or for eliminating chemical(s) in one or more
of the above categories.

An applicant can earn one point if it documents that the maintenance and operations
chemicals based on 95% of spend do not contain any listed hazards at GHS SDS levels.
OR
On re-certification, the applicant shall earn a point in this category by demonstrating further
reductions in increments of 10%, on an absolute basis, or 20% on a normalized basis, by
showing the levels of reduction detailed above in a different set of chemicals without an
increase in the former set. If the 95% of spend alternative above is utilized, documentation shall
be maintained to demonstrate compliance of this credit.
Where reduction and/or elimination for one hazard category is met through substitution of
materials that include listed hazards on GHS SDS, these chemicals shall be reviewed to confirm
they do not represent a corresponding increase in other categories listed in x.x.x.x Elimination of
Potential Hazards or an increased risk to workers when used appropriately.
This credit applies at the facility where manufacturing or final assembly occurs.
6.2.6
Process Chemicals
The scope of this credit is at least three manufacturing processes associated with the
manufacture of the product, within the gate-to-gate boundary. To qualify the selected
process(es) shall involve at least one process chemical. The process may be associated with
either the organization itself or one or more of its suppliers. If the applicant documents that only
one or two processes are associated with the manufacture of the product within the gate-to-gate
boundary, then the scope shall be limited to the documented process(es). Manufacturing
processes do not cover the extraction and initial processing of raw materials. If there are no
process chemicals in all gate-to-gate processes, the applicant shall earn all 5 points for 7.4.
A chemical is relevant to 7.4 if it is present at any stage of the processing of the final product.
Presence during processing may be intentional or unintentional; direct or indirect (e.g.
intentionally added chemicals or background levels).
x.x.x.x Chemical Assessment from Process
The applicant shall receive one point if it identifies applicable process(es) and identifies and
further assesses associated chemicals of concern based on GHS SDS information, with
supplementary hazard identification using ChemHat or another tool that references at minimum
the lists in Annex Z. in accordance with the scope detailed in 7.4.
x.x.x.x Reduction or Elimination from Processes
If compliance with credit 7.4.1 is achieved, the applicant can earn additional points by reducing
and/or eliminating chemicals of concern based on GHS SDS information and supplementary
hazard identification.
The applicant can earn points by fulfilling the criteria below but shall not receive more than four
total points for 7.4.2 regardless of how many criteria it fulfills beyond this limit.
x.x.x.x.x On initial certification, the applicant shall receive points for reductions on an absolute
basis or normalized bases as follows:
One point
Two points
Three points
Four points
Absolute basis
5-9%
10-15%
16-19%
20% or more
Normalized basis
10-19%
20-29%
30-39%
40% or more
On recertification, the applicant shall earn points in this category by demonstrating further
reductions in increments of 5% (on an absolute basis), or 10% on a normalized basis on
previously assessed chemical(s), or by showing the levels of reduction detailed above in a
different set of chemicals without an increase in the former set of chemicals.
x.x.x.x.x An applicant can earn points if it documents that the processes used to manufacture
the product do not contain any chemical of concern on GHS SDSs in one or more of the listed
classifications. The applicant shall receive one point for each of the classifications that is shown
to be absent from GHS SDS.
6.2.7 Optimized Sourcing – O&M and Process Supplies
The applicant may earn one point by purchasing products used for facility maintenance and
operations or as processes aids that meet an external standard demonstrating hazard reduction
for the product category beyond U.S. regulatory compliance. Use products that meet the
standards below, or submit another standard for hazard reduction:
6.2.8
o Cleaning agents: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/pubs/cleaning.htm
o ?
Reduction of Hazardous Wastes and Air Emissions
The scope of these credits is gate-to-gate processes. Finishing and fabrication operations for
small components (e.g., fasteners, screws, washers, glides, labels), that combined comprise up
to a total of 5% of the product by weight may be excluded. The applicant shall state whether the
assessment is being completed by the applicants own facilities and/or facilities operated by a
supplier (doing finishing or fabrication operations for the product to be assessed).
x.x.x.x Hazardous Waste
The applicant shall receive points for reducing the amount of hazardous waste generated for
facilities involved in finishing and fabrication (gate-to-gate processes?) for the assessed
product, as follows:
The applicant shall receive one point for including all facilities under operational control that are
involved in finishing and fabrication processes; and two points for including all facilities involved
in finishing and fabrication processes, by demonstrating in aggregate:

