Nexterra NSF-140-Certified Commercial Carpet Tiles

Under NSF-140, carpets earn points toward silver, gold, and platinum levels based on their performance in five categories: chemical emissions; renewable energy and energy efficiency; biobased content, recycled content, and environmentally preferable materials; social equity factors and life-cycle assessment of the manufacturing process; and end-of-life management and recycling programs.

As with any point-based system, there is concern that a manufacturer could manipulate the standard by gaining points in one section to the detriment of others. PVC, for instance, is easy to melt down into new backing and earns recycling points. But according to Jane Wilson, director of standards at NSF, “There are prerequisites, so companies cannot gain points without hitting each criterion.” The prerequisites not only ensure compliance with basic environmental standards but also with performance standards such as appearance, colorfastness, and flammability.