A reduction of the amount of hazardous waste generated by at least 10% on an absolute
basis over the baseline period.

A reduction of the amount of hazardous waste generated by at least 20% on a
normalized basis over the baseline period.

Facility(s) meet the criteria of a US EPA conditionally exempt small quantity generator,
so long as generation on a normalized basis is less than xxx/unit. If per unit hazardous
OR
OR
waste generation is higher, manufacturer must also demonstrate reduction on an
absolute or normalized basis (for the facility, or as part of the overall total).
x.x.x.x Air Emissions
The applicant shall receive points for reducing the amount of air emissions generated for
facilities involved in finishing and fabrication (gate-to-gate processes?) for the assessed
product, as follows:
The applicant shall receive one point for all facilities under operational control that are involved
in finishing and fabrication processes; and two points for all facilities involved in finishing and
fabrication processes, by demonstrating in aggregate:

A reduction of the amount of air emissions generated by at least 10% on an absolute
basis over the baseline period.

A reduction of the amount of air emissions generated by at least 20% on a normalized
basis over the baseline period.

Source(s) emit less than 1,000 US pounds of total hazardous air pollutant (HAPs)., so
long as generation on a normalized basis is less than xxx/unit. If per unit HAPs
emissions is higher, manufacturer must also demonstrate reduction on an absolute or
normalized basis (i.e., major sources are always included in the calculation; smaller
sources are also included if the normalized basis is high).
OR
OR
7
Social Impacts
7.1 PRODUCT
7.1.1
Supply chain
Through the use of internationally recognized social responsibility criteria, the organization shall
encourage continuous improvement in the supply chain relative to sustainable business criteria,
and particularly to social responsibility. By fulfilling the following criteria, the applicant may earn
up to four points, as detailed below.
7.1.1.1 Basic Level
The applicant shall earn one point if it establishes a documented supplier assessment tool
(which may be a self-assessment tool) containing social responsibility criteria for its suppliers. At
a minimum, the assessment tool shall contain criteria in the following categories:
–
–
–
–
Child labor
Forced labor
Health and safety
Freedom of association
–
–
–
–
–
–
Discrimination
Discipline/harassment
Working hours
Compensation
Corruption
Bribery
7.1.1.2 Advanced Level
x.x.x.x.x
Implementation of Supplier Self-Assessment Tool
The applicant shall earn two additional points if it conforms to 8.7.1 and provides completed
responses to the assessment tool from suppliers comprising at least 75% of its total direct
material spend for all products, measured using actual annual spend data for a consecutive 12month time period within the previous 2 years.
For suppliers that are part of the “75% of total direct material spend” that act as brokers,
distributors, inventory management providers, etc. and do not manufacture and/or assemble the
components/products purchased by the organization, the assessment tool responses shall be
obtained from their suppliers who do manufacture and/or assemble the components/products.
x.x.x.x.x
Supplier Code of Conduct
The applicant shall earn one additional point if it conforms to 8.7.2.1 and develops a Supplier
Code of Conduct based on criteria from an internationally recognized social responsibility
guideline or standard. At a minimum, the Code of Conduct shall address the following criteria:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Child labor
Forced labor
Health and safety
Freedom of association
Discrimination
Discipline/harassment
Working hours
Compensation
Corruption
Bribery
The Code of Conduct shall be signed by suppliers comprising at least 75% of the applicants’
total material spend which shall include its high-risk suppliers. This shall be measured using
actual annual spend data for a consecutive 12-month time period within the previous 2 years.
Each Code of Conduct must be signed by the CEO or CFO of the qualifying supplier company
(or the CEO/CFO’s designee).
NOTE: The applicant who qualifies for one additional point in this section (8.7.2.2)
automatically has earned the two points in 8.7.2.1 and the one point in 8.7.1.
NOTE: High-risk suppliers within the applicants’ supply chain should be determined
by evaluating relative risk using, but not limited to, the following criteria:
– Country of manufacture (final assembly, at a minimum)
– Industry type
– Annual spend
x.x.x.x.x
Addressing high risk suppliers
The applicant shall earn one point for focusing on high-risk suppliers through one of the
following approaches:
–
–
establish a program to verify conformity of high-risk suppliers to the supplier code of
conduct established in 8.7.2.2. Conformity may be assessed via audit or similar
program, OR
develop a social LCA baseline for materials that make up xx% of the product using
established methodologies such as Guidelines for a Social LCA (UNEP/SETAC Life
Cycle Initiative) to assess potential social issues from a product-specific perspective.
7.2 MANUFACTURE AND ORGANIZATION
7.2.1
Prerequisites
7.2.1.1 Employee Health and Safety Management
The applicant shall ensure employee health and safety by establishing management processes
that will detect, avoid, or respond to actual and potential threats to the health and safety of
personnel.
The processes shall include the following components:
–
Identification of the local and national health and safety laws applicable to the facility;
–
Appointment of a management representative with defined responsibilities;
–
An employee health and safety policy;
–
Documented procedures for the management of the system including a corrective action
process that addresses regulatory compliance and actual and potential threats to
employee health and safety;
–
Establishment and maintenance of employee health and safety metrics;
–
Health and safety training available for employees; and
–
Regular evaluation of compliance to applicable health and safety laws, as well as
internal procedures and requirements.
x.x.x.x Labor and Human Rights
The organization shall protect and respect the rights of human resources at the local, national,
and global levels by ensuring that forced or involuntary labor is not used or supported in any
form, that employment is voluntary, and that child labor is not used or supported in any form.
x.x.x.x Community Outreach and Engagement
The applicant shall demonstrate good corporate citizenship to benefit the communities in which
it operates. It shall demonstrate at least two volunteer efforts and/or financial contributions
supporting community projects within each 12-month period.
7.2.2
Policy on Social Responsibility
The applicant shall earn one point if it adopts a publicly available documented policy (or
policies) on social responsibility that, at minimum, addresses:
–
–
–
–
–
7.2.3
Fair hiring practices
Education for applicable employees in this subject area
Corporate ethics
Receipt of gifts
Insider trading
Safety Performance
x.x.x.x External Health and Safety Management Standard
The applicant shall earn one point if it enhances productivity and employee welfare by
implementing policies and procedures that go beyond the requirements of 8.1.1 by conforming
to the requirements of a publicly available external health and safety management system
standard at the facility where final assembly occurs.
x.x.x.x Reduction of Injury Rate
The applicant shall earn one point, if at the facility where final assembly occurs, it:
– reduces its injury rate, from the previous reporting year, by 50%;
OR
– has an injury rate that is below or equal to the most current, reported industry average.
The applicant should employ the definition of an injury, industry average for injury rate, and the
method for calculating injury rate by adhering to the norms specific to the country in which final
assembly occurs.
NOTE: For purposes of this credit, an injury can be defined as an occupational
injury or illness that
requires medical treatment, more than simple first aid.
7.2.4 Inclusiveness
The applicant shall earn one point if it promotes inclusiveness in the workforce, in management,
and corporate governance bodies while recognizing the unique local norms, which exist in
different countries around the world at the facilities where final assembly occurs. The
organization shall develop and implement an inclusiveness policy that includes the following
components:

Identification of and compliance to the local and national inclusiveness rules and
regulations applicable to the facility;

Documented procedures for the management of the system;
–
Establishment of appropriate feedback mechanisms;
–
A corrective action process;
–
Establishment and maintenance of employee inclusiveness metrics and internal
performance tracking and reporting;

Inclusiveness education available for employees; and

Regular evaluation of compliance to applicable inclusiveness rules and regulations, as
well as internal procedures and requirements.
7.2.5 Community Outreach and Engagement
x.x.x.x Volunteer efforts shared publicly
The applicant shall earn one point for publicly disclosing the efforts referenced in 8.1.3, and
efforts leading to achievement of 8.5.2 - 8.5.4. At minimum, the efforts referenced in 8.1.3 and
two additional volunteer/financial efforts (minimum 4 total) shall be publicly disclosed. Public
disclosure may be on a website, company report, social responsibility report, or available upon
request. The summary of the effort(s) that is publicly available shall include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Name and description
Date(s)
Location(s)
Participation (number or percentage of employees)
Community outcome/impact
x.x.x.x Equitable Investment
The applicant shall earn one point for donations to community initiatives and/or 501c3 nonprofits
that equal x% of corporate profits (on an absolute or normalized basis) and/or the equivalent of
one day donated time per FTE year for the company employee base.
x.x.x.x Sustainable products for nonprofit and low-income institutions
The applicant shall earn one point for having a program relating to donating or supporting
discounted purchase of new or refurbished furniture that is low-emitting and/or sustainable (as
evidenced by BIFMA level certification) to 501c3 nonprofits and/or institutions such as
community colleges, and community centers at price parity with government purchasing.
7.2.6 Community Resiliency
The applicant shall earn points for steps taken toward improving facility disaster preparedness
and supporting community scale resiliency. (maximum of two points)
x.x.x.x The applicant shall earn one point for assessing facility disaster preparedness and
implementing a readiness plan such as outlined by FEMA, or American Red Cross Red Cross
Ready Rating Program. The assessment and plan must cover human resources, physical
resources and, business continuity.
x.x.x.x The applicant shall earn one point for going beyond addressing vulnerabilities at the
facility level to assessing how the facility can become a resource for surrounding communities,
and collaborating to enhance community scale resiliency.
Demonstrate one or more of the following:
–
–
–
–
7.2.7
x.x.x.x
Participation in community-scale processes and programs designed to assess
vulnerabilities, resources and risks, needs and opportunities
Mutual aid agreements with other institutions, such as relating to evacuation and shelter
needs
Training of staff as first responders, or in other critical care needs of the community
Participation in development of a community scale disaster preparedness plan, climate
adaptation plan, or related programs focused on community scale resiliency
Social Responsibility Reporting
Basic Level
The applicant may earn one point if it publishes a public social responsibility report that, at
minimum, addresses:
–
–
–
–
x.x.x.x
Employee Health and Safety Management
Labor and Human Rights Management
Inclusiveness
Community Outreach and Involvement
Advanced Level
The applicant may earn an additional two points if it publishes a comprehensive, public social
responsibility report that follows reporting practices in the Global Reporting Initiative Social
Responsibility section, the SA8000 Social Accountability standard or other internationally
recognized guidelines.
Either of these requirements is met if the social responsibility report is a part of a more
comprehensive report that includes environmental or economic elements.
7.2.8 Management Commitment to Sustainability
The applicant shall earn two points if it demonstrates the existence of legal structures
committing the company to social and environmentally responsible practices as demonstrated
by one or more of the following:
–
–
–
Social and environmental policy requirements written into corporate bylaws
Social and environmental performance measures tied to executive compensation
Company incorporated as a Benefit Corporation in a state that has legislation in place
authorizing the Benefit Corporation legal structure.
7.2.9 Excellence in Social Responsibility
In this section, the applicant shall earn points for being recognized by a variety of sources for
excellence in social responsibility. The intent of this section is to award outstanding performance
that has been recognized by an entity external to the applicant’s organization. A maximum of
three points may be awarded as described below.
x.x.x.x
Recognition of Excellence (non-building)
The applicant shall earn one point if it can provide three examples showing excellence in social
responsibility performance. The recognition of excellence shall have occurred within the
previous 12 month period and relate directly to the topics described in Section 8, Social
Responsibility. Recognition from a variety of sources shall be accepted, including, but not
limited to, customers, suppliers, charitable organizations, NGOs, state, federal, and local
government agencies. Building certifications, submitted for section 8.8.2 shall not be used to
achieve the point awarded in section 8.8.1.
x.x.x.x
Sustainable Building Recognition
The applicant shall earn one point for each facility it owns, leases, and operates in accordance
with a voluntary, consensus-based, nationally recognized sustainable building or wellness
standard/program. The standard/program shall address multiple building types and emphasize
sustainable strategies for operations and maintenance that cover the following:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Impacts on the surrounding site
Energy management
Indoor environmental quality
Material and resources efficiency
Green cleaning
Water and wastewater management
NOTE: A maximum of two points shall be awarded for section 8.8.2.
7.2.10 Toward Net Positive Impact
The applicant shall earn up to two points for quantitative and qualitative actions that generate
positive impacts, including actions that promote impact reductions which measurably exceed
the product or applicant’s corresponding environmental footprint (net-positive), or actions that
reach beyond the applicant’s operations and product supply chain, or that have multiplier
effects, such as publicly sharing green innovations and best practice.
x.x.x.x Industry-wide Initiatives
Applicant shall receive one point for contributing resources toward an industry initiative to
achieve system-wide impact reductions not otherwise described. (For example, providing
educational resources to smaller manufacturers on impact reduction or facilitating industry-wide
access to supply chain information).
x.x.x.x Supply Chain Innovation
Applicant shall receive one point for engaging directly with suppliers for broader supplier impact
reductions as follows:
– Innovate within the supply chain of the product for verified impact reduction in three of five
listed impact categories for one or more supplier facilities.
– Demonstrate reduced impact of supplier operations beyond materials directly contained in
the product via specific engagement by applicant.
x.x.x.x Toward Positive Climate Impact
The applicant shall receive one point for demonstrating net-positive climate impact for the
product or facility through the following measures:
– Purchased offsets as per x.x.x that represent 105% of the product’s carbon footprint or
facility GHG emissions
– Engagement with supplier leading to demonstrated GHG emissions reductions, such as
through efforts to conserve energy, generate renewable energy, and/or other reduction
of GHG emissions in supplier gate-to-gate operations, including and beyond processes
specific to the product. (Using WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting
Standard as per x.x.x )
x.x.x.x Toward Positive Waste Impact
The applicant shall receive one point for demonstrating zero waste (100% diversion) for gate-togate processes and/or calculating an organizational impact on waste reduction through actions
that reduce waste at a broader scale (for example, supporting supply chain waste reduction
beyond gate-to-gate processes, sourcing from zero waste facilities, waste remediation efforts in
local communities). Estimated waste reductions must exceed the absolute waste generated
from gate-to-gate processes.
x.x.x.x Toward Positive Water Impact
The applicant shall receive one point for demonstrating net positive water and/or an impact on
water conservation through actions that reduce water use and wastewater more broadly (for
example, programs to support home water efficiency by employees, community engagement
around water conservation and/or restoration, or further innovate within supply chains to
conserve or recapture water).
x.x.x.x Addressing Chemical Hazard Data Gaps
The applicant shall receive one point for advancing the state of knowledge about chemical
hazards and optimization through one or both of the following:
–
–
Publish the results of a full hazard assessment for one chemicals used in the product for
which full hazard assessments were not already publicly available. Publish either a full
GreenScreen assessment or another comprehensive hazard assessment (such as QCAT)
including literature review, and assessment against the hazard categories xyz.
Publicly share a green chemistry innovation from the applicant’s operations, or in
partnership with the supplier responsible for the innovation.
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